What is a Car MOT exemption?
Why does it matter?
MOT exemption is a legal classification in the United Kingdom that removes the requirement for annual MOT testing of vehicles that are at least 40 years old and have not been substantially modified.
MOT exemption is a legal status in the UK that releases eligible vehicles from mandatory annual MOT tests, as defined by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Department for Transport (DfT).
It applies to vehicles at least 40 years old without significant structural or mechanical alterations.
Eligibility is determined by the date shown on the V5C registration certificate.
This may be the original date of first registration or a declared date of manufacture if the vehicle was imported.
The vehicle must also meet the DVLA’s definition of a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI), meaning its chassis, body, and engine have not changed substantially.
Although exempt from testing, the vehicle must remain fully roadworthy.
The exemption removes the requirement for an MOT certificate but does not reduce the owner’s legal responsibility to maintain the vehicle’s safety and compliance with road traffic laws.
Office MOT Exemptions
To formalise an exemption, the owner must complete Form V112 or V112G (for goods and vehicles) when renewing the vehicle tax.
This declaration is a legal statement confirming that the car qualifies for exemption under current regulations.
Example: A 1983 Ford Capri with its original engine, suspension, and chassis becomes MOT exempt from April 2024. The owner must submit form V112 at the taxation point to confirm the exemption.
MOT exemption simplifies compliance for classic vehicle owners but places full responsibility for legal and mechanical conditions on the keeper.
It is not automatic and must be declared correctly using official documentation.
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- How do I know if my car qualifies for MOT exemption?
- What makes a car ‘substantially changed’?
- Can imported vehicles still be exempt from MOT?
- What is the V112 form, and how do I use it?
- How do I apply for MOT exemption?
- Do I still need to pay road tax if my car is MOT-exempt
- When can I stop paying tax on a 40-year-old car?
- How is MOT exemption different from tax exemption?
- Are motorcycles and HGVs MOT exempt too?
- Is MOT exemption valid in Northern Ireland?
- Can I still get an MOT if my car is exempt?
- FAQs
When is a vehicle MOT exempt in the UK?
In the UK, a vehicle is MOT-exempt if it is under three or over 40 years old and meets the DVLA’s exemption criteria. Each category has strict eligibility conditions and must be declared correctly.
Vehicles under 3 years old
All new vehicles are exempt from MOT requirements until the third anniversary of their first registration. This exemption is automatic and does not require a declaration.
Some vehicles must be MOT tested after 12 months, including:
- Taxis and ambulances
- Private passenger vehicles with 9 or more seats
- Class 4 and 5 cars requiring seatbelt installation checks
- Play buses
Using official DVLA data, use CarVeto’s MOT Check to confirm your vehicle’s age and first MOT due date.
Vehicles over 40 years old
Vehicles over 40 years old may be exempt from MOT from 1 April following their 40th anniversary, provided they:
- Have not been substantially modified
- Qualify as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) under DVLA and DfT rules
The exemption applies based on the first registration date shown on the V5C registration certificate, not the precise birth month.
DVLA eligibility cut-offs:
- Registered in 1984 → Exempt from 1 April 2025
- Registered up to 7 January 1985 → Treated as 1984 for exemption
- Registered after 7 January 1985 → Exempt from 1 April 2026
Imported vehicles
Imported vehicles qualify based on the “Declared manufactured” date shown on the front of the V5C. If this confirms the vehicle is over 40 years old, MOT exemption applies even if UK registration occurred later.
Example: A vehicle manufactured in 1983 and imported in 2002 is exempt from MOT from 1 April 2024 if all VHI conditions are met.
If this field is missing or incorrect, the exemption is based on the UK registration date—unless updated using:
- Manufacturer statements
- Heritage certificates
- Marque dating letters
➡️ Refer to Can imported vehicles still be exempt from MOT? for full evidence and V5C update guidance.
To complete the exemption, the keeper must declare eligibility during taxation.
➡️ See How I apply for MOT exemption? for form requirements and step-by-step instructions.
How do I know if my car qualifies for MOT exemption?
Your vehicle qualifies for MOT exemption if it is over 40 years old, remains unmodified, and its registration history aligns with DVLA eligibility criteria.
Step 1: Use CarVeto to check your registration
Run your number plate through CarVeto’s DVLA-powered database. The instant report confirms:
- First registration date
- Declared manufacture year (if applicable)
- Vehicle tax class
- Mileage history
- Official DVLA record alignment
- Q registration check
This allows you to verify if the vehicle meets the 40-year threshold and identify any data issues that may affect exemption.
Start a Car Registration Check.
Step 2: Check the V5C registration certificate
Look for the “Date of first registration” on the front page. If it was more than 40 years ago, the vehicle qualifies from 1 April the following year. The “Declared manufactured” year shown on the V5C precedes imports.
Step 3: Confirm the vehicle has not been substantially changed
The vehicle must retain its original chassis, suspension, steering, engine, and body shell to be eligible. If these have been altered beyond DVLA thresholds, the vehicle loses its Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) status and remains MOT testable.
Step 4: Assess the vehicle’s tax class and rebuild status
MOT exemption applies to non-commercial, private vehicles. Kit cars, Q-plated vehicles, or those rebuilt from multiple donor sources may not qualify. In unclear cases, refer to the DVLA and FBHVC guidance or consult a marque specialist.
Step 5: Declare exemption using form V112
If eligible, the keeper must submit form V112 (or V112G for goods vehicles) during vehicle tax renewal. This confirms that the vehicle meets exemption rules and has not been substantially altered.
Example: A UK-registered 1981 Ford Granada with original components becomes MOT exempt from 1 April 2022. The keeper declares this using form V112 during taxation.
What makes a car ‘substantially changed’?
A car is substantially changed when its core mechanical or structural components no longer match the original manufacturer’s specification, disqualifying it from MOT exemption under DVLA rules.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) assesses whether a vehicle qualifies for Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) status, following Department for Transport (DFT) guidance.
This status is required for MOT exemption.
A vehicle is not eligible for exemption if it has undergone significant changes to:
- Chassis or monocoque bodyshell: replaced or reconfigured beyond standard factory type
- Engine: replaced with a different kind of capacity outside the manufacturer’s original range
- Steering and suspension: converted to a different layout, geometry, or system
- Axles, brakes, or drivetrain: changed in a way that alters vehicle behaviour
These changes materially affect the vehicle's performance and no longer reflect its period design.
Related information: What is a VIN Number?
Modifications that do not affect exemption:
- Use of period-correct replacement parts
- Repairs using original specification components
- Cosmetic work (e.g. interior, paint, badges)
- Safety improvements that maintain the original configuration
Example: A 1975 Triumph Dolomite Sprint with its original 2.0L engine and factory suspension qualifies for exemption. The same model fitted with a fuel-injected V6 and independent rear suspension is considered substantially changed and remains MOT testable.
The DVLA uses a point-based assessment across key systems to determine whether the vehicle retains enough originality.
If owners are unsure, they should consult a marque specialist listed by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC).
The declaration of exemption is made via form V112. The DVLA does not inspect vehicles at the point of declaration, and the keeper is entirely responsible for accuracy.
Can imported vehicles still be exempt from MOT?
Imported vehicles manufactured over 40 years ago are recorded as such on the V5C and meet DVLA requirements for unmodified historic cars to qualify for MOT exemption.
MOT exemption is not limited to cars first registered in the UK.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) accepts imported vehicles for exemption under the same 40-year rule, but eligibility depends on the declared manufacture date, not the UK registration date.
This date must appear on the front of the V5C registration certificate as “Declared manufactured in [year]”. If this field is absent, the vehicle is not exempt until 40 years after UK registration.
Example: A 1978 Lancia Beta imported in 2001 qualifies for exemption from 1 April 2019 if the V5C confirms “Declared manufactured in 1978”.
To maintain eligibility, the vehicle must also:
- Retain its original engine, suspension, and chassis layout
- Comply with the DVLA’s Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) criteria
- Be declared exempt using form V112 during taxation
If the V5C lacks a declared manufacture date, the vehicle remains MOT testable until documentation is submitted to update the record. Acceptable evidence includes:
- Original factory documents
- Heritage certificates
- Approved dating letters from clubs or marque specialists
DVLA does not automatically classify imported vehicles as exempt. It is the keeper’s responsibility to ensure the V5C is accurate and the declaration meets all legal requirements. Incorrect declarations may lead to investigation or penalties.
What is the V112 form, and how do I use it?
How do I apply for MOT exemption?
You apply for MOT exemption by submitting form V112 or V112G at the time of vehicle taxation, confirming your car meets the DVLA’s conditions for exemption.
MOT exemption is not granted automatically. The registered keeper must declare it through the standard DVLA tax process.
This applies to vehicles that meet the 40-year age rule and have not been substantially modified.
Step 1: Check eligibility
Before applying, ensure:
- The car is over 40 years old, either by first registration or declared manufacture
- No disqualifying alterations have been made (chassis, engine, suspension)
- The correct details appear on the V5C registration certificate
Step 2: Complete the appropriate form
- Use form V112 for cars and motorcycles
- Use form V112G for goods vehicles
The form includes the vehicle registration, a legal declaration of eligibility, and the keeper’s signature.
Step 3: Submit during vehicle tax renewal
You can apply:
- In person at a Post Office that handles vehicle tax (submit V112 and V5C together)
- Online via DVLA (for eligible post-1960 vehicles with a built-in exemption declaration)
Example: A 1982 Vauxhall Astra is taxed in April 2023. The owner submits form V112 at a Post Office to declare MOT exemption. DVLA updates the status accordingly.
Step 4: Post-submission
The DVLA retains the form and updates the vehicle’s MOT record. A new V5C will reflect the updated tax class as a Historic Vehicle if applicable.
The MOT exemption remains in effect until the vehicle is structurally altered, reclassified, or sold. In those cases, a new declaration may be required.
Do I still need to pay road tax if my car is MOT-exempt?
Yes. MOT exemption does not automatically remove the requirement to pay road tax. Tax exemption must be applied separately under the DVLA’s Historic Vehicle tax class.
MOT and road tax exemptions follow the same 40-year age rule but are governed by separate declarations and classifications.
To qualify for road tax exemption, the vehicle must:
- Be over 40 years old, based on its first registration date
- Be formally reclassified as a Historic Vehicle on the V5C registration certificate
- Be taxed under the correct Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) class
How to stop paying road tax
- Check the V5C for the registration date
- Wait until 1 April following the year your vehicle turns 40
- Apply at a Post Office, submitting:
- Form V10 (to tax the car)
- Form V112 or V112G (to confirm MOT exemption)
- The V5C shows accurate registration details
Example: A car registered on 6 May 1984 becomes eligible for tax exemption from 1 April 2025. The owner must visit a Post Office and request reclassification to the Historic Vehicle tax class.
If you don’t update the tax class
You will continue paying road tax even if the vehicle is MOT-exempt. The DVLA does not automatically update the VED status. Declaration of exemption and reclassification is the keeper’s responsibility.
When can I stop paying tax on a 40-year-old car?
You stop paying road tax on 1 April of the year following your car’s 40th anniversary, provided the DVLA has reclassified it as a Historic Vehicle.
Tax exemption begins at a fixed point in the DVLA’s annual cycle, regardless of the vehicle’s specific registration month.
DVLA cut-off logic
A vehicle first registered in:
- Any month of 1984 qualifies from 1 April 2025
- Up to and including 7 January 1985, it is also treated as a 1984 vehicle
- After 7 January 1985, becomes eligible from 1 April 2026
The 7 January grace window accounts for end-of-year processing delays and ensures consistent exemption eligibility.
Imported vehicles
The DVLA determines exemption status for imported cars using the declared manufacture year (as listed on the V5C).
Example: A vehicle declared “Manufactured in 1984” and imported in 2002 becomes tax-exempt from 1 April 2025, even if UK registration occurred later.
If the declared manufacture year is missing, the exemption is delayed until 40 years have passed since UK registration unless corrected with official documentation.
End-of-March SORN and refund strategy
To avoid overpayment:
- Declare SORN before 31 March
- DVLA will issue a pro-rata tax refund
- From 1 April, relicense the vehicle under the Historic Vehicle tax class
This lets you cleanly end the paid tax period and transition directly into exempt status.
Verify SORN Status.
How is MOT exemption different from tax exemption?
MOT exemption and tax exemption are separate legal classifications under DVLA regulation. Each requires its own declaration, follows different criteria, and operates on independent timelines.
MOT exemption
MOT exemption applies to vehicles:
- Over 40 years old
- That meets the DVLA’s Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) criteria
- Declared using form V112 (or V112G for goods vehicles)
- With original chassis, steering, suspension, and engine
It removes the requirement for annual MOT testing but does not affect road tax status.
Tax exemption (Vehicle Excise Duty)
The tax exemption applies to vehicles:
- Over 40 years old, based on the first registration date
- They have been reclassified as Historic Vehicles in the DVLA system
- Declared using form V10, submitted with the V5C
- From 1 April of the year following their 40th anniversary
It removes the requirement to pay road tax but is not linked to mechanical condition or originality.
Example: A 1983 Rover SD1 with its original configuration becomes MOT-exempt in late 2023 after its 40th birthday. However, it continues to accrue road tax until 1 April 2024 unless the DVLA reclassifies it into the Historic tax class.
Key differences at a glance
Feature | MOT Exemption | Tax Exemption (VED) |
|---|---|---|
Triggered by | Mechanical originality (VHI) | Vehicle age (40 years from registration) |
Declaration method | V112/V112G at taxation | V10 + V5C at Post Office |
Effective date | After the 40th birthday, if declared | From 1 April, following the 40th year |
Automatic | No | No |
Impact | Removes MOT requirement | Removed VED liability |
The two exemptions do not interact automatically. Both must be declared separately, even if they apply concurrently.
Are motorcycles and HGVs MOT exempt too?
Motorcycles and some heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can be MOT-exempt, but each follows specific DVLA criteria based on vehicle type, age, and use.
Motorcycles
A motorcycle qualifies for MOT exemption if:
- It is over 40 years old
- It is registered for private use
- It has not been substantially altered
- An exemption is declared using form V112 during taxation
Example: A 1983 Kawasaki Z650, retaining its original engine and frame, becomes MOT-exempt from 1 April 2024 if used privately and declared at the Post Office or online.
Motorcycles with a Q registration, built from multiple donors, or extensively modified do not qualify and must be tested annually.
Read our Motorcycle MOT Check guide.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)
HGVs are only MOT exempt if:
- They were first used before 1 January 1960
- They are no longer used commercially
- They meet the DVLA’s Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) requirements
Example: A 1959 Bedford RL used for preservation events qualifies. A 1982 Leyland truck used for goods delivery remains subject to annual MOT testing.
Use and structural classification
Eligibility for motorcycles and HGVs depends on their structural originality and intended use. Regardless of age, any vehicle used for hire, reward, delivery, or towing remains testable.
Forms to declare an exemption
- Form V112: For motorcycles and standard vehicles
- Form V112G: For goods vehicles, including HGVs
These forms must be submitted at the taxation point to record exemption with the DVLA.
Is MOT exemption valid in Northern Ireland?
Yes. MOT exemption applies in Northern Ireland but is administered by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) rather than the DVLA. The legal criteria remain the same.
Vehicles registered in Northern Ireland are eligible for MOT exemption if they:
- Are more than 40 years old
- Have not been substantially modified
- Qualify under the Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) conditions
- Are not used for commercial purposes
DVA vs DVLA administration
In Northern Ireland:
- The DVA conducts all MOT tests at state-run centres
- MOT exemption is processed locally but aligns with UK-wide legislation
- Exemption must be declared using form V112 or V112G at the time of vehicle taxation
Example: A 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier registered in Northern Ireland becomes MOT exempt from 1 April 2023, provided the keeper submits a completed V112 form during the licensing process.
VED exemption and timing
Tax exemption follows the same rules as in Great Britain:
- Begins on 1 April, following the 40th anniversary of the first registration
- Requires reclassification to Historic Vehicle status on the V5C
- Must be declared through DVA channels, though criteria mirror those of the DVLA
Ongoing legal obligations
Even if MOT-exempt, all vehicles in Northern Ireland must remain roadworthy under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland). Exemption does not waive the legal duty to maintain safety standards.
Can I still get an MOT if my car is exempt?
Yes. MOT-exempt vehicles can still be tested voluntarily. While no longer legally required, a voluntary MOT can be booked through any DVSA-authorised testing station.
MOT exemption removes the legal obligation to test but does not restrict access to testing services.
Many owners of historic or classic vehicles choose to maintain an annual MOT for peace of mind or to satisfy insurance or resale requirements.
Reasons to get a voluntary MOT
- Confirm roadworthiness before extended use
- Document condition before sale or valuation
- Maintain a continuous MOT history record
- Validates mileage accuracy
- Support insurance policy requirements
- Prepare for club events or formal inspections
Example: A 1982 Triumph TR7, exempt under DVLA rules, receives an annual voluntary MOT to maintain records for its insurer and prospective buyers.
How to arrange a voluntary test
- Contact any DVSA-approved MOT centre
- Inform them that your vehicle is exempt but undergoing voluntary inspection
- Proceed with the full test
- The result, pass or fail, is recorded in the national MOT databa.se
If the vehicle passes, a certificate is issued. If it fails, the failure is recorded but does not automatically prohibit road use unless the faults breach safety regulations.
Legal obligations remain
All vehicles, exempt or not, must be roadworthy at all times. Driving an unsafe vehicle is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Construction and Use Regulations, regardless of MOT status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If your vehicle qualifies, you can declare MOT exemption online during vehicle tax renewal on the DVLA website by ticking the exemption checkbox.
Yes. You can MOT a car before it turns three, but it’s optional. If tested early, the MOT expiry resets and your next test will be due 12 months from the inspection date, not the vehicle’s third anniversary.
Example: A car tested at 2 years and 10 months must be retested 12 months later, not at year three.
Use our DVLA MOT Checklist guide to ensure your car passes its test instantly.
Yes, if your vehicle is over 40 years old and the DVLA has reclassified it as a Historic Vehicle. Otherwise, road tax is still due. Calculate annual VED with our Road Tax Check.