The DVLA recently calmed classic car enthusiasts’ fears regarding the MoT exemption process for historic vehicles.
Form V112 will exempt vehicles of historic interest (VHI) from further MoT tests. It will need to be done every year at a Post Office; if declaring by hard copy is inconvenient, an online portal, like the ones used to tax vehicles, notify the DVLA of a change of keeper or to declare SORN, is to be created.
Both the updated V112 exemption form and its online equivalent will be made available before MoT rules change on Sunday, May 20.
“The onus will remain on the registered keeper to make a valid declaration to DVLA when licensing that a vehicle meets a MoT exemption,” explained a DVLA spokesperson. They added: “If licensing at the Post Office a V112 will need to accompany the application. If licensing online, an electronic declaration can be made.”
Your tax exempt classic of 40 years old won’t need an MoT from this date, provided it isn’t ‘substantially altered’; sensible safety modifications like better brakes are allowed under the new regulations.
Pre-1960 vehicles, having been declared MoT exempt in 2012, will have to go through the same yearly V112 or online process as pre-1978 cars from Sunday, May 20.
Whether declared exempt or not, cars have to be in a roadworthy state when driven on public highways – otherwise a fine of up to £1000 and six points can result.
Owners of non-exempt modern classics across England, Wales and Scotland will face harsher rules which explain defects in more detail (advisory, minor, major and dangerous) from Sunday, May 20; these failure points will appear on the online MoT checker.
