Classic car owners are exempt from annual MOT tests for a vital reason, according to a leading mechanic.
Owners of historic vehicles over 40 years old do not need to visit garages for an annual check like those who own younger models.
Craig from Walsall Wood Tyre & Service revealed the general condition of these models is the main reason why the DVSA no longer require these cars to be checked.
He admitted some classic car owners checked by mechanics are usually maintained to a “higher standard” than modern vehicles.
Furthermore, those with the keys to classic cars very rarely use them meaning there is less risk of extensive damage to vital parts.
It comes after a social media user asked the garage why these cars were exempt from checks when garages claim the test is “so important”.
Speaking on TikTok, Craig explained: “There’s a very good reason for that. When we are talking about vehicles over 40 years old we are talking about what we call a historic vehicle.
“Historic vehicles are normally a collected item so by that time people are going to want to maintain them to a much higher standard and keep the mileage down to an absolute bare minimum.
“As a result of this, these vehicles are traditionally in a much better condition than your standard road vehicle today.
“It’s for that reason that the DVSA deem that there is no longer a requirement to carry out an MOT on these historic vehicles.”
But, the explanation left some TikTok users baffled with many disagreeing with the policy.
@jeffclayton636 said: “The Government’s view is that if you have a car over 40 years old, you will be an enthusiast and automatically keep the vehicle in good condition. Personally, I think it’s stupid idea, and I will MOT my historic vehicle as do a lot / all my historic vehicle owner friends too.”
@blankblank748 added: “1984 isn’t historic. and they are still about plenty of them, and not all owned by enthusiastic people.” (sic)
TikTok user Mota Gora claimed to be a historic vehicle expert and blasted the move.
They said: “[I’ve] been in British classic car parts for 27 years, there’s a lot of cars out there that wouldn’t pass a basic MOT and never get serviced either, I have had customers looking for second hand brake pads.”
Craig concluded that some historic owners would still need to get an annual check to fulfil the terms of their insurance agreement.
He added: “Be advised though folks some insurance companies will still require a valid MOT certificate for your vehicle to be driven on the road.
“So if you have any doubts get in touch with your insurance company and just make sure you’re properly covered to drive the vehicle on the road.”
