Classic car owners should be forced to take “one-off safety checks” and “in-depth inspections” under certain circumstances in a major MOT rules proposal, it has been claimed.
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has suggested classics that have undergone “major restoration or repair” should be looked at by mechanics in more detail.
This could include “dismantling” parts of a vehicle to check key components and would be a more thorough assessment than the average MOT test.
The Express online is reporting that under the current system, vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from MOT tests under the historic vehicle exemption policy.
The FBHVC backs continuing the exemption for models built before 1984 but has called for stricter tests where motorists have restored their vehicles.
The classic car experts made the comments responding to a recent DVLA call for evidence.
In a letter to the DVLA, the FBHVC wrote: “The existing periodic testing regime (MOT), with an exemption from compulsory testing for the majority of historic vehicles over 40 years old, but with the provision for voluntary tests if desired, is broadly satisfactory although there are issues with its application to historic HGVs.
“However there may be circumstances, for example, following major restoration or repair work, when a one-off safety check would be appropriate. This may need to be a more in-depth inspection than the MOT, possibly including some degree of dismantling to permit full access to all parts of the vehicle but, in common with the MOT, should assess the vehicle with reference to the technical standards applicable when it was new.”
“Individual Vehicle Approval which requires modern technical standards is entirely inappropriate and not suitable in this context.”
Historic models don’t need an MOT test unless there has been a “substantial change” to the vehicle. This is considered an update to the technical characteristics of the main components over the previous 30 years.
According to GOV.UK, work can be done to car engines and chassis and still not be considered a big enough change.
Likewise, axles and running gears can be changed to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance and may not need an MOT.
The DVLA was seeking evidence to look into potential changes to how historic, classic, rebuilt and electrically converted vehicles are registered with the DVLA.
The call for evidence will look into whether policies need updating to reflect evolving technologies.
Classic Vehicle Insurance
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