MOT exemption for pre 1960 vehicles

[SixFingerJack]

Have a look here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18146326

Sounds like good news, but it seems too good to be true, or is it just my suspicious nature?

[lawnmowerman]

In my experience things that sound too good to be true usually are too good to be true.

I have to agree that riding and old bike normally means that you are absolutely meticulous in maintaining it as it is your neck on the line but will the insurance companies agree. In the spirit of screwing as much money out of you as they can it would not surprise me that they will insist on some sort of inspection to ensure roadworthiness (which could cost more than a MOT). Also in the event of a claim and in the spirit of not paying out unless they have to, they may inspect the bike with a fine tooth comb after any accident and any minor fault may involve "Claim adjustment".

I wouldn't be surprised if some sort of usage/mileage limit is also imposed on classic vehicle policies.

Then there are the VOSA gestapo and traffic police who will see it as an opportunity to stop every pre 1960 vehicle and give it the once over.

It does tidy things up though because vintage HGVs do not require an MOT provided they are not used commercially.

Let's hope it is good news for us as I am sure that we know more about our bikes (and cars) than the MOT tester does in most cases.

Jim

[bsa-bill]

I am sure that we know more about our bikes (and cars) than the MOT tester does in most cases.

The relevant phrase being "in most cases"
Sorry Jim I'm in favour of the MOT as I can't guarantee that I'm not going to going to get into traffic with one of the "OTHER" cases on my travels.
Riding classic bikes is a way of life for most of us but a fashion statement for others, they are the ones I don't trust to keep their bikes in order, you know what I mean - they that like to be seen with spotless shiny black jacket than a tyre gauge

[lawnmowerman]

I am not sure if I am in favour or not. I know that I would not knowingly drive a dangerous vehicle and I consider myself a reasonably competent mechanic.

The problem, however, is that few of us have formal qualifications which allow us to certify that our bikes (and cars) are roadworthy and the law says that vehicles must be in a roadworthy condition.

Some parts of the MOT are subjective and allow discretion by the examiner and some are mandatory but all areas are covered by a set of notes which specify the criteria for the award of a test certificate. We will not have such guidelines and may find ourselves arguing with police and insurance companies as to whether the vehicle is fit for the road or not.

They are "experts" and we are "novices" so no prizes as to whose opinion will prevail.

I am not sure if this has been totally thought through and whether this will disadvantage owners of older vehicles in the long term by leading to more rules, regulations and beaurocracy.

I take your point Bill, there are some out there who will just see it as a way to save money and drive dangerous vehicles.

Jim

[Goldy]

I was going to complete the federation of British historic vehicles survey on this, and in the end I could not complete it because I could not decide if I agree with it or no. There are benefits in having an independant person cast an eye over my bike once a year. What also troubles me, as others have said, is that we then become a special category, which then makes it easy to impose restrictions on us.

[lawnmowerman]

Latest statement from FBHVC http://fbhvc.co.uk/2012/05/21/historic-vehicles-mot-exemption-review/

A voluntary test is proposed which insurers will probably insist on (or am I being cynical). They really haven't thought this through.

Jim

[muskrat]

 G'day all,
             down here we have club rego for bikes over 30 years. You have to be a member of a club and the club appoints an inspector to check the bikes. The relevant form is then taken to the DepMotTran who will ask for the princely sum of $55 which includes third party injury insurance. Shannons insurance is very club friendly and fully comp my cafe for about $100 year. So with club membership it's under $200 a year. A normal bike would be well over $1000.
Cheers

[fido]

You would think the government would consult with insurance companies before making such a change but perhaps not. If the classic vehicle insurers thought we were all driving / riding death-traps I'm sure the premiums would be higher.

[Topdad]

I had the same problem has goldy re the survey, Bills point is valid and I think I'll for the reasons mentioned by others that I'll still get the guy who I use at present to continue running His eye over the bike if for no other reason than He the good sense to like BSA's. Seriously He has said virtually what was presented by the govt minister and doesn't feel that he can test it properly however he can see the level of care that is given the bike and that allows him to be confident that it's safe, time will tell best wishes BobH

[chicago]

i also think an mot is important as i always check my car over before taking it for an mot to save having to pay the re-test fee if it fails on something ,and theres been a couple of times ive missed something the mot guys spotted, i think the ideal solution would be to charge a lot less for a mot on a classic vehicle, say instead of the £40 fee, charge £10. all the best, chicago

[Topdad]

I've phoned footman james to see what there reaction to this change would be and they are playing has "until it's law it doesn't concern us we'll make our descisions as and when " which just leaves us in limbo anyone tried any of the other usual suspects for there views?? BobH

[bsa-bill]

Could go the same way as the "Pasty Tax" which our Government has now decided to drop, explaining that by dropping it they will save money and jobs ?????????????????????? so how come it made any sense to introduce it, unless large donations to the party from hoteliers and catering industries had something to do with it - oh hush my mouth surely not.
So who or what would gain from not have an MOT on Classic vehicles I wonder - it's a bit of a mystery, unless it's a precursor to something more sinister - oops there I go again looking for conspiracies 

[Goldy]

You are right bill there is always a reason. The introduction of the tax exemption for historic vehicles wasn't done for fun. It was done to get all the old bikes and cars hidden away listed on the new dvla computer why! So that they could then sell off all the reg numbers and leave the old bikes high and dry because it coincided with the end of leaded petrol, so they though that would be the end of us, but we're still here. All the best Goldy

[bsa-bill]

Sounds like a plan Goldie - but not of our making eh

[Triton Thrasher]

You are right bill there is always a reason. The introduction of the tax exemption for historic vehicles wasn't done for fun. It was done to get all the old bikes and cars hidden away listed on the new dvla computer why! So that they could then sell off all the reg numbers and leave the old bikes high and dry because it coincided with the end of leaded petrol, so they though that would be the end of us, but we're still here. All the best Goldy

Did you dream that?  I get confused about what's real, myself.