Classic bike MOT question

[derek badger]

So I've got a bike that was first registered 28/04/81, making it 40 years old in a few months and exempt from further MOT examinations apparently. It's taxed until June and insured, but the current MOT expired a few days ago.

If I just leave it in the workshop until the 29th April, is that it...I can ride it again and just worry about tax and insurance moving forward?

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

[Rockburner]

You're asking us???

[derek badger]

You're asking us???

Pretty much, yes.

[Rockburner]

You're asking us???

Pretty much, yes.

You're even dumber than you look!

[Mr. Dazzle]

When I taxed the Bonnie (1970 reg) it still did the online MOT check and came back OK, despite not needing or having an MOT, so presumably 'they' know automatically.

I say "taxed"....it's free, but I still have to go though the motions.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

It'll become tax and MOT free and the end of 2021, not before, that's how it works.
I'm free to ride my 1170cc 120bhp Kawasaki that's in no way road legal on public roads at the end of 2022

[derek badger]

It'll become tax and MOT free and the end of 2021, not before, that's how it works.
I'm free to ride my 1170cc 120bhp Kawasaki that's in no way road legal on public roads at the end of 2022

Thanks. I'll book it in for it's last MOT then.

[Zimbo]

As far as I recall, it does need a valid MOT at the time of the application to make it a historic vehicle (I have an old Guzzi V50 I've been putting together which will qualify but I do need to MOT it before it can be reclassified).

[JackyJoll]

My old wreck had recently renewed tax on it when they invented the freebie for “Historic” vehicles.

They actually sent me a refund cheque.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles

In case you're in any doubt

[David]

It'll become tax and MOT free and the end of 2021, not before, that's how it works.
I'm free to ride my 1170cc 120bhp Kawasaki that's in no way road legal on public roads at the end of 2022

Oh no you're not!

Any vehicle used on the public highway must be compliant with relavent regulations and maintained to an acceptable standard.

[Mr. Dazzle]

Road legal according to the laws at the time of construction though I believe? Which is why I can get away with being window rattling loud and leaving a trail of unburned fuel fumes behind me as I go.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

It'll become tax and MOT free and the end of 2021, not before, that's how it works.
I'm free to ride my 1170cc 120bhp Kawasaki that's in no way road legal on public roads at the end of 2022

Oh no you're not!

Any vehicle used on the public highway must be compliant with relavent regulations and maintained to an acceptable standard.

I know, but who's going to check, these days road policing is largely done by camera, if I avoid the A14 I'll never see a traffic police person.
BTW I also think it's stupid that you no longer need an MOT on a vehicle when it gets to 40 years old.
Also all the Kawasaki needs to make it road legal is a horn and a quiet exhaust, it's surprising how little is in an MOT for bikes.

[Potter]

You have to apply for it and your bike must still be legal and in a roadworthy condition if you ride it on public roads.

One thing to note is to check the small print of your insurance, some state that the vehicle must have a valid MOT, I don't know if it's true but I have heard stories about reduced insurance claims or denial of a claim in it's entirety because the vehicle did not have a valid MOT and was not considered road worthy - they'll pay out to the third party, but maybe not your fully comp claim.

The advice I was given was to get it MOT'd, it should be in a condition where it will pass one in order to be considered roadworthy anyway, so for the sake of a pony you might as well get one done.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

It's good advice, you can think something is safe and someone more sensible will tell you it isn't.

[Rockburner]

It's good advice, you can think something is safe and someone more sensible will tell you it isn't.

Deffo worth the price of a phone call to your trusted MOT agent.

[JackyJoll]

I don't know if it's true but I have heard stories about reduced insurance claims or denial of a claim in it's entirety because the [historic] vehicle did not have a valid MOT...

I’ll believe that when I see the test court case.

[derek badger]

You have to apply for it...

Where? I couldn't find links to MOT exception application on the Gov site, only for road fund licence.

[Potter]

Off the top of my head I can't remember where, but you're applying for historic vehicle status I think.

[GuzziPaul]

As far as I recall, it does need a valid MOT at the time of the application to make it a historic vehicle (I have an old Guzzi V50 I've been putting together which will qualify but I do need to MOT it before it can be reclassified).

I changed my '77 Le Mans to "Historic vehicle" in January '78 and taxed it for £0 in March without an MOT. You still need to apply for road tax it just costs £0.