MOT Classes Explained: Class 4, 5, 7

If you have ever been told your van needs a 'Class 7' MOT instead of a regular one, you have hit the practical reality of the UK class system. The DVSA divides every vehicle into one of seven MOT classes, each with its own equipment, ramp size, fee cap and inspection items. This guide breaks them down in plain English so you book the right test first time. You can also confirm your vehicle's class instantly via a free MOT history check.

Why MOT classes exist

DVSA classes sort vehicles by what physical equipment is needed to test them safely. A 3.5-tonne van cannot fit on a small car ramp, and a motorbike does not need a four-wheel brake roller. Each garage chooses which classes to be authorised for, which is why not every VTS can MOT every vehicle.

The class also determines the legally capped fee, the test items and certain rules - for example Class 4 cars become MOT-eligible at 3 years from registration, but Class 7 goods vehicles are tested annually from year one.

The classification system has been broadly stable since the 1980s, with minor adjustments when European weight limits changed and when new vehicle categories (electric quadricycles, large microcars, motorhomes over 3.5t) emerged. DVSA publishes the full definitions in its Authorised Examiner Manual, freely available on GOV.UK.

The seven UK MOT classes at a glance

Here is the full official list as set out in the DVSA Authorised Examiner Manual. Fees shown are the 2026 statutory caps - garages may charge less.

• Class 1: Motorbikes up to 200cc - fee cap £29.65
• Class 2: Motorbikes over 200cc (with or without sidecar) - fee cap £29.65
• Class 3: Three-wheeled vehicles up to 450kg unladen - fee cap £37.80
• Class 4: Cars and light vans up to 3000kg DGW (most cars, taxis up to 8 seats) - fee cap £54.85
• Class 4a: Class 4 vehicles with seatbelt installation check (taxis 9-12 seats) - fee cap £64.00
• Class 5: Private passenger vehicles with 13+ seats (PSVs) - fee cap £59.55 to £80.65 depending on size
• Class 5a: Class 5 with seatbelt installation check - fee cap £80.50 to £124.50
• Class 7: Goods vehicles 3000-3500kg DGW (heavy vans) - fee cap £58.60

Class 4: the standard car MOT

Class 4 covers the vast majority of UK private vehicles - cars, dual-purpose vehicles, motor caravans, ambulances, taxis and mini-buses up to 12 passenger seats, light goods vehicles up to 3000kg design gross weight (DGW), and even private hire vehicles in many councils. If you drive a Ford Focus, a Tesla Model 3 or a VW Transporter, you need a Class 4 MOT.

First test is due at three years from registration; annual thereafter. The DVSA fee cap is £54.85 but most independents charge £35-45. See our guide to how much an MOT costs in 2026.

Class 4a is a separate sub-class for Class 4 vehicles fitted with seatbelts in passenger positions where a seatbelt installation check is required. This typically applies to taxis with 9-12 seats. The fee cap is slightly higher at £64.00 because of the additional inspection items. Most regular cars are not affected.

How to know if your van is Class 4 or Class 7

Open your V5C logbook and look at box J - 'design gross weight' (sometimes labelled DGW or MAM, maximum authorised mass). If the figure is 3000kg or below, you need a Class 4 MOT. If between 3001kg and 3500kg, you need Class 7. Above 3500kg, you move into LGV / HGV territory regulated separately under operator licensing.

Confusion arises because many vans are sold in both 'short wheelbase 2.8t' and 'long wheelbase 3.5t' versions of the same model. A Ford Transit 290 is Class 4; a Transit 350 with the same engine is Class 7. Always go by the V5C figure, not the model marketing name. Run a free MOT history check to see which class previous tests have been recorded under.

Class 7: the heavy van MOT

Class 7 catches goods vehicles that are heavier than 3000kg DGW but no more than 3500kg DGW. The DGW figure is on your V5C in box J. Common Class 7 vehicles include the Ford Transit (350 variants), Mercedes Sprinter 314/316, VW Crafter, Renault Master and Iveco Daily 35-series.

Not all garages can MOT Class 7 vehicles - they need a longer four-post ramp and a heavy-duty brake roller. Use the GOV.UK 'find an MOT garage' filter to locate Class 7-authorised testers. Fee cap is £58.60. See Class 4 vs Class 7 explained for the borderline cases.

Class 5 and 5a: PSVs and minibuses

Class 5 covers private passenger vehicles with 13 or more passenger seats. That includes private school minibuses, church coaches and similar. Fee caps scale with size - a small 13-seater minibus is around £59.55, while large coaches with 50+ seats are £80.65. Class 5a adds a seatbelt installation check on vehicles fitted with belts.

Class 5 is rarely seen at high-street garages. Specialist coach and PSV centres handle most of the fleet. Annual testing from year one of registration applies.

Note that public service vehicles operated for hire or reward (school buses on contracted runs, commercial coaches) need a Public Service Vehicle Certificate of Initial Fitness or annual test from VOSA, not just an MOT. Private use minibuses owned by community groups generally fall under standard Class 5 rules. Always confirm with DVSA before booking.

Classes 1, 2 and 3: bikes and trikes

Class 1 (mopeds and small motorbikes up to 200cc) and Class 2 (motorbikes above 200cc) share a fee cap of £29.65. The test covers braking, lighting, steering, suspension, frame, wheels and emissions for post-2003 bikes.

Class 3 covers three-wheeled vehicles up to 450kg unladen weight - typically Reliant Robins, Piaggio Apes and modern light cargo trikes. Fee cap is £37.80. Three-wheeled motorbikes (Can-Am Spyder, Yamaha Niken) are usually Class 2 because of their higher weight and sidecar-style classification rules.

Bike testing is faster than car testing because there is no underbody ramp work. Modern bikes have a brief idle emissions test similar to a car catalyst check; pre-2003 bikes skip emissions altogether. Allow 30-45 minutes at a Class 1 / 2 authorised garage - and confirm the garage holds the right authorisation, since not every car-MOT garage covers bikes.

How to confirm your vehicle's class

The fastest way is to run a free MOT history check on your registration - the test class is shown against every previous certificate. Failing that, your V5C logbook lists the body type and DGW, from which the class is determined. Conversions (camper, motor caravan) may need recategorisation on the V5C - see our campervan conversion MOT guide.

If you book the wrong class, the garage simply cannot test you on the day. Some chains offer to switch you to a partner site, but most independent garages will rebook for another day. Always check class before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Class 4 MOT?

Class 4 is the standard MOT for cars, motor caravans, dual-purpose vehicles, taxis up to 8 seats and light goods vehicles up to 3000kg design gross weight. The 2026 fee cap is £54.85.

What is the difference between Class 4 and Class 7 MOT?

Class 4 covers light vans up to 3000kg DGW; Class 7 covers vans 3000-3500kg DGW. The boundary is on your V5C. Class 7 needs a heavy-duty ramp so not every garage can test it. Cap is £58.60 vs £54.85.

Do motorbikes need an MOT?

Yes, from three years old. Motorbikes are Class 1 (up to 200cc) or Class 2 (over 200cc), with a fee cap of £29.65. Sidecar combinations sit in Class 2.

Is a campervan a Class 4 or Class 7 MOT?

Most factory-built motor caravans under 3000kg DGW are Class 4. Heavier conversions on Sprinter or Crafter chassis can fall into Class 7. Check box J on your V5C.

How do I find a Class 7 MOT centre near me?

Use the GOV.UK MOT garage finder and filter by Class 7. Many small independents do not have the heavy-duty ramp required, but commercial vehicle centres and dealer service workshops usually do.

Get the class right before you book - and double-check the test history with a free MOT history check so you know exactly which class your vehicle belongs to.