Almost all vehicles on the road are required to have an MOT test once a year, but with such a wide range of vehicles currently driving around, a blanket one-size-fits-all category is incredibly difficult to administer. As such, the government has categorised each vehicle into one of eight different MOT Classes.
What MOT class is my vehicle?
The majority of vehicles on the road fit into Class 4, however it is easy to work out what MOT class your vehicle fits into as long as you know its type, its weight and its engine size. Once you have worked out which class you fit into, you’ll be able to see if you need to visit a specialist test centre or not.
| Vehicle Type | Vehicle Class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee |
| Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80 |
| Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Cars (up to passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Quads (max unladen weight 400kg – for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30 |
| Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65 |
| Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65 |
| Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50 |
| Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50 |
| Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60 |
Questioning the MOT class of you vehicle? Then you may also find these expert articles helpful
Questioning the MOT class of you vehicle? Then you may also find these expert articles helpful
What are MOT classes?
MOT classes are a set of designations coming from the DVLA to identify which type of test they need to be put through before they can be deemed as roadworthy for the next 12 months, ranging from motorcycles up to heavy goods vehicles.
Why are MOTs split into classes?
The main basis of all MOT tests are similar in that they check a number of safety features across all vehicles on the roads, however some vehicles do require more in-depth checks with more specialist testers. Some MOT test centres have been found to be carrying out tests for vehicles they are not qualified to test – with testers only being qualified to carry out Class 3 or 5 tests once they have completed their qualifications for Class 4 & 7 testing, as well as the DVSA MOT demonstration test.
If you are searching for a Class 3 or 7 MOT, then it is always important to check to ensure that the test centre you are visiting is approved to test the vehicle you are bringing in.
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MOT common questions
We cover the common questions asked by our customers about MOT expiration, exemption, tax and status checks. Find out everything you need to know below.
What MOT class is my vehicle?
Understand the importance of MOT classes: learn which category your vehicle fits into, ensuring roadworthiness with the right test and expert care.
Can you tax a car without MOT?
Learn the rules around taxing a car without an MOT, including exemptions and legal workarounds for ensuring your vehicle stays roadworthy.
How to Check Your Car’s MOT Status
Easily check your car’s MOT status online to stay compliant, plan renewals, or verify details when buying or selling a vehicle.
When is a vehicle MOT exempt
Discover which vehicles are MOT exempt, including classic cars and specialist vehicles, and learn the rules for maintaining road legality without an MOT.
Or, visit our MOT Hub for guides on everything related to MOT.
Sell your MOT failed car
If you want to get rid of a car which has failed it’s MOT test, or is damaged beyond repair, you can get an instant and free quote online. Simply add your reg number and postcode and we can find you a salvage buyer in your area.
