Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT and vehicle tax

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1. Eligibility

The date your vehicle was built or first registered affects whether you need to:

  • get an MOT
  • pay vehicle tax

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

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

If you’re not sure if there have been any substantial changes you can:

Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax

If your vehicle was built before 1 January 1984, you can stop paying vehicle tax from 1 April 2024.

If you do not know when your vehicle was built, but it was registered before 8 January 1984, you do not need to pay vehicle tax from 1 April 2024.

What you have to do

You must apply for a vehicle tax exemption to stop paying vehicle tax. This is sometimes called putting a vehicle into the ‘historic tax class’.

You do not have to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle each year. However, you must still keep it in a roadworthy condition.

You can be fined up to £2,500 and get 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

2. Historic vehicle tax exemption

You can apply to stop paying for vehicle tax from 1 April 2024 if your vehicle was built before 1 January 1984. You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.

If you do not know when your vehicle was built, but it was first registered before 8 January 1984, you can still apply to stop paying vehicle tax.

Your vehicle will not be exempt from vehicle tax if:

  • it’s used for hire or reward (for example, it’s used as a taxi for paying customers)
  • it’s used commercially for a trade or business

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure if your vehicle is exempt.

Eligible vehicles

You can apply for these vehicles to be made exempt:

  • cars
  • vans
  • motorcycles
  • tricycles

Large vehicles and buses

You can apply for these vehicles to be made exempt:

  • private heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) - they cannot be designed or adapted for transporting goods, or be used for driver training
  • buses used for voluntary or community purposes

Specialist vehicles

You can also apply for these vehicles to be made exempt:

  • mobile cranes and pumps
  • road rollers, works trucks and digging machines
  • agricultural machines and mowing machines
  • snowploughs and gritting vehicles
  • electric vehicles
  • steam vehicles

3. Apply for a vehicle tax exemption

Apply at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.

You need to take:

  • the log book (V5C) in your name
  • your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11), if you have one
  • evidence of a current MOT (if your vehicle needs one) - for example, a copy of your vehicle’s MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one
  • evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

If you do not have the log book, download and fill in an application for a log book (V62). Take it to the Post Office with the £25 fee.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

You need to take:

  • an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts
  • an insurance certificate or cover note

What happens next

  1. The Post Office sends your log book to DVLA.

  2. DVLA will send you an updated log book.

  3. You’ll get a refund (if you’re due one). Contact DVLA if you have not got your refund within 6 weeks of getting your updated log book.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

4. Renewing your historic vehicle's vehicle tax

DVLA will send you a vehicle tax reminder letter before your tax is due to expire. You’ll need to tax your vehicle, but will not need to pay.

It’s illegal to drive your vehicle if you have not taxed it. You can be fined £80 if you do not tax your vehicle on time.