Tax and MOT exempt cars, do you own one?

[GHOSTHUNTER]

My understanding for this in the UK is that even though 40+ Year old cars will be exempt, you can still go and ask your local garage for a roadworty test where he is obliged to test the important issues such as brakes and lighting etc and will give you paperwork as confirmation.

Ghosthunter.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

"Diecastmolester" My daily driver. Passed its last MoT ever in July.

Lovely and in White making it look much bigger than it really is. Were these the first 'Hatchback' cars in the World, some seem to think so.

Ghosthunter.

[Viewfield]

I have read that an owner of an over 40 year old car has to keep it in a roadworthy condition.
Rod

EVERY driver is responsible for his car being roadworthy. Not only owners of 40+ year old cars.

While this is true, owners of cars under 40 years must have there cars tested, over 40 not necessary. My question was without a test it must be difficult to prove roadworthyness at a any time!

Rod

[Diecastmolester]

It is precisely as difficult to prove from the moment it left the test station.

[Diecastmolester]

"Diecastmolester" My daily driver. Passed its last MoT ever in July.

Lovely and in White making it look much bigger than it really is. Were these the first 'Hatchback' cars in the World, some seem to think so.

Ghosthunter.

Thanks!

The very first hatchback was the 1938 Citroen Traction Avant "Commerciale".
In the sense we accept today, it's arguably the Renault 4L (1961) and if you don't accept that as a hatchback, it's the Autobianchi Primula (1964).
However, the R16 was the first family sized hatchback.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

My question was without a test it must be difficult to prove roadworthyness at a any time!

Rod

Yes most definitely, so presumably in the event of a serious accident the investigation will uncover the fault(s) and the registered owner will be prosecuted.

Ghosthunter.

[Diecastmolester]

The very same thing applies to cars that have a valid test.
The test result is a snapshot of the car while it is at the test station.
If it is involved in an accident one minute after it left it, and there is suspicion that a technical defect caused it,
the exact same investigation takes place irrespectively that it was at a test station a minute before.

Furthermore, nobody has to prove the roadworthiness of his car.
'They' have to prove that it isn't.

[Viewfield]

While every you write is true I think you are missing the point, or I didn’t state it clearly enough so here’s an example of what I was implying:

I have a friend who’s Jaguar was badly damaged in an accident (own fault). The first question that his insurers asked was “does the car have a valid test certificate?” It had and the insurers paid out without much ado. Had the answer been “no, it’s exempt” I’m sure it would have been a different kettle of fish. In such a situation, “they” don’t have to prove it isn’t, the onus is on you to prove that it is (roadworthy).
That was my main point, with a test certificate some things could be easier than without and I don’t see any advantages of not having to test you car only disadvantages.

Rod

[GHOSTHUNTER]

As this is not going to take place until May 2018, I am sure somebody at lower level of Government will twigg this and amendments will be instigated. What Rod (and other owners of such elderly cars) has pointed out is of concern to us, as the test certificate was at least some assurance that your car is or was in a raodworthy condition leading up to any accident. Good point about 'they' and 'us' regards proving a vehicle is or is not roadworthy, we as owners of old cars are more likely to think our cars are roadworthy regardless of any paperwork for it and the satisfaction of doing some hard work on the car before any testing is quite rewarding as I speak from my own experience.

Ghosthunter.

[daz28]

In Ireland cars pre 1980 are test exempt (not vans & pickups). I have 2 Landrovers and a Humber hawk, regardless of the test I would never drive a doggy motor and I am sure a lot of others wont either. as from 2020 a rolling 40yr exemption will fall into place and will also include commercials for me its a great idea. others argue a 12 month test is needed. a chap quoted
" he hit a pothole and damaged a tyre just before the test. it failed on the tyre. if he didnt have to have it tested he would still be driving around on the damaged tyre ." and added " who actually checks the tyres anyway".

I do , not every trip like I should, but regularly . and if he hit the pot hole on the way home from the test, he would be driving around for 12 months on a dangerous tyre. the MOT or NCT here just gives a false sense of security.