Why MOT Tests Matter for Vehicle Safety and Legal Compliance
In the UK, an MOT test is an important part of driving legally because it shows that your car meets the government's minimum safety standards. The goal is to help keep roads safer for everyone. When you book at a mot testing centre, you’re getting a straightforward, independent check that helps you stay safe and road-legal.
However, an MOT is not the same as a full service, because it focuses on safety-critical parts rather than overall wear and tear. If something like the engine goes wrong, you can often pull over safely, but if your brakes fail, you and others on the road could be in immediate danger. Whether you drive a small car, a van, or dual-purpose vehicles, it is worth knowing what MOT Class is your vehicle before you book.
Overview of MOT Classes and How Vehicles Are Categorised (Infographic)
MOT Class 1 & 2: Motorcycles, Scooters, and Mopeds
Class 1 and Class 2 cover motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds, and the main difference is about the vehicle’s speed. Class 1 is for bikes built to go over 50 km per hour, while Class 2 is for mopeds designed to top out at 50 km per hour or less. If you are unsure, a MOT class checker can help you confirm what applies to you.
Both classes still need an MOT, but the inspection focuses on bike-specific safety parts, such as stability, lights, tyres, and brakes. You can also use our check my MOT tool to review key details before you book a test in the UK.
MOT Class 3: Three-Wheeled Vehicles Explained
Class 3 includes three-wheeled vehicles such as trikes and small delivery models. They require an MOT that is appropriate for their design, and you can confirm the correct category using our mot class check before booking.
At approved test stations, testers thoroughly examine key safety areas such as lights, tyres, and the exhaust system. The goal is to ensure the vehicle is safe and legal to drive on UK roads.
MOT Class 4: Cars, Taxis, and Light Commercial Vehicles
Class 4 is the most common MOT category in the UK, and it covers many everyday vehicle types, including cars, taxis, and light vans. In simple terms, it applies to vehicles with a gross weight up to 3,000 kg, so most private cars and smaller work vans belong to this class. If you drive one of these class 4 vehicles, it is very likely that your MOT will be a Class 4 test.
During the MOT, the tester checks core safety areas such as brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and exhaust emissions. These checks help confirm the vehicle is safe to use on the road. You can check MOT class of vehicle with our MOT Check, and see when your next test is due.
MOT Class 5: Minibuses and Larger Passenger Vehicles
Class 5 covers minibuses and other larger passenger vehicles (like public service vehicles), usually where there are more than eight passenger seats. This type of vehicle is built to carry groups, so the MOT has to reflect the extra responsibility that comes with passenger travel. Many people also describe these as vehicles with up to 12 passenger seats (or around 12 passengers), depending on the layout.
The inspection is similar to a Class 4 test, but it includes extra checks linked to size and passenger safety. The aim is to confirm the vehicle can carry people securely on UK roads, with no key faults missed. If you are unsure where you fit, our car data check can help you confirm the correct class.
MOT Class 6 & 7: Goods Vehicles and Commercial Transport
Class 6 and Class 7 apply to vehicles used to transport goods for work, so the rules are aimed at keeping commercial transport safe and dependable. Class 6 is for lighter goods vans weighing up to 3,000 kg, and Class 7 is for heavier vehicles weighing between 3,000 and 3,500 kg.
Both Class 6 and Class 7 MOT tests place strong attention on safety and emissions, because these vehicles often do high mileage and carry heavy loads. The checks help confirm the van or truck is roadworthy for daily use.
What Is a Class 4 MOT and Which Vehicles Need It?
A Class 4 MOT is the most common MOT test in the UK, and most drivers will come across it at some point. It usually applies to standard cars and many light commercial vehicles, so it is the test you will often get when you book at a local test centre. The aim is to confirm the vehicle meets basic road safety and emissions rules.
A Class 4 MOT includes checks on many everyday parts that affect safe driving. Common areas include the following.
- Seats and seat belts, plus warning lights and switches
- Windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and the horn
- Lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates
- Brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, and wheel bearings
- Exhaust, fuel system, emissions, and the vehicle body and chassis
What Is a Class 5 MOT and When Is It Required?
A Class 5 MOT is a more specialised test used for larger passenger vehicles with more seats than a standard car. It is required as class 5 vehicles are built to carry groups of people, so the test needs to reflect that extra responsibility. The goal is to ensure that the vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and appropriate for regular passenger use in the UK.
The test covers many of the same safety areas as Class 4, with added focus on passenger equipment and condition. Checks typically include the following.
- Seats, seat belts, and a seat belt installation check when required
- Windscreen, glazing, mirrors, wipers, and washers
- Lights, indicators, hazards, reflectors, and number plates
- Brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, and wheel bearings
- Exhaust, fuel system, emissions, and overall body and chassis condition
What Is a Class 7 MOT for Vans and Commercial Vehicles?
The Class 7 MOT test is for the biggest vehicles in the standard MOT test classes. It usually applies to bigger work vans. In general, commercial goods vehicles weighing between 3,000 and 3,500 kg require this test. This total weight includes the vehicle itself plus any load it is built to carry.
The Class 7 test covers many of the same core safety checks as a Class 4 MOT, so brakes, lights, tyres, steering, and emissions are all covered. It also includes extra checks that suit larger commercial vehicles. These often include the following.
- Entrance and exit doors
- Steps and stairs
- Seat belt installation checks
Many garages can test Class 4 and Class 7 vehicles, but it is still smart to confirm the garage is equipped for your class. Some vehicles may be exempt in specific cases, so check before you book if you think an exemption might apply.
Class 4a and Class 5a MOTs: Ambulances and Special Use Vehicles
Class 4a and Class 5a are MOT categories used when extra seat belt checks are needed on larger passenger vehicles. If a Class 4 vehicle has 9 to 12 passenger seats, it is usually treated as Class 4a because the seat belts must be checked in more detail.
Class 5a applies when Class 5 vehicles have more than 13 passenger seats and also need the seat belt check.
Does My Vehicle Need an MOT Test Every Year?
In most cases, yes, your vehicle will need an MOT every year once it reaches a certain age. If your vehicle is three years old or more, the law normally requires an annual MOT to confirm it meets basic road safety standards.
Some vehicles need tests earlier because they carry passengers or have a public role. Private passenger vehicles and ambulances, taxis, minibuses, and playbuses usually need an MOT each year once they are over one year old. This helps keep the minimum safety level consistent for everyone using UK roads.
Is My Van MOT Class 4 or Class 7?
Your van’s MOT class depends on its gross weight, not just how heavy it feels when it is empty. This is the maximum laden weight, also called MAM or GVW, and it tells you the total weight the van and its load are allowed to be. That number is what separates a Class 4 van from a Class 7 van.
A van in Class 7 often does not weigh 3.5 tonnes on its own, but it is built to carry up to that limit when loaded. To find the right figure, check your vehicle handbook, or look for a weight plate or sticker near the driver’s door area. Once you know the MAM or GVW, you can match it to the correct MOT class when booking your test.
What class mot is my vehicle?
What is my vehicle mot? You can usually check your vehicle’s MOT class in a couple of minutes with the right details. Start by looking at your V5C logbook, your handbook, or the weight plate near the driver’s door, as these often show the key figures. If you are still unsure, contact your local MOT centre and ask them to confirm before you book.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Correct MOT Class
Picking the right MOT class is mostly about what you drive, how much it can weigh when loaded, and what you use it for. Most people with a normal car will be in Class 4, but other vehicles, including motor caravans, can fall into a different class depending on their details. Getting this right helps you book the correct test the first time and avoids problems at the garage.
If you are not sure, our MOT Check tool can show your vehicle’s MOT history and the class it sits under. It also helps you keep an eye on your MOT expiry date, so you don't miss your renewal date. Regular MOTs are a simple way to stay safe and to stay legal on UK roads.
FAQs
What MOT class is my van?
What class MOT is my van? Most vans are Class 4 or Class 7, and the difference is based on the van’s maximum authorised mass, also called MAM or GVW. Check the weight plate near the driver’s door, your handbook, or your V5C logbook, then match that figure to the right class. If you are still unsure, call an MOT centre and ask them to confirm before you book.
What things to check before MOT?
Start with the simple things that often cause quick MOT fails, like lights, indicators, number plates, tyres, and wipers. Top up fluids if they are low, make sure the horn works, and clean the windscreen so the view is clear. These things to check before MOT take a few minutes and can help you avoid a retest for an easy fix.
What are MOT advisories?
MOT advisories explained: MOT advisories are notes from the tester about parts that are not broken right now but might need some repairs soon. They often cover wear and tear items, like tyres getting close to the legal limit or brakes starting to wear.
Can an MOT be done at home?
Can a mot be done at home? No, an MOT has to be carried out at an authorised MOT test centre by an approved tester, using the right equipment. You can do your own quick checks at home, but the official test cannot be completed there.
