Following the announcement in the last issue of CCM that a full review of the MoT system was under way, it now looks increasingly likely that pre-1920 vehicles will be exempt from  the test – possibly as soon as the end of this year.

Following a meeting between Mike Penning (Transport Minister), Greg Knight (chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group) and Lord Montagu on January 20, the issue of MoT testing for pre-1920 classics is currently being looked into.

‘I have asked my officials to look at the evidence on this issue and we will carry out a full consultation to allow interested groups to submit their views,’ explained Penning.

Greg Knight is in favour of the proposed change, telling our sister publication Classic Car Buyer: ‘Accidents involving historic vehicles are extremely rare and the majority of owners are meticulous in keeping their vehicles in good condition. Having to have an annual MoT test for a vehicle which may only travel 100 miles in a year is an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle.’

If pre-1920 classics do become exempt from the MoT test, their owners will still be required to keep them roadworthy when in use, and the vehicles could be subjected to spot checks by VOSA.

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