As it stands in the UK, any car built prior to 1960 is exempt from the MOT (the equivalent of our WOF) process. Effectively, the powers that be have entrusted those in the driver’s seat of old cars to keep them in such a condition that they are roadworthy — as one might with their own classic car. 

These same powers have recently announced a move to shift this bracket forward 17 years, and make exempt from MOTs all vehicles over 40 years of age. Let that sink in. All vehicles over 40 years old could be driving around on the roads of England with bald tyres, and featuring rust as the main adhesive between body and chassis. I'm just imagining what might occur in New Zealand if these same rules were put in place — actually, it mightn't change much. The majority of early and mid-’70s cars that don't growl or turn heads are on their last legs, being driven on country roads without WOFs in place anyway.

What do you think the impact of these rules will be? Do you agree with them? Tell us in the comments below.

Image: BoostCruising