Updated May 2026

How much does a Class 7 van MOT cost?

A Class 7 van MOT in the UK costs up to £58.60 — that's the DVSA's statutory maximum for goods vehicles between 3,000kg and 3,500kg gross weight. At MOT Checkup we recommend running a free MOT history check first — Class 7 vans fail more often than cars, so knowing last year's advisories saves money.

TL;DR

Class 7 max fee — £58.60
Applies to vans with GVW 3,000–3,500kg
Lighter vans (under 3,000kg) tested as Class 4 at £54.85
Heavier vans (over 3,500kg) move to HGV testing entirely
Free retest rules same as cars (10 working days, same station)

Class 4 vs Class 7 — the dividing line

The DVSA splits light commercial vehicles into two MOT classes based on gross vehicle weight (GVW):

Class	GVW	Max fee	Typical examples
Class 4	Up to 3,000kg	£54.85	Ford Transit Custom, VW Caddy, Vauxhall Combo
Class 7	3,000–3,500kg	£58.60	LWB Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter 316, Iveco Daily 35S

Read our full Class 4 vs Class 7 comparison for which models cross the threshold.

Why some test stations don't do Class 7

Class 7 testing requires bigger equipment than Class 4:

Higher-rated brake rollers and beam testers
Larger inspection pits or four-post lifts
Reinforced bay floor — vans loaded near the 3,500kg cap are heavy
Trained testers with the Class 7 endorsement

Many neighbourhood garages only hold Class 4 authorisation, which is why dedicated commercial-vehicle test stations tend to be busier and fully booked further ahead.

How to keep the cost down

Pre-MOT check. Run a free MOT history check and fix advisories before the test.
Bundle with a service. Many fleet specialists discount Class 7 MOTs heavily when added to a 6-monthly service.
Avoid quarter-end. Late March and late June are peak booking weeks — quieter weeks (mid-Feb, late August) often see better deals.
Use a commercial specialist. Stations that test Class 7 daily tend to be quicker and more accurate, reducing the chance of a marginal fail.

Class 7 failure rates

Class 7 vans show higher first-time failure rates than the ~36% Class 4 average, driven mostly by tyres, brakes, suspension and lighting wear. See Ford Transit Class 7 failures and our methodology for the data.

Frequently asked questions

Is every van a Class 7 vehicle?

No. Light vans up to 3,000kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) are tested as Class 4, the same class as cars. Class 7 only kicks in once the GVW is over 3,000kg and up to 3,500kg. Vans heavier than 3,500kg fall under HGV testing rules entirely and are tested as Class 5/6/7 commercial vehicles by the DVSA's heavy goods scheme.

How do I know my van's gross vehicle weight?

Look at the VIN plate — usually inside the driver's door pillar or under the bonnet. The first weight figure is the GVW (gross vehicle weight). You can also check the V5C (logbook), where it's listed under 'Maximum permissible mass'. Common Class 7 vans include the long-wheelbase Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter 314/316, Renault Master and large Iveco Daily models.

Why does the van MOT cost more?

Class 7 vans are larger and heavier than Class 4 cars, so the test takes longer and uses higher-rated equipment such as larger brake rollers and uprated lifting gear. The DVSA's £58.60 cap reflects this — it's only £3.75 more than the £54.85 Class 4 figure, but the underlying cost to the test station is meaningfully higher.

Are Class 7 retests free?

Yes — the same retest rules apply. A partial retest at the same station is free if completed before the end of the next working day, or normally free if returned within 10 working days. Outside that window the full £58.60 fee applies again.

Do Class 7 vans fail more often than Class 4 cars?

Yes. Class 7 vans typically show higher first-time failure rates than Class 4 cars, driven by heavier wear on tyres, brakes and suspension from carrying loads. See our blog on Ford Transit Class 7 failures and our class 4 vs class 7 explainer for the full numbers.