Which vehicles don't need an MOT?

Most vehicles need an MOT once they're three years old in Great Britain. A few don't need one at all.

Great Britain

Historic vehicles: no MOT needed if the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago and no substantial changes have been made, such as replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way it works.GOV.UK
You don't have to apply to stop getting an MOT for a historic vehicle, but you must keep it in a roadworthy condition.GOV.UK
Electric goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2015 don't need an MOT.GOV.UK
Tractors don't need an MOT.GOV.UK
Exempt vehicles use form V112 so they can be taxed or apply for tax exemption.GOV.UK
Lorries, buses and trailers aren't exempt: they need an annual test instead of an MOT.GOV.UK

Northern Ireland

Cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles up to 3,500kg don't need a test if they were first manufactured or registered more than 40 years ago and haven't been changed in any major way within the last 30 years.nidirect
If you can't decide whether your vehicle has had a major change, nidirect says you shouldn't claim the exemption.nidirect
Exempt vehicles still need annual road tax. If the MOT has expired and the vehicle is now exempt, fill in form V112 (V112G for goods vehicles) when you tax it.nidirect

Common questions

Do cars over 40 years old need an MOT?

In Great Britain, not if the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago and no substantial changes have been made to it. You must still keep it roadworthy.

Do I have to apply to stop getting an MOT?

In Great Britain, no. You don't have to apply to stop getting an MOT for an exempt historic vehicle. You do need form V112 when you tax it.

Do electric vans need an MOT?

Goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015 don't need an MOT. Other electric vehicles follow the normal rules.

Sources

Checked 14 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@motmileage.co.uk.