When your van passes its MOT test, it is deemed roadworthy and safe to drive on the road. The certificate will last 12 months before you need to repeat the test. Between MOTs, it is your responsibility to keep your vehicle maintained and in good working order.
There are actually six MOT classes in the UK’s vehicle testing scheme. And the class that applies to your specific vehicle defines what testing standards will be measured.
In this guide we outline the various MOT classes so you can decide which type of van MOT you need.
When your van needs an MOT
Most vehicles require an annual MOT test from its third-year post-registration. A valid MOT certificate indicates a vehicle has passed the minimum legal safety and environmental standards in the UK and is therefore considered safe to drive on our roads.
During an MOT, numerous checks are made on a vehicle, covering its structure and general working order. Should a vehicle fail any aspect of these checks, then it will be classified as an MOT fail. The owner will then need to have the identified faults rectified before a re-test can be conducted and the vehicle certified roadworthy.
Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can attract a fine of up to £2,500 as well as potential points on your licence and, in severe cases, prosecution or a driving ban. It can also invalidate your vehicle’s insurance. Which is why it is essential for your van to have its MOT every year.
The Six MOT Classes
To ensure the correct checks are being made, the UK’s MOT system covers seven vehicle classes. These classes cover everything from motorbikes through to heavy good vehicles. The MOT fee you pay will also depend on the class of your vehicle. Vans will either fall into Class 4 or Class 7.
The classes are as follows:
Class 1 – small motorbikes up to 200cc or motorbikes with sidecars up to 200cc
Class 2 – motorbikes (with or without sidecars) that are over 200cc
Class 3 – three-wheeled vehicles that weigh up to 450 kg
Class 4 – the most common category, to cover:
- Cars (with up to eight passenger seats)
- Three-wheeled vehicles over 450kg
- Motor caravans (including campers, RVs, or motorhomes)
- Service vehicles (e.g., ambulances and taxis)
- Private passenger vehicles (up to 12 passenger seats)
- Goods and services vehicles (gross weight up to 3,000kg)
Vehicles with 9-12 passenger seats are Class 4a
Class 5 – for larger vehicles, including:
- Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13-16 passenger seats)
- Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (over 16 passenger seats)
- Coaches
Vehicles with over 13 passenger seats that require a seatbelt check are Class 5a
Class 7 – all goods and services vehicles (gross weight 3,001kg – 3,500kg)
Is your van Class 4 or Class 7?
Simply put, when it comes to vans, Class 4 covers smaller vans or lighter commercial vehicles and Class 7 is for larger vans such as a Ford Transit.
The main difference between these two classes is relating to the gross vehicle weight (GVW) – also known as the maximum laden weight, which is the total a van’s chassis can hold. So that’s the weight of the vehicle itself plus its maximum load capacity.
A Class 4 categorisation covers vans that have a GVW of up to 3,000kg whereas a van will be designated a Class 7 if it has a GVW of between 3,0001 kg and 3.5 tons.
If you are unsure what your van’s GVW is, you can find it etched onto its chassis plate, or in the vehicle’s handbook.
Large vehicles such as HGVs have their own class and require an MOT known as an Annual Test, which are only conducted at an Authorised Test Facility or one of the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency’s own test centres.
Know when your van needs its MOT
Ensuring you renew your van’s MOT certificate on or just before its annual expiry date is all part of being a responsible driver. If you have forgotten your renewal date or lost your certificate, you can check the expiry date on gov.uk as long as you have the van’s registration number.
Alternatively, you can use an online MOT checker such as MOT Reg Check to find out a vehicle’s full MOT history. This can be a particularly useful tool if you are looking to buy or have just bought a used van and need to know more about its MOT and when it is due for renewal.
