If you’ve been driving a car for some time, chances are you already know how the car MOT works. However, if you just recently bought a van, you might be wondering: is a van’s MOT different from that of a car?
Like the car MOT, it is also mandatory that the van owners carry out an MOT to ensure their vehicle is safe to drive. With this article, you’ll get all you need to know about the MOT of vans so you can drive safely and not be caught breaking the law, which has been established to reduce the risk of danger on the roads.
What is a van MOT?
A van MOT is pretty much the same as that of a car, considering they’re both vehicles expected by law to be safe for driving on public roads. Because they both have similar features, including undertaking a compulsory MOT after 3 years, checks at MOT centres are similar. So if you are purchasing a van that is over 3 years old, it’s a good idea to check MOT history. This way, you can make a decision that’s not based only on choice or need but also on the available public data on the vehicle’s past usage and repairs.
The Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approves thousands of vehicle repair garages across the UK. These centres are sometimes authorised to handle the testing of different vehicle classes. The classes vehicles belong to is one of the differences between the MOT of vans and that of standard cars.
Light vans and cars weighing less than 3000 kg belong to class 4 MOT. Owners can usually access an MOT at the same approved test centres. However, if you run a business and require a van between 3000 kg to 3500kg, bear in mind that these types of vans are under class 7.
If you just bought a van, the testing requirements are slightly different because of its capacity, so you might need to access an MOT service centre that can cater to class 7 needs. Still, it doesn’t mean that some centres don’t provide services for both class 4 and 7 vehicles.
A class 7 MOT-approved centre provides testing that accounts for vans with higher weights, such as tire checks. If you own a class 7 vehicle, i.e., a van that weighs between 3000-3500 kg, your vehicle tires will be checked to see if they pass the right specification for the heavy load they might be carrying, as it will be assumed it is meant for such use.
Another difference between a van MOT and a car MOT is the braking efficiency calculation. Braking is the relationship between a vehicle’s weight and the brake force. This requirement is important, and because of the weight of class 7 vans, the test is different from that of cars.
What do you get checked in a van MOT?
A Van MOT, like a car MOT, covers aspects that ensure you’re driving safe. Remember that the test doesn’t cover checking the entire part of a van. For example, the clutch, engine, and gear are pretty much exempted from testing. Certifying your car is safe for driving doesn’t necessarily mean your car’s engine operation must be super fantastic. That’s totally left to the discretion of the owner. This means that a car with a not-so-great engine can still pass an MOT. So, if you’re buying a used car, you don’t want to assume a pass certificate anatomically means a fantastic car. However, visible signs of leaks that may translate to risk on the road may be flagged by the tester. That said, here are the checks done for a van MOT.
- The van’s plates: The information legibility (to check it’s not altered), and also the format (as plates are expected to abide by regulations).
- Lights: The condition of the lamps, operation, aim, and brightness.
- Steering and suspension: They must be secure and operate correctly.
- Wipers and washers: Wipers should operate properly in readiness for weather changes and also shouldn’t obstruct the driver’s view of the road.
- Windscreen: There must be no chips or cracks that may impair visibility. Usually, the allowable damage on a windscreen should be no more than 10mm if the damage is in the driver’s line of vision or 40mm for other windscreen areas.
- Horn: This should not be faulty and must be audible to other road users.
- Seat belts: All seat belts are present, secure, and functioning
- Seats: The seats must be secure.
- Vehicle Identification Number: This must be present, legible, and not tampered with or criminally concealed.
- Fuel system: There must be no leaks, and the fuel cap seals should fasten securely.
- Exhaust: The exhaust emissions must be within guidelines, have no leakages, and must not be too loud.
- Body: There must be no significant damage, sharp edges, or excessive corrosion that significantly impair the structural and protective integrity of the van’s body during impact.
- Doors: They should open and close correctly and also latch securely.
- Mirrors: They should not be broken and provide a clear view from the driver’s seat
- Wheels and tires: They should be in good condition (right tread depth), and properly secured. They must also be at the recommended size and pressure (for the weight it will support).
- Brakes: They must be performing correctly.
Cost of Van MOT
The cost for securing a legitimate van MOT certificate can range from £54.85 to £124.50, depending on the type of van. Class 5 vans are the most expensive. These are vans with 13 or more passenger seats, such as caravans, dual-purpose vans, etc.
Your van can fail MOT
Common reasons a van fails an MOT include lighting, tires, and brakes. On average, vans are subjected to more pressure than cars, so the former is likely to fail MOT. You’ll get a refusal certificate if your van fails. It means the issues flagged by the tester must be repaired and retested before your van is allowed to return to the roads. You may not even be allowed to drive away unless to a repair shop to fix the issues.
Driving your van without MOT
You’re in violation if you drive your van without an MOT certificate. You may face a fine of up to £1,000 and may even nullify your insurance claims if you’re involved in an accident. Make no mistake, the police and public cameras can access online MOT data, so the best option is to get your MOT done if you must drive.
