MOT Exemption??

[BaileyMex]

Hi all

Just looking for thoughts and feedback on registering for MOT exemption as I need to put a new MOT on mine.

I've kept MOT'ing my car even though I don't technically now need to, as I can apply for MOT exemption.

Question is, apart from having an MOT tester officially confirming a car is roadworthy once a year, are there any downsides to going MOT exempt?
Was it a pain to get authorised and do you think it would have a negative impact on the cars value 'IF' you ever came to sell it?

[mpdevelopments.uk]

Some people who might not be so mechanical minded perhaps would put car thru yearly mot. Just to know it's roadworthy. But a lot maintain there classic. So are familier with the roadworthy of there own vehicle.


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[BaileyMex]

Yeah I get that bit, but just wondered what people on here have done, have those who qualify for exemption taken it or still getting the yearly ticket?

And if those who did take exemption, was it a ball ache or easy? I know the DVLA can be a helpful bunch sometimes.

[GrahamU]

I got mine MOT'd today, where they held the brakes on with the lever thing, the pressure showed a slight weep from the front caliper, it didn't show before so glad I had it checked.

I have heard that some insurances can cause a problem if you do go exempt and need to claim, my insurance with Flux never asked if it were MOTd or not.

[Johnny Boy]

None of my oldies are moted , all have exemption, and I haven't spent on something that I don't need to 😃

[Vista Estate]

1 hour ago, GrahamU said:

I got mine MOT'd today, where they held the brakes on with the lever thing, the pressure showed a slight weep from the front caliper, it didn't show before so glad I had it checked.

I have heard that some insurances can cause a problem if you do go exempt and need to claim, my insurance with Flux never asked if it were MOTd or not.

@BaileyMexI'm not sure why doing an MOT is such a chore.

I have mine done every year and I'm pretty good as a mechanic but brakes are hard to test yourself. Failing cylinders and weeping joints are not uncommon in cars that are not used every day.

It's true insurers or brokers are not asking the question when the policy is taken out but I have yet to see a test case of an accident involving a self certified car. Personally, whilst I know the MOT is only good at the time done, I see it as part of my annual maintenance bill  and just do it. I have piece of mind for me and my wife when using the car and can sleep knowing I do the best I can. Given what we spend on our cars £40 is nothing. On another note I read that the rules are set to change and the manufacturer standard is even more blurred. Does fitting a K&N filter or a custom exhaust give insurers a get out clause? I know there is talk of pattern parts disqualification. If I were you I would speak to someone like Stuart at Abbeyfields before deciding not to MOT or just carry on. I will just carry on.

Now if you have a trailer queen or stock car that does 100miles per year that could be a different matter

 

[mk1super]

Although mine is now mot exempt and on all checks says so, for peace of mind I still will get it checked. Few of the garages round my way offer pre mot checks still so always that option as well. 

Edited April 17 by mk1super

[BaileyMex]

17 hours ago, Vista Estate said:

@BaileyMexI'm not sure why doing an MOT is such a chore.

It's no hardship for me, I've always been getting the MOT done as additional peace of mind and almost like a get out of jail card should you need to have a row with an insurance company, and surely it looks good on the service history if you ever did need to sell it.

I've decided I will be getting mine done again next week , but speaking to a mate who has a classic (non ford) he doesn't bother, so just wondered what the masses were doing on here. 

 

[Vista Estate]

9 hours ago, BaileyMex said:

It's no hardship for me, I've always been getting the MOT done as additional peace of mind and almost like a get out of jail card should you need to have a row with an insurance company, and surely it looks good on the service history if you ever did need to sell it.

I've decided I will be getting mine done again next week , but speaking to a mate who has a classic (non ford) he doesn't bother, so just wondered what the masses were doing on here. 

 

I saw loads at shows last year that boasted not doing an MOT and frankly they knew nothing about cars and there were a few shady aspects on their motor, not to mention tyres that had extra treadlines between the tread if you get my drift.

It's their choice but I would not want to be in the car with them.

On the other hand I saw others that were well maintained.

Responsibility comes in all shapes and sizes 😊

[Vista]

I MOT the van every year, the RS normally every two years given the very low mileage it does.

Regarding "going for MOT exemption" though Colin, I am not sure what you mean. Your car at its age is already MOT exempt providing it hasn't been substantially altered (which I don't believe yours has). All you need to do is declare that it hasn't been substantially modified when you tax it.

[BaileyMex]

On 20/04/2025 at 21:03, Vista said:

I MOT the van every year, the RS normally every two years given the very low mileage it does.

Regarding "going for MOT exemption" though Colin, I am not sure what you mean. Your car at its age is already MOT exempt providing it hasn't been substantially altered (which I don't believe yours has). All you need to do is declare that it hasn't been substantially modified when you tax it.

Oh, I thought if you had a qualifying car you still needed to apply for exemption? 
Perhaps I read it wrong.

 

[Vista]

7 hours ago, BaileyMex said:

Oh, I thought if you had a qualifying car you still needed to apply for exemption? 
Perhaps I read it wrong.

 

No. I certainly never have.

[Vista]

8 hours ago, BaileyMex said:

Oh, I thought if you had a qualifying car you still needed to apply for exemption? 
Perhaps I read it wrong.

 

See here Colin. You just need to state that it hasn't been altered when you apply for your free VED renewal

 

https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/mot-exemption-information#:~:text=Vehicles generally become eligible for,it is kept fully roadworthy.

[BaileyMex]

Ah fair play, I'm still going to get an MOT done, just need to find a long stem steering rack first - not an easy task so far........

[accord83]

After some time off the road there has been a resurrection of the Green Meanie with a new motor. I've had a problem locally trying to get an MOT, the testers actually talk fluent the round ones, they say they can't test my car as it won't pass modern emissions test so they can start the MOT. The answer was a road safety check, in which they give me a written report. It's an MOT without the emissions test for the same price, but I've had it done to save my breath arguing with them, and it's proof to my insurers, hopefully never required, I'm trying to do the right thing. I also like a fresh set of eyes giving the old girl a look over.

[BaileyMex]

Should just be a visual inspection for exhaust gasses surely, or it has been for the last 20 odd years for classics.

[accord83]

On 02/05/2025 at 17:47, BaileyMex said:

Should just be a visual inspection for exhaust gasses surely, or it has been for the last 20 odd years for classics.

Not here, they state, a fail on emissions means I will have a fail on record, and it will never pass, so won’t test it. Sometimes living here is like being Alice in Wonderland! I’ve had this problem at two different garages with different cars, both exempt classic vehicles. It’s like talking to a fish. They insist it’s the new system, I have a friend who is a tester and he reckons it’s a rural Shropshire thing, like marrying your sister!😂😂

[Vista]

Find a different MOT tester. 

[Dave Knight]

On 03/05/2025 at 21:10, accord83 said:

Not here, they state, a fail on emissions means I will have a fail on record, and it will never pass, so won’t test it. Sometimes living here is like being Alice in Wonderland! I’ve had this problem at two different garages with different cars, both exempt classic vehicles. It’s like talking to a fish. They insist it’s the new system, I have a friend who is a tester and he reckons it’s a rural Shropshire thing, like marrying your sister!😂😂

It’s a new system!!! 🤦‍♂️ 

[Vista Estate]

Not had that issue recently, as my car went through its Mot only a month ago. It was a good job as one of the rear cylinders was on its way out and let go on the test. Best place rather than on the road.

I'm running a 32/36 dgv and don't get anywhere near a fail. 

If your car had failed before and you had resolved it and it then passed how can the MOT station not then do a new test 1 year later?

As @Vistasaid, I think it's time to find a new testing station. 😊

 

 

Edited Friday at 08:54 by Vista Estate
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