What MOT Class Is My Vehicle? Learn More Here

Is your MOT due? If so, do you know what Class it should be in?

When it comes to MOTs, each and every type of vehicle is categorised into one of six MOT classes, designed to help MOT test centres apply the right checks to the right vehicles. After all, a moped has different mechanical requirements than a heavy goods vehicle, right?

If your vehicle’s just turned three (happy birthday) and you need to take it for an MOT check, you may be wondering what MOT class it is. Read on to find out.

What are the different MOT classes?

Class 1

This class is primarily for small motorbikes that are up to 200 cc or for motorbikes with sidecars up to 200cc.

Class 2

Class 2 includes any kind of motorbikes (with or without sidecars) that are over 200cc.

Class 3

For unique 3-wheeled vehicles that weigh up to 450kg, you’re looking at a Class 3 MOT.

Class 4

Class 4 is the most common category as it includes most road vehicles:

• Cars (with up to eight passenger seats)
• 3-wheeled vehicles over 450kg
• Motor caravans (a.k.a, campers, RVs, or motorhomes)
• Service vehicles such as ambulances and taxis
• Private passenger vehicles (up to 12 passenger seats)
• Goods and services vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3,000kg

Class 5

Class 5 contains more sophisticated vehicles on a larger scale:

• Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13-16 passenger seats)
• Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (over 16 passenger seats) Playbuses
• Coaches

Class 4 vehicles with 9-12 passenger seats and Class 5 vehicles with over 13 passenger seats which also require a seatbelt check are classed as a Class 4a or Class 5a, respectively.

Class 7

Goods and services vehicles with a gross weight of between 3,001kg and 3,500kg

If you’re looking to find centres near you for a Class 7 MOT check, check out our Class 7 listing for Kwik Fit garages that are able to accommodate larger vehicles.

Class 4 vehicles with 9-12 passenger seats and Class 5 vehicles with over 13 passenger seats which also require a seatbelt check are classed as a Class 4a or Class 5a, respectively.

The Annual Test

For vehicles over 3,500kg (that’s 3.5 tons), there’s a separate test known as the Annual Test. A test on these vehicles needs to be conducted by an Authorised Test Facility (ATF) or at the DVSA test station. Due to the larger size, the annual test cannot be done at a local repair centre.

Does my vehicle need an MOT?

Your vehicle most likely does. If your vehicle is three years or older, or is an ambulance, taxi, minibus, or playbus over one year old, then you’re legally required to put it through an MOT test once a year. This is in order to check that all vehicles on the road meet a minimum safety level.

Is My Van Class 4 or 7?

These classifications are decided on by gross weight, otherwise known as the maximum laden weight (the total weight the chassis can hold). This is also known as the MAM (maximum authorised mass) or GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight).

A Class 7 van is unlikely to weigh 3.5 tons, but its chassis is usually designed to be able to carry up to 3.5 tons (including the van itself). Usually, you’ll be able to find this information in your vehicle’s manual or often on a sticker by the driver’s door.

Book an MOT check

If your vehicle has an upcoming MOT test, get reliable help and testing at your local Kwik Fit centre. Simply call us today to book an appointment, or browse our MOT information pages for more information.