Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT and vehicle tax
Eligibility
The date your vehicle was built or first registered affects whether you need to:
- get an MOT
- pay vehicle tax
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Vehicles that do not need an MOT
You do not need to get an MOT if:
- the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago
- no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works
If you’re not sure if there have been any substantial changes you can:
- read the full guidance on MOT exemptions for historic vehicles
- speak to a historic vehicle expert
Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax
If your vehicle was built before 1 January 1984, you can stop paying vehicle tax from 1 April 2024.
If you do not know when your vehicle was built, but it was registered before 8 January 1984, you do not need to pay vehicle tax from 1 April 2024.
What you have to do
You must apply for a vehicle tax exemption to stop paying vehicle tax. This is sometimes called putting a vehicle into the ‘historic tax class’.
You do not have to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle each year. However, you must still keep it in a roadworthy condition.
You can be fined up to £2,500 and get 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.