While discussions continue over changes to the current MoT system – including a proposal that pre-1960 vehicles should be exempt from the test – the Government has pledged its support for the classic car scene.

Over the last twelve months, there have been various proposed changes to the MoT system – not least the option of switching to a European-style bi-annual test. More recently, however, the Department for Transport (DfT) has been suggesting changes to current MoT exemption dates, its preferred choice being MoT-free motoring for any classic vehicle built prior to February 1, 1960.

Such a change would be in line with current rules that exempt pre-1960 goods vehicles from any form of testing. It is also the choice that would take maximum advantage of the exemption allowed under the EU Directive for roadworthiness. But with some classic car owners and clubs fearing this could be part of a plan to restrict use of historic vehicles, the Government was keen to quash any rumours.

Speaking at the unveiling of a research document into the use and benefits of historic vehicles, which revealed that the industry is worth more than £4 billion, Mike Penning – Under-Secretary of State for Transport – said: “There are no plans whatsoever to restrict the use of classic or vintage vehicles on our roads.”

He added: “For me, they are part of our heritage, and so long as I am in charge I will protect that heritage. I want to protect and encourage the use of these cars on our roads.” The research document, produced by the Historic Vehicle Research Institute and entitled The British Historic Vehicle Movement, also revealed that the historic car industry employs 28,000 people in the UK.

Interestingly, it also discovered that in the UK, historic vehicles account for just 0.24 per cent of miles driven each year and that 68 per cent are worth less than £10,000. The study based its findings on the assumption that vehicles needed to be at least 30 years old to be classified as historic.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should all pre-1960 classics be exempt from the MoT test, or could such a move be the start of more widespread changes to classic vehicle usage? Whatever your views, write to us at the usual Peterborough address or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .