How old does a car have to be to be exempt from road tax?

The age rule

GOV.UK says a vehicle built before 1 January 1986 can stop paying vehicle tax from 1 April 2026. Where the build date is not known, a vehicle first registered before 8 January 1986 can still apply. GOV.UK dates the exemption from 1 April 2026, so check its page for the cut-off in force when you read this.

Cars, vans, motorcycles and tricycles can all qualify.

You have to apply, and still tax it

The exemption is not automatic. You apply at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax, taking the V5C log book in your name, your vehicle tax reminder if you have one, and evidence of a current MOT if the vehicle needs one (or the MOT exemption form V112 if it does not). This is sometimes called moving the vehicle into the historic tax class.

You must still tax the vehicle every year even though you pay nothing. DVLA sends a reminder before the tax runs out, and you can be fined £80 if you do not tax it on time.

What does not qualify

A vehicle used for hire or reward, such as a taxi for paying customers, or used commercially for a trade or business, is not exempt, however old it is.

The MOT exemption is a separate rule

A vehicle built or first registered more than 40 years ago, with no substantial changes such as a replacement chassis, body, axles or engine, does not need an MOT. You do not apply for that, but you must still keep the vehicle roadworthy.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland the application also needs an MOT certificate that is valid when the tax starts and an insurance certificate or cover note.