Van MOT rules: Class 4 vs Class 7 explained
Most vans need a Class 4 MOT, the same test category as a car. Once a van's design gross weight passes 3,000kg, up to the 3,500kg light goods vehicle limit, it needs a Class 7 test instead - a similar inspection, but on equipment rated for a heavier vehicle. Here is where the line falls, what changes, and what it costs.
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What is the difference between a Class 4 and Class 7 MOT?
Class 4 covers vans up to 3,000kg design gross weight - the same test category as an ordinary car. Once a van's design gross weight passes 3,000kg, up to the 3,500kg light goods vehicle limit, it needs a Class 7 test instead.
Both classes are annual tests covering the same broad areas: brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tyres, emissions, the body and chassis, seatbelts, the windscreen and washers, and the registration plate. The difference is not what gets checked, but how hard the heavier vehicle is tested on it.
Why does van weight change the test?
A heavier van puts more strain on its brakes, suspension and tyres, so a Class 7 test checks those components against tougher thresholds built for the extra load. Tyre load ratings matter more at this weight, since an underrated tyre on a heavily loaded van is a genuine safety risk.
Testing stations need a slightly bigger ramp and a brake tester rated for heavier axle weights to carry out a Class 7 test, which is why not every garage offers it. Check before booking if your van sits above 3,000kg.
How do I know which class my van needs?
Check the design gross weight on your van's V5C registration document or the manufacturer's plate, usually on the driver's door pillar or under the bonnet. 3,000kg or under needs a Class 4 test. Above that, up to 3,500kg, it needs Class 7.
Most small panel vans and car-derived vans fall into Class 4. Larger panel vans, particularly long-wheelbase or high-roof models, are more likely to sit in Class 7 territory - check rather than assume based on size alone.
This matters when comparing vans before buying or borrowing one, since a Class 7 van comes with a slightly higher testing cost and a smaller pool of garages able to carry out the test, both worth factoring in alongside the vehicle's other running costs.
How much does a van MOT cost?
As of August 2026, the maximum fee a garage can charge is £54.85 for a Class 4 test and £58.60 for a Class 7 test. These are ceilings, not fixed prices - many garages charge less, so it is worth comparing before booking.
Neither class needs testing more than once a year. A common misconception is that heavier commercial vehicles need six-monthly checks - that only applies to genuinely heavy goods vehicles well above the 3,500kg van threshold, not standard vans.
What happens if my van fails its MOT?
You cannot legally drive a van on public roads without a valid MOT once the certificate expires, other than to a pre-booked test or repair appointment. Driving without one risks a fine and can invalidate your insurance.
Keep an eye on the renewal date if you use a van only occasionally - it is easy to let an MOT lapse on a vehicle that is not driven daily, and the legal responsibility for checking it sits with the driver, not just the owner.
Does a modified van change its MOT class?
Aftermarket racking, ply-lining, or shelving fitted inside a van does not change its MOT class, since class is based on the van's design gross weight as built, not on what has been added afterwards for everyday use. A racking-fitted panel van tested as Class 4 stays Class 4 regardless of the kit inside.
What can change the class is a genuine conversion that alters the vehicle's design weight or intended use - converting a van into a motorhome, for example, or fitting a permanent heavy structural addition. If a van has been significantly converted from its original factory specification, check its current classification with the DVLA rather than assuming the original MOT class still applies.
Can I get an early MOT for my van?
Yes. A van's MOT can be renewed up to one month, minus a day, before the current certificate expires without losing any time - the new certificate's expiry date still runs from the original anniversary, not from the day of the new test.
Booking early is worth doing if your usual garage gets busy close to the deadline, or if the van will be away or in heavy use around the actual expiry date. It also leaves a buffer for repairs and a retest if the van fails first time, which leaving the test to the very last day removes entirely.
What if I am driving someone else's van?
If you are borrowing or hiring a van, check its MOT and tax status before you drive it - you are responsible for using it legally, even if you do not own it. The free DVSA MOT history checker on GOV.UK confirms whether it is current in seconds.
For a one-off job or borrowed van, our guide to man with a van versus borrowing a van covers what to check before you get behind the wheel, and temporary van insurance covers you on it in your own name for the time you need it.
Frequently asked questions
What weight van needs a Class 7 MOT?
Any van with a design gross weight between 3,001kg and 3,500kg needs a Class 7 MOT. Vans at 3,000kg or under need a Class 4 test, the same category as a car.
How much does a Class 7 MOT cost?
The maximum a garage can legally charge is £58.60, as of August 2026. Many garages charge less, so it is worth getting a few quotes, particularly if your usual garage does not hold Class 7 authorisation.
Do all garages test Class 7 vans?
No. Class 7 testing needs a larger ramp and a brake tester rated for heavier axle weights, so not every MOT centre offers it. Check before booking if your van is above 3,000kg.
Does a van need an MOT every 6 months?
No. Both Class 4 and Class 7 vans need an annual MOT, the same as a car. Six-monthly testing only applies to heavier commercial vehicles well above the van weight threshold.
Where do I find my van's design gross weight?
Check the manufacturer's plate, usually on the driver's door pillar or under the bonnet, or your van's V5C registration document.
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