What MOT class is my vehicle?

Is your MOT due soon? In the UK, every vehicle is categorised into an MOT class. These classes make it easier for garages and autocentres to carry out MOTs, which ensures the correct checks are made for your vehicle.

Merityre’s helpful guide will assist you with determining what MOT class your vehicle falls under and how that affects the price of your MOT test.

MOT classes explained

Are you unsure about which MOT class your vehicle falls under? Each vehicle is categorised into one of nine categories when the time comes for your annual MOT. The nine MOT classes used in the UK are:

Class 1:

Class 1 MOTs cover motorbikes and mopeds with an engine size of up to 200cc, with or without sidecars.

Class 2:

Class 2 MOTs are for any motorbike that has an engine size of over 200cc, with or without sidecars.

Class 3:

Vehicles with three wheels that weigh under 450 kilograms would come under Class 3.

Class 4 

Most vehicles on UK roads come under the Class 4 category, it covers many vehicle types, including:

• Three-wheeled vehicles that weigh over 450kg.
• Motor caravans.
• Cars with up to eight passenger seats.
• Private passenger vehicles and ambulances with 9 to 12 passenger seats.
• Ambulances and taxis.
• Goods vehicles with up to 3,000kg design gross weight.
• Quad bikes with a maximum weight of 400kg.
• Private hire and public service vehicles with up to eight seats.
• Dual-purpose vehicles.

Class 4a:

Vehicles that come under the Class 4a MOT category are also for vehicles with 9 to 12 seats but the test includes an additional seat belt installation check.

Class 5:

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances that have 13 seats or more would come under the Class 5 MOT category. Coaches and play buses would also require a Class 5 MOT test.

Class 5a:

Class 5a MOTs include private passenger vehicles, campers and ambulances, with the addition of a seatbelt installation check.

Class 6

Class 6 MOTs cover public service vehicles. A Class 6 MOT is conducted at DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) approved MOT test centres across the UK.

Class 7

Class 7 MOTs include large commercial goods vehicles with a gross weight between 3,001 and 3,500kg.

When would my vehicle require an MOT?

From three years old, every vehicle must undergo an annual MOT. However, minibuses, taxis and ambulances must undergo an MOT from one year old.

How much will my MOT cost?

It is important to find out what class of MOT test you require as the cost can vary depending upon the category of test required. Smaller vehicles often need fewer checks, which is reflected in the price. Merityre doesn’t offer MOTs for Class 7 vehicles, but our Class 4 MOTs start from £29.99.

To learn more about how much your MOT will cost, contact your local Merityre team today.