V112 Form: Declaring MOT Exemption for Historic Cars
Quick Answer
The V112 form is a self-declaration that exempts your vehicle from an MOT under the historic vehicle rules. It applies to cars first registered or manufactured more than 40 years ago with no substantial modifications under the eight-point test. You sign the V112 each year when taxing on GOV.UK and keep a copy for police or DVSA enforcement.
Cars more than 40 years old are exempt from the MOT in Great Britain — but only if you formally declare it using the V112 form. Get the test wrong and you face a £1,000 fine for no MOT. Always run a free MOT history check before declaring to confirm the vehicle's last status and any advisories.
What the V112 form does
The V112 is a DVLA self-declaration form (V112G for older Goods variants). It states that your vehicle qualifies for one of the listed MOT exemptions — most commonly category R, the 'vehicle of historic interest' (VHI) exemption. Without a signed V112, the rolling 40-year exemption does not apply automatically.
Police, DVSA and ANPR systems treat any vehicle without a current MOT as untested. The V112 is the legal evidence that the absence is lawful. You complete it at every annual tax renewal on GOV.UK or at a Post Office.
Who qualifies for the historic exemption
Three conditions must all be met. First, the vehicle was constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago. The 40-year cut-off rolls forward each 1 April — for the 2026 tax year, vehicles registered before 1 January 1986 qualify.
Second, no substantial changes have been made in the last 30 years. Third, the vehicle is not used commercially. Tax class must be 'historic' (rate £0). DVLA processes the change of tax class via a separate V62 application if you have not already converted.
The eight-point substantial change test
DVSA defines 'substantially changed' using eight specific criteria, set out in DVSA Inspection Manual Annex 1 and on GOV.UK. If your vehicle has been altered in any of these ways, it loses the exemption and must continue to be tested.
Note that period replacement parts of the same specification are not substantial changes. A new old-stock SU carburettor on a 1972 MGB does not break the exemption. A modern electronic fuel injection conversion does.
- Chassis or monocoque bodyshell replaced with a different specification
- Axles or running gear changed in number, type, or method of suspension or steering
- Engine changed to a different cubic capacity by more than 15%, or to a different type
- Conversion to alternative fuel that requires a different type of fuel system
- Bodywork altered so it is no longer the same general shape
- Modification to engine that alters its emissions output significantly
- More than one of the above changes combined
- Use changed from private to commercial passenger or goods carrying
How to complete and submit the V112
Most owners complete the V112 online when taxing the vehicle on GOV.UK. The form is also downloadable as a PDF from the same site. Use the V112 (not V112G) for cars and motorbikes — V112G is for goods vehicles.
Follow the steps below.
- Step 1: Go to GOV.UK 'Tax your vehicle' and enter the V5C 11-digit reference
- Step 2: When prompted for MOT, select 'declare MOT exempt'
- Step 3: Choose category R (Vehicle of Historic Interest, more than 40 years old)
- Step 4: Tick the box confirming no substantial changes in the last 30 years
- Step 5: Complete the tax payment (£0 for historic class)
- Step 6: Print or save the confirmation; keep the V112 PDF in the glovebox
Common mistakes to avoid
Owners often declare exemption without first changing the tax class to historic. Doing so triggers an immediate untaxed vehicle alert. Tax class change is free but takes up to two weeks via V62 — start that process before the next tax renewal date.
The biggest mistake is misunderstanding 'substantial change'. A common pitfall is fitting a five-speed gearbox from a later donor — a different type of running gear under criterion two. The vehicle no longer qualifies and must be MOT tested. Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) maintains a free guidance helpline.
Voluntary MOT for peace of mind
Even with a valid V112, you can still book a voluntary MOT. The test is identical to a normal Class 4 MOT (or Class 3 for three-wheelers) and costs the standard £54.85 cap. A pass is recorded on the DVSA database in the usual way.
Many classic car insurers offer a discount of 5-10% for owners with a current voluntary MOT. The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and the Historic Vehicle Research Institute both recommend annual voluntary testing. View any past tests via our free MOT history check.
Penalties if the declaration is wrong
A false V112 is a Section 174 Road Traffic Act offence — making a false declaration. Maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine plus a separate prosecution for using a vehicle without an MOT (further £1,000) and possible insurance invalidation.
If DVSA identifies a substantial change at a roadside check, the certificate of exemption is rescinded and you have 10 working days to obtain a genuine MOT pass. Beyond that the vehicle must be SORN'd or recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a V112 form?
A V112 is the DVLA self-declaration form used to claim MOT exemption for a vehicle, most commonly for historic vehicles over 40 years old with no substantial modifications. You sign it during annual tax renewal on GOV.UK.
Does my pre-1985 car automatically not need an MOT?
No. The 40-year rolling exemption only applies if you sign the V112 declaring the vehicle has not been substantially changed in the last 30 years and is not used commercially. Without a V112, the vehicle is treated as untested.
What counts as a substantial change?
DVSA's eight-point test covers chassis, running gear, engine type or capacity, fuel system, bodywork, emissions modification, multiple combined changes and commercial use. Period replacement parts of the same specification do not count.
Can I still get an MOT on a historic vehicle?
Yes. Voluntary MOTs are encouraged by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and many insurers offer discounts for owners with a current pass. The fee is the same £54.85 cap.
What happens if I fill in the V112 incorrectly?
A false declaration is a Section 174 Road Traffic Act offence carrying up to £1,000 fine. You may also be prosecuted for using a vehicle without an MOT and your insurance can be invalidated.
Where can I get the V112 form?
Download the latest V112 PDF from GOV.UK or complete it online during the annual tax renewal process. Use V112G only for goods vehicles.
The V112 keeps your historic vehicle legal but only if every condition is met. Confirm last test status with a free MOT history check and consider an annual voluntary MOT for peace of mind.