New MOT guidelines from the DVSA may lead to extensive checks for historic vehicles under proposed regulations.
A significant number of drivers, particularly classic car owners, might soon face detailed inspections to ensure their vehicles remain roadworthy. New MOT standards suggest that these owners could undergo extensive evaluations, with experts advocating for specific historic vehicle owners to comply with updated safety checks.
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has proposed that classic cars should undergo “major restoration or repair,” which could involve dismantling parts of the vehicle to inspect critical components thoroughly. In a letter to the DVLA, the FBHVC stated, “The existing periodic testing regime (MOT), with an exemption from compulsory testing for the majority of historic vehicles over 40 years old, but with the provision for voluntary tests if desired, is broadly satisfactory although there are issues with its application to historic HGVs.”
With approximately 330,000 classic cars in the UK, the FBHVC emphasized the need for these inspections. “However there may be circumstances, for example, following major restoration or repair work, when a one-off safety check would be appropriate. This may need to be a more in-depth inspection than the MOT, possibly including some degree of dismantling to permit full access to all parts of the vehicle but, in common with the MOT, should assess the vehicle with reference to the technical standards applicable when it was new. Individual Vehicle Approval which requires modern technical standards is entirely inappropriate and not suitable in this context.”
In a progress update to the FBHVC, the Department for Transport (DfT) Review Team expressed gratitude for the organization’s involvement. The team acknowledged the FBHVC’s engagement with Janette Beinart and the DVLA Review team, which influenced the final report’s recommendations. The update added, “The Review has now concluded but as you will understand, the General Election has impacted the publication of the final report. The report is subject to approval by new Ministers and we will update you in due course.”
These proposed changes indicate a shift towards more stringent checks for classic cars, ensuring they meet safety standards without imposing modern technical requirements that are unsuitable for historic vehicles. The outcome of this review will be closely watched by the community of classic car enthusiasts and owners across the UK.
