HGV MOT Exemptions – Proposed withdrawal of some categories

Some members may be aware of the Consultation Document that has been raised by the Department for Transport (DfT) with regard to proposals to reduce the number of categories of HGV that are exempt from MOT testing.  In summary the position is this:

1.  If you own a post-1960 HGV (all pre-1960 HGVs are exempt, and it is not proposed to withdraw this), then it must go through an HGV test, unless it falls into one of the test exempt categories.  This list of exemptions is being reviewed, and the DfT is proposing to withdraw some of those exemption categories.

2.  The DfT has issued a consultation document, which can be accessed atthe website:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/mottestingexemptions/consultation.pdf

This shows the full list of current exemptions, and those planned to be withdrawn.  There are few exempt categories that would apply to Military Vehicles.  If, however, you believe you own an exempt vehicle, then it is recommended you check the website to confirm the current and proposed position.  If you consider your vehicle is exempt, and that the category under which it is covered is being considered for withdrawal, then you can put a submission to the DfT stating why you believe it should remain exempt, via the website (or by letter).

3.  The Invicta Military Preservation Society (IMPS) and the Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) are already working with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) to put submissions to the DfT, on behalf of MV owners, which  particularly address:

- concerns of HGV owners, who may now have to have their vehicle tested, about access to testing stations, potentially prohibitive cost of tests, etc.

- ensuring that HGV testing of historic vehicles takes account of their design and construction at the time they were built (similar to the ordinary MoT test), so that there are not requirements to have HGVs 'upgraded' to include modern criteria, and that HGV MoT testers are properly aware of the nature of historic vehicles and apply a standard set of rules across all testing stations, but always recognising the importance of road safety.

- mitigating as much as possible the administrative impact of HGV testing for historic vehicles, such as access to testing stations; making inspectors available to inspect vehicles on site, where access to testing stations is impractical; keeping costs down, etc, but again recognising the importance of road safety.

- promoting to the DfT the responsibility of MV owners of exempt vehicles to ensure that their vehicles are safe and roadworthy, and do not use the exemption to put unsafe vehicles onto the public highway. 

As responsible historic vehicle clubs IMPS and MVT support efforts to improve road safety.  Our role is to try to promote a balance in legislation that properly reflects both road safety and the technical aspects of historic vehicles, as well as ensuring that, where possible, the membership is aware of their legal obligations.