A vehicle does not need an MOT if:
- it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago
- no substantial changes have been made to it
Such vehicles are known as ‘vehicles of historical interest’.
This guidance explains the exemption criteria so you can understand if your vehicle needs to get an MOT or not.
Buses and other public service vehicles used commercially are exempt if they are pre-1960 vehicles unless substantially changed.
Buses that are not public service vehicles over 40 years old are exempt if they meet the definition of ‘vehicle of historical interest’.
Unless they are substantially changed, large goods vehicles are exempt from testing, if they:
- were first used before 1960
- are currently used unladen
A small number of pre-1960 large goods vehicles may require testing.
If your goods vehicle has never been tested you may apply for a first test using a VTG1 application form.
Other testing exemptions
Some vehicles have specific exemptions, such as:
- steam-powered vehicles - fully exempt
- lorries over 3.5 tonnes - exempt from the metered emissions check
- spark‑ignition (petrol)
further information: