Thought I’d try and add to the thread started by thecoppersmith......... hopefully not treading on any toes
http://www.mankymonkeymotors.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=16543.0I think I’ve got my head around this,
but don’t quote me!!
As from the 20th May 2018, vehicles (best read that as cars and motorcycles for now) over 40 years of age (from date of
manufacture) can have their taxation class changed on the V5C (log book) to the newly-created “Vehicle of Historic Interest” (VHI). Note – Does not apply to Q plates.
This will mean that when the vehicle’s road tax is due, there will no charge. It will also mean they will be exempt from periodic testing (MoT) unless they have been “substantially changed”.
Currently vehicles that are mamufactured between January 1960 and Dec 1976 and recorded as Historic have free road-tax, but they
do require a MoT. Only pre-1960 vehicles are exempt from periodic testing (MoT).
So, you may ask, what’s the definition of “substantially changed”? – check out the link, but note the definition/clarity for motorcycles has yet to be finalised. I had a chat with a motorcycle MoT tester chap, and at present, he’s pretty much in the dark and waiting for guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/670431/vehicles-of-historical-interest-substantial-change-guidance.pdfSection 3 on page 5 of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency The Motorcycle MOT Inspection Manual sheds a little (but not a lot of) light for the motorcycles re “substantially changed”.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/670431/vehicles-of-historical-interest-substantial-change-guidance.pdfThe (MoT) inspection manual will change on 20 May 2018 when the EU roadworthiness directive (2014/45) is introduced.
Currently (Feb 2018), most vehicles that are pre-1960 are already “Historic” according to their taxation class on the V5C as owners would have revised their tax classification quite a while ago.
Being “Historic”
and pre-1960 currently entitles them to be exempt from periodic testing (MoT), and there to be no charge when obtaining their road tax.
Vehicles that are made between January 1960 and Dec 1976, recorded as Historic have no charge for road tax, but
are required to have an MoT.
As far as I’m aware, there is nothing that relates to “substantially changed” within the current (as of Feb 2018) periodic testing (MoT) system for “historic” vehicles. It only comes into play from 20 May 2018.
It’s worth noting that vehicles exempt from periodic testing (MoT) may be taken for a MoT if the owner desires, and this will continue when the revisions take place in May 2018
So, it appears from 20 May 2018, there will be a new (replacement?)*** taxation class (VHI), for vehicles over 40 years of age that are not currently (written Feb 2018) in the “Historic” taxation class.
However, if the vehicle is “substantially changed”, it won’t be eligible for exemption-from-periodic-testing (MoT).
*** Up until 20 May 2018, a pre-1960 vehicle not already “Historic”, still has the option to become “Historic”. i.e. a barn-find wishes to revise it’s logbook. From this 20 May 2018 it appears the “Historic” option will be removed and replaced with VHI.
The only differences I can
see/guess/assume (??) is that the “substantially changed” VHI caveat does not apply to the pre 1960, and others already recorded as, “Historic” on the V5C (as changes
do not usually apply retrospectively).
Feel free to correct me if this is incorrect.
I'm
assuming vehicles that are made between January 1960 and Dec 1976 and currently recorded as Historic (free road-tax but requiring MoT), will become MoT exempt - it's difficult to find info on this, guess time will tell...........
So, if you’ve got an old (pre 1960, or post 1960 and over +40 years old) car/bike sitting in one of your many barns/triple garages that you’d like to be “Historic” as opposed to VHI (assuming it isn’t already “Historic”), you’ve only got until 20May 2017!!
Phew...............
Oh! One last point of interst.
A pal’s vehicle was first
registered in April 1976. Last year he applied for the taxation class to be changed to Historic, only to find out the DVLA records have the
date of manufacture as 31 Dec 1976, and it’s the manufacture date that counts!!!!! (don’t ask!!)
Some additional reading that may help
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/644412/government-response-to-exempting-vehicles-of-historical-interest-from-roadworthiness.pdfhttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/668272/addendum-government-response-vehicles-histroical-interest.pdfhttps://classic-motorbikes.net/mot-testing-ringing-the-changes-from-may-2018/