From 20th May 2018, nearly all Rolls-Royce & Bentley cars that were built more than 40 years ago are exempt from the annual UK MOT test, unless owners voluntarily have their classic car checked. Prior to this, only cars first registered before 1960 were exempt from needing an MOT.

Here’s everything you need to know…

Which Rolls-Royce & Bentley models are not exempt?

Generally, vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from requiring an MOT test however there are a few exceptions. The main one is that the 40-year rule does not apply if a vehicle has been significantly changed in the past 30 years (eg chassis and engines changes). If in doubt, read the full guidelines.

My car was first registered in 1980? When will it become MOT exempt?

The 40 year rule rolls so that if your car is a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit first registered on 20 February 1980, for instance, you won't need an MOT after 20 February 2020, and so on……

Will there be more classics on the road?

Kwik Fit carried out an analysis in 2018 and found that there are 250,239 cars in the UK that were first registered between 1960 and 1978 yet 116,927 of these cars are currently declared as being off road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). It's thought that many of these owners & enthusiasts may take this opportunity to get their cherished cars back on the road.

How to do I register my classic car as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) in order to prove that it’s exempt from the MOT?

A vehicle keeper must declare that their classic car is exempt from MOT. This should be declared at the point of taxing your classic vehicle at a Post Office. Owners of classic cars still used on public roads must ensure their car is properly taxed. Even if no fee is required, you must still re-tax the vehicle every year at a Post Office or online.
In order for it to be declared as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) you will need to complete a V112 declaration form. Further re-licensing applications, including making subsequent declarations that the vehicle does not require an MOT, can be completed online.

Could the MOT change result in dangerous classics on the road?

Motorists must still keep their classic vehicles in a roadworthy condition and failure to do so will result in a fine of up to £2,500 as well as three penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

What kind of checks should owners of MOT exempt Rolls-Royce & Bentley cars carry out regularly?

Regular checks you can carry out yourself include making sure your tyres are safe with plenty of tread and that all bulbs are in working order, along with windscreen wipers. A windscreen may be considered defective if it is damaged within a certain area.
A full service is advisable on your classic car every year. Any potential defects which would affect its roadworthiness should be picked up. It’s also important to check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid etc.