Do classic cars need an MOT?

Who qualifies for the MOT exemption

In England, Scotland and Wales your vehicle does not need an MOT if both of these are true:

• it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago
• no substantial changes have been made to it in the last 30 years

The government calls these "vehicles of historical interest". The 40 years roll forward, so each year more vehicles qualify.

Example: a car first registered in June 1986 turned 40 in June 2026. If it has not been substantially changed, it no longer needs an MOT. A car first registered in December 1986 will not reach 40 until December 2026, so it still needs an MOT until then.

What counts as a substantial change

A substantial change means altering the vehicle in a way that changes how it works. Examples GOV.UK gives are replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine. If your vehicle has had major changes like this in the last 30 years, it will usually still need a yearly MOT. GOV.UK publishes detailed criteria if you are unsure.

Who cannot rely on the exemption

• Vehicles under 40 years old.
• Vehicles with substantial changes in the last 30 years.
• Lorries, buses and trailers that need an annual test instead of an MOT follow their own rules.

You must still keep it safe

You do not have to apply to stop getting an MOT. But you must still keep your vehicle roadworthy. You can be fined up to £2,500 and get 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

MOT exemption and vehicle tax are separate

A vehicle used commercially for a trade or business, or for hire or reward (such as a taxi), is not exempt from vehicle tax. Even if you pay no tax, you must still tax the vehicle.

How to show your car is exempt

When you tax the vehicle at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax, take:

• the log book (V5C) in your name
• your tax reminder letter (V11), if you have one
• form V112, to show the vehicle is exempt from MOT

If you do not have a log book, fill in form V62 and take it with the £25 fee.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

The 40 year MOT exemption applies the same way in Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, vehicles made or first registered over 40 years ago that are no longer in production, and have not been changed in a major way in the last 30 years, may be exempt. You fill in form V112 and show it at a Post Office when you tax the vehicle.

Related guides

• When does my car need an MOT?
• How do I check a vehicle's MOT?
• How much does an MOT cost?
• What are the car tax rates for 2026/27?

Where this comes from

• Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT and vehicle tax (GOV.UK)
• Historic vehicles: MOT exemption criteria (GOV.UK)
• Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax (GOV.UK)
• Apply for a historic vehicle tax exemption (GOV.UK)
• Vehicles that do not need an MOT (GOV.UK)
• How the MOT scheme works in Northern Ireland (nidirect)