300,000 Mechanic shares key difference to classic car MOT as 330k owners could face tests

As the DVLA considers making MOTs for vehicles over 40 years old mandatory, a well-known mechanic has shared how the test differs for classic cars.

06:00, Sat, Jul 27, 2024

Classic car owner works on the engine of old model

In the video, Craig Cox suggests that older cars are not tested on as many technological features (Image: Getty)

A popular online mechanic has taken to TikTok to explain how classic vehicles are tested in a different manner to more modern alternatives.

Craig Cox is a mechanic at Walsall Wood Tyre & Service and regularly makes videos for the company's TikTok page in which he answers questions submitted by viewers - and offers advice to help drivers save money and avoid accidents.

In a recent video, Craig is asked how classic vehicles are tested during an MOT, following the announcement that owners of cars that are more than 40 years old may need to be checked annually in the future.

He explained: "Just like any other car on the roads, MOTs are MOTs. The only real difference between classic cars and more modern vehicles is the rules and regulations on which you test them.

"Things like rear foglamps, which were only added from April 1, 1980. Daytime running lights, tyre pressure monitoring, things like this are obviously not going to be tested on a classic vehicle, simply because it's probably not got them."

Ivory and red 1965 Morris Minor Tourer on the road

Many classic models do not have the technology or safety features commonly seen on new models (Image: Getty)

Since 2018, all vehicles over the age of 40 are exempt from going through an MOT every 12 months like modern cars in order to encourage the preservation of historic models.

However, with many models being restored by amateurs, some motoring experts are concerned that the exemption could put classic car owners and surrounding road users at risk.

The DVLA has not yet confirmed any changes to MOT regulations, however has encouraged classic car owners and clubs to come forward with their views on the subject.

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Mechanic works underneath the bonnet of muscle car

Craig suggested that good inspectors will research the specific model to understand what to test (Image: Getty)

Nevertheless, owners of classic cars can currently still voluntarily get their vehicle tested, with Craig stating that many mechanics will do prior research to know exactly what to test.

He added: "We typically refer to the manual [for each car], and that gives us the exact criteria that we can test to for a specific vehicle.

"Most good testers will do a little bit of digging and research before they actually test the car."

Currently, there are around 330,000 vehicles in the UK that were built before January 7, 1984 and are therefore exempt from needing to take an MOT.

In addition, owners of these vehicles do not need to pay any road tax, instead simply registering their car with the DVLA for free, and are not charged for entering low or ultra-low emission zones.

Whilst classic car owners understandably support the measures put in place to preserve the vehicles, some groups have called for mandatory inspections to take place before a recently restored vehicle returns to the road.