Class 4 vs Class 7 MOT: Which Do You Need?
Quick Answer
Class 4 covers cars and light goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight, with a fee cap of £54.85. Class 7 covers goods vehicles from 3,000kg to 3,500kg DGW, with a fee cap of £58.60. The split affects test scope, brake performance criteria and which test stations can examine your vehicle.
Tradespeople running larger Transits or Sprinters often discover the wrong way that not every MOT centre can test their van. A free MOT history check on your reg shows the test class used at each previous inspection.
How DVSA classifies vehicles
MOT class is set by the vehicle's design gross weight (DGW) recorded on the V5C and the body type. Class 4 (the most common) covers cars, taxis, ambulances and light goods vehicles up to 3,000kg DGW. Class 7 covers goods vehicles between 3,000kg and 3,500kg DGW.
Above 3,500kg, vehicles fall under HGV testing administered separately. Class 5 covers passenger vehicles with more than 12 seats. Classes 1 and 2 cover motorcycles.
Comparison table: Class 4 vs Class 7
The key differences at a glance:
- Weight range: Class 4 up to 3,000kg DGW, Class 7 between 3,000kg and 3,500kg DGW
- DVSA fee cap 2026: Class 4 £54.85, Class 7 £58.60
- Typical actual price: Class 4 £35-45, Class 7 £45-55
- Retest fee partial: Class 4 £27.43 max, Class 7 £29.30 max
- Test stations: Class 4 widely available, Class 7 limited to specialist commercial centres
- Brake performance criteria: Class 7 stricter under load
- Headlight test: same scope, but Class 7 tested at unloaded ride height
- Body corrosion check: Class 7 includes load floor and rear chassis section assessment
Class 4 vehicles: cars and small vans
Class 4 includes virtually every passenger car sold in the UK, taxis, dual-purpose 4x4s and light goods vans. Examples include the Citroen Berlingo, Ford Transit Connect, VW Caddy, Vauxhall Combo and the standard SWB Transit. The tested DGW is the figure stamped on the V5C, not the kerb weight.
Most chain MOT centres (Halfords, Kwik Fit, ATS) and the majority of independent garages hold Class 4 authorisation. Booking is straightforward and often discounted to £29.99-39 promotional rates.
Class 7 vehicles: heavier vans
Class 7 covers vans designed to carry more weight, typically the long-wheelbase or high-roof variants of mainstream vans. Examples include the LWB and Jumbo Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314/316, Iveco Daily 35S, Renault Master XL and Fiat Ducato Maxi.
Test scope adds rolling road brake testing under simulated load, more detailed chassis corrosion checks, and rear suspension load capacity assessment. Class 7 stations are typically dedicated commercial vehicle centres rather than general MOT garages.
Tradesperson decision guide
Check your V5C for the design gross weight (sometimes shown as 'maximum mass' or 'plated weight'). If it is 3,000kg or below, book Class 4. If it is between 3,001kg and 3,500kg, book Class 7. Above 3,500kg you need an HGV/PSV test, not Class 7.
If you cannot find DGW on the V5C, check the manufacturer's plate inside the driver's door or on the front bulkhead. The first figure on the plate is typically the gross vehicle weight.
Booking the right test
Searching the GOV.UK MOT centre lookup by postcode lets you filter by class. For Class 7, expect a 30-50 mile travel range from rural areas as authorised centres are sparser. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead avoids being squeezed at expiry time.
Some Class 7 centres also do servicing and pre-MOT inspections at trade rates. Owner-operators of single vans often build a relationship with one centre to get priority booking around tax year-end.
Common confusion points
A common myth is that adding a roof rack or load liner upgrades a van to Class 7. It does not: only the manufacturer's plated DGW determines class. A separate myth is that loaded weight matters for the test class - it does not, only design weight.
Camper conversions on van bases stay Class 4 if under 3,000kg DGW, even though they are recategorised as 'motor caravan' on the V5C. See our campervan conversion MOT guide for the full rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Class 4 and Class 7 MOT?
Class 4 covers vehicles up to 3,000kg DGW with a £54.85 fee cap. Class 7 covers 3,000-3,500kg DGW with a £58.60 fee cap. Class 7 has stricter brake and chassis testing.
Is a Ford Transit Class 4 or Class 7?
It depends on the model. SWB Transit Custom is Class 4. LWB and Jumbo Transits are typically Class 7. Always check the design gross weight on your V5C to confirm.
Can I take a Class 7 van to a Class 4 MOT centre?
No. The test station must hold Class 7 authorisation and have the equipment to test heavier vehicles. Booking the wrong class is rejected at arrival, costing you the trip.
How much more does a Class 7 MOT cost than Class 4?
The DVSA fee cap is £3.75 higher (£58.60 vs £54.85). In practice, Class 7 tests typically cost £45-55 versus £29-45 for Class 4 due to fewer competing centres.
Do I need a Class 7 for a campervan conversion?
Only if the design gross weight exceeds 3,000kg. Most VW Transporter and Ford Transit conversions stay under that and remain Class 4. See your V5C for confirmation.
Booking the right MOT class avoids wasted journeys and surprise pricing. Run a free MOT history check on your registration to see which class previous tests used.