If you’re a vehicle owner, you’re probably familiar with the MOT test. It’s a term you will have to get used to if you want to legally drive a van or any other type of vehicle in the UK. Ignorance will not be a valid excuse if you are caught without the appropriate certifications in this case, and you may be looking at some pretty hefty fines.
What Is A Van MOT?
A Van MOT is a standard test carried out by the Ministry Of Transport on vans to ensure they are safe on the road. It ensures your vehicle meets your city or state’s safety and environmental standards and is necessary if you hope to get your vehicle on the road. If you don’t submit your van for this important test, you will not be permitted to tax your van. Without tax or an MOT certificate, your insurance will not be recognised or considered valid.
As indicated above, MOT stands for Ministry Of Transport and is the only legal authority permitted to issue a van MOT certificate. The van MOT certificate simply confirms that your vehicle either met or did not meet the legal minimum acceptable road and environmental safety standards (without being dismantled).
However, it’s important to note that even with a MOT certificate (indicating that your vehicle passed the test), your van may still not necessarily be roadworthy throughout the validity of the MOT period. Also, your MOT certificate does not guarantee the mechanical condition of your vehicle either; your MOT certificate may be valid while your vehicle still suffers a few faults. Lastly, your vehicle’s engine, gearbox, and clutch are surprisingly not tested during your MOT test. Continue reading for further details and information about the MOT test and certification.
How To Check Your Van’s MOT Status
After purchasing, it’s necessary to check the van’s MOT status, through an online MOT checker, especially if it’s fairly used. If your van is new, you must get your MOT certificate as soon as possible. In the UK, you must complete the MOT test by the third anniversary of your vehicle’s registration and every year after that.
If you are planning to use your van for commercial purposes (which is usually the case since the rise in online shopping followed by the demand for delivery trucks and vans), first find out if your vehicle fits the qualifications for a commercial van AKA a light goods vehicle. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) classifies light goods vehicles as any automobile weighing up to 3000 kg without any load.
There’s less responsibility for hired truck/van drivers in this case since their employer must book the van for its MOT test and schedule the yearly routine renewals. However, if the van driver is self-employed, they will need to do this themself.
The vehicle’s plate number/registration number are all required to check the MOT status. Enter it on our MOT checker and you get the MOT status and history, the mileage, and even the model and makeup of the vehicle. This is only necessary if the car was purchased fairly.
Is A Van MOT Different To A Car MOT?
Van and car MOT tests are relatively similar. Although most cars are purchased for personal use, an MOT test is still essential after three years. Much like the case of a van, cars purchased in a fairly used state should be checked on any of the available DVLA-linked databases for an extensive MOT status and history. The car should have an existing MOT certification if it is up to three years old. If not, it should be registered as soon as possible to avoid fines of up to 1000 pounds.
Much like a van MOT test, car tests check important vehicle parts such as the exhaust emissions, registration plates, fuel system, mirrors, windscreen, steering wheel, etc. These components are tested to determine if they are up to the legal and acceptable standards; if they are not, a certificate will not be issued.
Getting a car MOT test is not the same as getting a car serviced, and much like van tests, the vehicle’s engine, gearbox, and clutch are not tested. The mechanic must handle engine, clutch, and gearbox problems. After the first MOT test, subsequent tests must be carried out yearly.
What MOT Class Does My Van Need?
The standard test for most vans is a class 4 MOT test. The MOT tests usually range from class 1 to 7, excluding a 6th class. A class 4 MOT test is usually reserved for vehicles with up to 8 seats. This usually includes ambulances, campervans, most commercial vans, motor homes, private hire cars, etc. Generally, vehicles that qualify for a class 4 MOT test weigh up to 3000 kg without any load.
A class 4 MOT test takes approximately one hour and checks the; plate number, bonnet, fuel system, seat belts, steering wheel and suspension, electrical systems, seats, doors, mirrors, breaks, tyres, wheels, horn, exhaust system, vehicle structure, all the lights and the boot along with the tailgate and toll bar.
It is important to note that class 4 and 7 tests are a bit similar as they are both used to test larger vehicles. The class 4 MOT test is used for vehicles weighing up to 3000 kg, while the class 7 test is used for vehicles weighing 3001 kg to 3500 kg. Although it is the ministry’s job to determine which tests are best suited for each vehicle, it is good for the owner to be informed about these few details.
You can find the gross vehicle weight (GVW) limits in the car manual, the vehicle’s plate, or a sticker in the engine bay.
When Is The First MOT Due On A Van?
A Van’s first MOT is due three years after its registration which usually takes place right after it is purchased. There’s no need for an MOT test if a car is brand new and is less than three years in use. On the other hand, if the driver bought a fairly used vehicle, he must check the van’s current status and history using any of the recognised databases online. If the van has no existing MOT certification and has been more than three years on the road, the driver is obligated to register for a test as soon as possible.
Some drivers prefer to get an MOT test immediately after purchasing the car for peace of mind. However, this is not a legal requirement. In 2018, there was talk of shifting a vehicle’s first MOT test to four years after its registration date, like some most European countries. However, the UK government decided against it since they noticed an increased risk of a vehicle being used yearly. Most of this risk stems from tyres, breaks, and lighting failures. The risk percentages increase each year, making routine checks necessary. This is why MOT tests are required to be taken every year after the first MOT test.
The road networks in the UK are considered quite safe, and so are most modern vehicle models. However, considering that the average car gets less safe as the years go by, an MOT test is certainly required after three years of the vehicle’s purchase.
How Much Does A Van MOT Cost?
Although there aren’t any standard prices for an MOT test, there’s a maximum amount a test station can charge you for your test. It all depends on your vehicle type and the test class it requires.
The maximum MOT test fee for a car is 54.85 pounds; for a standard motorcycle, it will cost 29.65 pounds. VAT is not included. You can find a detailed list of maximum test prices based on the vehicle on the official UK government website.
Vans usually fall under the class 4 or 7 tests as most weigh from 3000 kg to 3500kg. Vans weighing up to 3000 kg usually have a test fee of 54.85 pounds, while 3001 kg and above vehicles cost about 58.60kg per test. The maximum amount required for larger vehicles like buses and trucks is between 80.50 pounds and 124.50 pounds.
Drivers can always find test centres that charge a bit less than the listed prices, especially in garages with more modern equipment. Since modern technology makes routine checks faster and less tedious, they may cost less.
Are Electric Vans MOT Exempt?
No, electric vans are not exempt from the routine MOT tests that other vehicles undergo. Much like other vehicles, they must be checked three years after purchase. The tests for electric vans are quicker and less vigorous since there are no exhaust systems or emissions to be checked. However, the cost of the tests per vehicle type and weight will probably remain the same. Before 2018, electric Vans that weigh under 3.5 tonnes were exempt from these tests according to the law stating that vehicles used to transport slow commercial electric goods are exempt from MOT tests.
However, the law was adjusted from 1st September 2018, requiring large vehicles registered after 1st March 2015 to resume routine MOT tests. Some of these vans include; the Renault Kangoo ZE, Nissan E-NV200, Citroën Berlingo electric, and the Peugeot partner electric. These models are all less than 1525kg without their battery packs and can therefore be exempt from the regular MOT tests.
During an electric car MOT test,l the lights, number plates, windshield, suspensions, wipers, seat belts, steering, tyres, and brake pads are checked for functionality. For electric vehicles to pass an MOT test, all the above (essential) components must meet the same standards as petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles.
Can I Tax A Van Without An MOT Or Road Tax?
Since you are only required to take your vehicle for an MOT test after three years of purchasing it, you can definitely tax your van without an MOT initially. However, after the three-year duration, it is nearly impossible and illegal to tax your car without a valid MOT.
To renew your vehicle/road tax after the initial three years, you must provide a valid MOT certificate.
Road Tax is not necessarily for road maintenance as the name seems to imply, though a percentage of it does pay for these roads. Rather, it is an excise duty – a tax on goods and services that threaten human health or the environment. All diesel and petrol-powered vehicles must pay this road tax in full. Most electric vehicles aren’t required to pay this tax in full since they are more environmentally friendly.
Since these road payments are made by the Ministry Of Transport and the local council, all vehicles must have a valid MOT certificate over three years. As mentioned above, these MOT tests also evaluate a vehicle’s carbon emissions and their impact on the environment. The results are then factored into your vehicle/road tax.
To Conclude
It is absolutely essential to take your vehicle for the government-mandated MOT test three years after its registration. These tests are designed to check if your vehicle is up to acceptable safety and environmental standards and are carried out one year after the initial test.
If the vehicle you purchased is not brand new and has been on the road for up to three years, it should have an MOT history. To check your vehicle’s MOT status and history, you could visit the nearest DVLA office or simply access a credible online database to help you with this information. MOT Reg Check is among one of the most credible and easy-to-use databases out there. With this tool, you can purchase the right vehicle and save money on unnecessary repair costs.
