Mandatory MOTs to be reinstated from August

Update: The government has confirmed that mandatory MOT testing will be introduced from 1st August in England, Scotland and Wales. The announcement comes with the gradual easing of lockdown restriction and rising traffic levels.

Of course, we’re aware that some, although not all, classics are exempt from MOT by the nature of their age. However if your classic’s MOT is due after 1st August, you will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving your vehicle.

To note, if the MOT due date is before 1st August, you will still receive a six-month exemption from testing.

Can I take my classic for a leisurely drive during the Coronavirus pandemic?

In England, there is currently no restriction to the distance you are allowed to travel. However in Scotland and Wales the five mile travel restriction is still in place but is being lifted on 3rd and 6th July respectively.

Until restrictions have been lifted, do not drive across the Scottish and Welsh borders unless necessary. Before you set off on your journey, it’s best to check the guidance given from each nation as they differ.

If my vehicle is exempt from MOT, what do I need to ensure my car is roadworthy?

Drivers can be prosecuted and subject to a fine, be banned from driving and get three penalty points if they are on the road in a vehicle that’s unsafe.

Even if your vehicle is exempt, you’ll still need to carry out regular and thorough checks to ensure its road worthy. These include, but aren’t limited to: Brake performance, Fluid levels (engine oil, brake fluid etc.), tyres and tyre treads, lights and bulbs and windscreens and windscreen wipers.

If you are unsure on any aspect, we’d recommend you consider going to your local garage for expert

advice.

Things to consider if you haven’t driven your classic recently

• The pandemic is NOT over – precautions must be taken to safeguard the health of our families and friends.
• Maintain social distancing at all times. Guidelines in England have now been reduced to ‘1m plus’ - this will mean members of the public can be 1 metre away from each other as long as other measures are put in place to limit the transmission of the virus.
• Check your classic over carefully if it’s not been used for a while, paying particular attention to tyres and brakes.
• If you have previously declared your classic SORN, be sure to update it with the DVLA.
• If you didn't renew your insurance policy during lockdown, do it now. To help with this, Lancaster Insurance is offering a £15 discount on all new policies, by simply quoting DISC15 when speaking to an agent or getting a quote online. (T&Cs apply). Call today on 01480 400 927 to speak to a member of the team.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “Whilst the government has still kept some important measures in place, it’s great that we can drive our classics a little further, if we wanted to.

As always we’d encourage owners to be diligent with their vehicles and if they haven’t been used in a while to make the necessary checks before setting off on their journey.

Also with numbers on the road increasing, it’s more important than ever to make sure you have the right protection in place.”

Ensure your classic is covered

If you have let your classic car insurance lapse and you think now is the time to renew then Lancaster Insurance will be able to help.

Our team are on hand to discuss your circumstances and to ensure you have the correct cover in place at the right price.

If you would like to speak to us, call the team now on 01480 400 927 and remember to use the code DISC15 to get £15 off your quote. (T&Cs apply).