New MOT legislation and Q plates

[Brian Deacon]

Does anybody know of a good link to the new MOT testing with regard to Q Plate cars? Particular query is a 1983 Q plate car with black and silver number plates.  I thought I had seen somewhere a note that Q plates were issued by the DVLA for vehicles with some unknown history and that certain dates in the 70s were deemed as being the age of those cars?

[Wrightpayne]

Also a kit built car with more than one reconditioned component.

[Brian Deacon]

Found the date info.

In 2013 the MOT test guidance was that for emission purposes a Q plate car should be considered as used before 1st August 1975.  For all other testing purposes they are considered to be first used before 1st January 1971.  Therefore did not need emission tests and could have black and silver number plates.  But has this changed?

[simon_h]

The mot testers manual still states that only cars first used after 1st August 1975 need emission testing and q plates are taken as pre that date so not tested. I take it that the no visible smoke is still applicable. 

Black background plates are only allowed on cars manufactured before 1980 now so I guess you could argue the toss that the car is to be tested as pre 75 or 71 but is doesn’t mention q plates being allowed to be like that and the date of manufacture is the date of manufacture.