MoTs and Substantially Changed Vehicles

MoT Requirements & Exemptions

A vehicle keeper is responsible for making sure their vehicle is always safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). The HCVA endorses regular safety checks for MoT exempt historic vehicles via an HCVA member specialist or an optional MoT, particularly where a vehicle is being used after a laying-up period or following a restoration. We also recommend that any exempt vehicle being sold/purchased should undergo an optional MoT check.

MoT Exemption:

Roadworthy vehicles registered as Historic on the V5C are exempt from a mandatory annual MoT provided the vehicle was first registered more than 40 years ago and no substantial changes have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years. Following the 26 August 2025 policy changes, vehicles assigned a ‘structurally modified’ marker on the V5C will likely lose their MoT exemption wherever modifications classified as ‘substantial changes’ for MoT purposes have been made.