New cars
A new car does not need an MOT until it is three years old in England, Scotland and Wales. The test is due by the third anniversary of its first registration. In Northern Ireland the first test is at four years. After that the car needs an MOT every year.
The age identifier on the number plate tells you roughly when a car was first registered. The number plate age checker reads it for you.
Classic cars over 40 years old
Vehicles made or first registered more than 40 years ago do not need an MOT if they have not been "substantially changed". The exemption rolls forward each year, so in 2026 it covers cars made before 1986.
A vehicle counts as substantially changed if, in the last 30 years, major parts such as the chassis, axles or engine have been replaced with parts that change its original character. Restored cars and cars with period-correct replacements usually still qualify.
To claim the exemption, you declare it when you tax the vehicle in the historic vehicle tax class, using form V112. Historic vehicles also pay no road tax, but they must still be taxed.
Other exempt vehicles
- Goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015.
- Tractors and some agricultural vehicles.
- Lorries, buses and trailers, which have their own annual test instead of an MOT.
- Vehicles used only on some Scottish and Welsh islands without a test centre.
Exempt does not mean unchecked
The law still requires every vehicle on the road to be roadworthy. If an exempt car has dangerous brakes or tyres, the driver can be fined, given points and banned, the same as anyone else. Many classic owners take a voluntary MOT each year for peace of mind, and some insurers ask for one.
Sources
Checked against official sources on 15 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm anything important on GOV.UK. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.