40+ year-old cars, tax and MOT free - How?

Brando

Brando

Brando

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Joined
28 Oct 2002
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455
Location
Cornwall, UK
I'm struggling with this... Last year, my e30 was 40 in May. The DVLA's explanation of when I can go tax-free is from April of the year after. So that means this April. But MOTs are from 40 and the MOT lapsed in December. The DVLA have now cancelled my DD for road tax.

So I am stuck with needing to tax the car but it doesn't have a valid MOT because it no longer needs one.

I'm probably being thick and missed something obvious.

Has anyone been through this game of hoop jumping blindfolded?
 
I don't want an MOT, as I don't need one. If that makes sense.

The car would pass but it's now MOT-exempt, I just can't see an option for re-taxing with it exempt.
 
If the DVLA refunded it because its now MOT exempt. I'd just not tax it...?

Then if stopped, claim its exempt cus its 40 years old.
 
That's sort of the only option but my fear is ANPRs and being stopped and the hassle that brings. I also know of people who haven't followed the correct process to claim 40-year tax relief and the fines have been deemed valid.

And, as it mostly goes on a trailer (and I will never remember to cover or remove the rear plate) the plate will see ANPR cameras.

I can't go through the proper process until 1st of April, so I appear stuck.

Or, as I suspect, I am missing something :D
 
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A lot of people do still get 40+ year old classics MOTed. You don't have to do it, but the car still has to be roadworthy and you can get still get fined or denied insurance claims if it isn't.

Apparently you are supposed to get it done if you modify it too.
 
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My dad has classic vehicles and always gets them MOT'd anyway as it's the easiest way to prove they're actually roadworthy as you're still legally obliged to make sure it is and it's probably the easiest way to do that for the sake of £50

He does a lot with vintage and classic busses and again they always MOT them as it makes the risk assessments a lot easier.
 
30 minutes on hold with the DVLA so far :D

It's a well-maintained and looked-after road legal track toy. I understand the exemption is based on it being deemed roadworthy and it is, it's just not much fun getting an MOT with a full cage and all of our mods.
 
I have an answer :D

The DVLA are posting a form, to apply for exemption from needing an MOT.

I need to take that form to a post office where I can then also sort my tax. Including setting up a new DD, because it will need cancelling for the 1st of April.

I just can't do it online or over the phone, it can only be done at the post office.
 
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