THE MOT TEST AT 60 – A CELEBRATION
9th September, 2020
1. The Test was introduced on Monday 12th September 1960. At that time it was voluntary and only applied to cars aged ten years or older -
2. The cost of the test was fourteen shillings, plus an extra shilling for the certificate – providing your car actually passed…
3. At that time, there were around 1.5 million cars aged a decade or more on the road.
4. The original MOT test, then popularly known as ‘The Ten Year Test’, included only the brakes, steering and lights.
5. Around 12,500 garages were approved by the Ministry to administer the test and were identifiable via their log – three white triangles on a blue background.
6. The failure rate of the early tests was vast. Ernest Marples, the then Minister of Transport, noted that of the cars examined at the Ministry’s own centre, some 52 % failed the test.
7. The MOT became compulsory on 15th February 1961.
8. From 31st December 1961, the test applied to cars aged seven years or more - a move prompted by the volume of failure rates.
9. By 1962 a tax disc was dependent on a pass certificate. Commercial vehicles were now deemed to be “Testable”.
10. April 1967 saw cars aged three years and over now subject to the MOT.
11. Tyres were included in the test by 1968. Cars needed to have 1mm tread across ¾ of the total width.
12. The Ministry of Transport ceased to exist in 1970, but the term “MOT” would live on.
13. The MOT was considerably expanded in 1977 to include the condition of the body and chassis, the brake lights, the indicators, the horn and the exhaust system.
14. In 1983 the age of taxis, ambulances and vehicles with more than eight passenger seats (excluding the driver's seat) eligible for the MOT was reduced to one year.
15. 1991 saw the introduction of tests for anti-lock brakes, emissions checks for petrol-driven cars, rear seat belts and, where applicable, rear-wheel bearings and steering.
16. In 1992 the minimum tyre tread became 1.6mm.
17. All diesel engine cars were tested for emissions from 1994 onwards.
18. 2005 marked the advent of electronic certificates and automatic MOT bays.
19. By 2012, the test encompassed steering locks, the battery, wiring, secondary restraint systems and the speedometer. From 18th November, pre-1960 cars will be exempt from MOT.
And -
20. From 20th May 2018, cars registered over 40 years ago will no longer require a MoT certificate.
Why choose Lancaster Insurance?
Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.
We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.
Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:
- Historic rally cover
- Static show cover
- Limited mileage discounts
- Choice of repairer
- 24-hour claims helpline
Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your classic today.
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