Whenever you read an article about MOT Tests, it usually tells you that it applies to all vehicles on the road that are more than 3 years old. However, there are some instances where vehicles don’t need an MOT Test at all. If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, you can apply for exemption. However, you should still get some checks for basic standards of road worthiness.
Vintage Vehicles
Any vehicles more than 40 years old are classed as ‘vintage’ and won’t require any more MOT tests. The DVLA recognises that for cars of this age, modern standards are just unachievable. However, you should still make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy and not falling to peices.
Vehicles Not Used on Public Roads
The lucky few with large country estates and fleets of vehicles which never leave their land don’t have to worry about putting their vehicles through an MOT test each year. They don’t have to worry about taxing them either. This also applies to farm vehicles and plant machinery. Providing these are used fewer than 6 miles a week on public roads (for example to cross from one piece of land to another) then that’s also okay.
Police Vehicles
Those vehicles used exclusively for police purposes don’t require an MOT either. This applies to both marked and unmarked cars, as well as vans and bikes. However, the police force have their own maintenance policies on their vehicles which are far more detailed than a standard MOT Test.
Vehicles Used on UK Island Areas
If you live on one of the outlying islands that form part of the ‘United Kingdom’ such as Isles of Scilly and the Outer Hebrides, you can apply for an MOT Exemption, providing you never take the vehicle off the island. Any driver who takes their vehicle off their designated island and onto the mainland even once is committing an offence by not getting the right paperwork.
Low Speed and Other Vehicles
Vehicles that have maximum speeds of less than around 15mph will not require an MOT test, even if it’s legally used on public roads. This covers things like mobility scooters, golf buggies, street sweeping vehicles and some tractors.
There are also other vehicles that may be eligible for exemption in certain parts of the UK, for example some classes of Taxi.
MOT Testing in the UK
If you require more information, we can advise you on whether or not your vehicle is eligible for an exemption. For most of us in the UK, the MOT will be a legal requirement so don’t forget to book your vehicle in for an annual MOT test when it’s due. We can service and MOT most makes and models of motorcycles, cars, and vans from our service centre in Neath Port Talbot.
