Written by the MOT Check Now editorial team and checked against GOV.UK and DVSA guidance. Last updated 3 November 2026. Read our editorial policy and how we get our data.
MOT test classes are the way the testing scheme groups vehicles so that each type is inspected against the right standard. If you have ever noticed that a garage advertises class 4 and 7 testing, or that a motorbike needs a different test station, that is the system at work. This guide explains the classes in use, what vehicles fall into each, and why the class affects the test, the fee and where you can go. The class descriptions follow the official GOV.UK MOT testing guide and the MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles.
Quick answers
- Which class is a normal car? Class 4, which also covers taxis, private hire vehicles, motor caravans, dual purpose vehicles, minibuses with up to 12 passenger seats and goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight.
- Which class is a motorbike? Class 1 up to 200cc (and electric solo motorcycles up to 4kW), class 2 for larger ones.
- Which class is a big van? Class 7 if its design gross weight is over 3,000kg and up to and including 3,500kg.
- Which class is a bus with 13 or more seats? Class 5 for private passenger vehicles, ambulances and motor caravans with 13 or more passenger seats.
- Why does it matter? The class decides the inspection, the maximum fee and which test stations can test your vehicle.
- Does the class change when the first MOT is due? Sometimes. Most are tested at 3 years, but taxis, ambulances and larger passenger vehicles are listed at 1 year.
Key facts at a glance
| Class | Typical vehicle | Dividing line | Maximum fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycle up to 200cc | Engine size 200cc | £29.65 (£37.80 with sidecar) |
| 2 | Motorcycle over 200cc | Engine size 200cc | £29.65 (£37.80 with sidecar) |
| 3 | Three-wheeler up to 450kg unladen | 450kg unladen weight | £37.80 |
| 4 | Car, taxi, minibus up to 12 seats, van up to 3,000kg | 8 seats (car fee), 12 seats, 3,000kg | £54.85 to £57.30 |
| 5 | Passenger vehicle with 13 or more seats | 13 passenger seats | Higher; see the fee table below |
| 7 | Goods vehicle 3,000kg to 3,500kg design gross weight | 3,000kg and 3,500kg | £58.60 |
Sources: GOV.UK MOT testing guide, MOT test fees page, and the MOT inspection manual for cars, private buses and light commercial vehicles. Fees are maximums and exclude VAT, which is not charged.
Why vehicles are split into classes
A motorcycle and a minibus have little in common apart from the need to be safe on the road. They have different brakes, lights, structures and seating, so the test must look at different things. The class system groups vehicles by type, weight and passenger seats. A test station needs to be approved for the class of vehicle it tests and must have the right equipment and trained testers, which is why not every garage can test every vehicle. To find a suitable station, see MOT near me.
The classes are also how the published inspection standards are organised. The inspection manual for cars, private buses and light commercial vehicles covers classes 3, 4, 5 and 7. Motorcycles have their own inspection manual, as do heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles. The manual applies in England, Scotland and Wales, while Northern Ireland has separate guidance from its own agency, as explained in MOT in Northern Ireland.
The classes at a glance
| Class | Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Motorcycles and motorcycle combinations up to 200cc, and electric solo motorcycles up to 4kW maximum continuous rated power |
| Class 2 | Larger motorcycles and motorcycle combinations, including electric variants |
| Class 3 | Three-wheeled vehicles up to 450kg unladen weight, excluding motorcycles with sidecars |
| Class 4 | Cars, taxis and private hire vehicles, motor caravans, dual purpose vehicles and minibuses up to 12 passenger seats, ambulances, quadricycles, heavier three-wheelers and goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight |
| Class 5 | Private passenger vehicles, ambulances and motor caravans with 13 or more passenger seats, including community and play buses |
| Class 7 | Goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to and including 3,500kg design gross weight, and zero emission goods vehicles over 3,500kg up to 4,250kg |
Class 1 and class 2: motorcycles
Motorcycles are divided by engine size. Class 1 covers motorcycles and motorcycle combinations up to 200cc and electric solo motorcycles with a maximum continuous rated power of not more than 4kW. Class 2 covers the larger motorcycles and motorcycle combinations, including electric versions. A sidecar affects the fee. The maximum fee for a motorcycle of any size without a sidecar is £29.65, and for a motorcycle with a sidecar it is £37.80. Our MOT check works for motorcycles as well as cars.
The first MOT for a motorcycle is due by the third anniversary of registration, then annually. The engine size is the key fact to establish. The DVLA vehicle data used by our vehicle check includes the engine capacity, which is the quickest way to see which side of the 200cc line a bike sits on. Motorcycle owners can find a dedicated page at the motorcycle MOT check. Because motorcycles are inspected against their own manual, the list of items differs from a car’s: there are no seatbelts to check, for example, but chain, belt and final drive condition, handlebars and sidecar attachments matter.
Class 3: light three-wheelers
Class 3 is for three-wheeled vehicles with an unladen weight of not more than 450kg, not including motor bicycles with sidecars. These are less common today, but they exist, and the maximum fee for a three-wheeler up to 450kg is £37.80. Heavier three-wheelers are tested in class 4, with a maximum fee of £54.85. The dividing line is unladen weight, meaning the weight of the vehicle without a load or passengers, so a vehicle that sits close to 450kg is worth confirming with the test station. A motorcycle with a sidecar is not a class 3 vehicle; it is tested as a motorcycle combination in class 1 or 2.
Class 4: cars and light vehicles
Class 4 is the one most drivers deal with. It covers cars and passenger vehicles with up to eight passenger seats, including taxis, private hire vehicles and ambulances. It also covers motor caravans and dual purpose vehicles, passenger vehicles with nine to twelve seats, quadricycles, three-wheelers over 450kg unladen weight, and goods vehicles that do not exceed 3,000kg design gross weight. The inspection manual for these vehicles includes the sections you will see in the MOT test checklist.
Maximum fees are set by type of vehicle. For a car with up to 8 passenger seats, the maximum is £54.85. For a passenger vehicle with 9 to 12 seats it is £57.30. For a goods vehicle up to 3,000kg it is £54.85. Motor caravans, quads, dual purpose vehicles, taxis, private hire vehicles and ambulances are also set at £54.85, as is a three-wheeler over 450kg. No VAT is charged. The full table is in MOT test costs.
Seat belt installation checks within class 4 and class 5
The inspection manual has a section on seat belt installation checks for vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats that were first used before 1 October 2001. On the GOV.UK fees table, vehicles that need this additional check are listed separately, with higher maximum fees. For a class 4 vehicle with 9 to 12 passenger seats the listed maximum with the check is £64; for a class 5 vehicle with 13 to 16 passenger seats it is £80.50, and for more than 16 passenger seats £124.50. If you own an older minibus or coach-type vehicle, ask the test station whether the check applies, since it affects the price you are quoted.
Class 5: larger passenger vehicles
Class 5 covers private passenger vehicles, ambulances and motor caravans with thirteen or more passenger seats, including community buses and play buses. These vehicles have their own testing requirements, and the manual for cars and light vehicles also includes supplementary tests for buses and coaches. Not every garage tests them, so check the station before you book.
The GOV.UK fees table lists private passenger vehicles and ambulances with 13 to 16 passenger seats at a maximum of £59.55, and those with more than 16 passenger seats and play buses at £80.65. All of these are listed with a first MOT at one year, not three, which is easy to miss if you have previously owned only ordinary cars. The supplementary section of the manual covers doors, emergency exits, grab handles and steps.
Class 7: heavier light goods vehicles
Class 7 covers goods vehicles over 3,000kg and up to and including 3,500kg design gross weight, plus zero emission goods vehicles over 3,500kg and up to 4,250kg. Many large vans fall into this class. The maximum fee for a goods vehicle between 3,000kg and 3,500kg is £58.60, and the GOV.UK table lists zero emission goods vehicles between 3,501kg and 4,250kg at the same figure. If you drive a large van, find the design gross weight from the vehicle’s plate or manufacturer information, because a small difference in weight changes the class and the test station you need. A van owner can use the van MOT check to see the status and history.
One point worth knowing: GOV.UK lists an exemption for electric goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2015, which is a separate matter from the zero emission goods vehicles tested in class 7. Zero emission goods vehicles registered since then are tested, up to the weight limit stated. See MOT exempt vehicles for the conditions.
If a garage mentions a class you do not recognise
The classes in this guide are the ones most drivers meet. If a garage quotes a class that is not listed here, ask them which vehicle types it covers and check the official guidance before booking. You may also see older documents that mention different class numbers, because the scheme has been reorganised over the years. The current GOV.UK MOT testing guide is the authority.
Vehicles that are not tested in these classes
Lorries, buses and trailers are tested under an annual test and not an MOT. Some vehicles do not need testing at all, for example tractors and electric goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2015, and qualifying historic vehicles. Our guide to MOT exempt vehicles explains the rules. Northern Ireland uses a separate system, covered in MOT in Northern Ireland.
How to work out your class
- Decide the vehicle type: motorcycle, three-wheeler, car or passenger vehicle, or goods vehicle.
- For a motorcycle, check the engine size. Up to 200cc points to class 1, larger to class 2.
- For a passenger vehicle, count the passenger seats. Up to twelve is class 4, thirteen or more is class 5.
- For a goods vehicle, check the design gross weight. Up to 3,000kg is class 4, and above that up to 3,500kg is class 7.
- For a three-wheeler, check the unladen weight against the 450kg dividing line.
- If you are unsure, ask the test station or look at the vehicle’s details in the vehicle check.
Our vehicle check shows the DVLA details such as make, fuel type and revenue weight, which can help you identify what kind of vehicle you have. It will not tell you the class directly, so confirm with the test station. Be careful with revenue weight in particular: it is a figure held for tax purposes and may not be the same as the design gross weight on the vehicle plate, so use the plate or manufacturer information for the class decision.
Where to find the facts you need
| Fact | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Engine size (motorcycles) | V5C log book, or the engine capacity in the vehicle data |
| Number of passenger seats | V5C log book, and a physical count of fitted seats |
| Design gross weight | The manufacturer’s plate on the vehicle, or manufacturer information |
| Unladen weight (three-wheelers) | V5C log book or manufacturer information |
| Body type and use (motor caravan, dual purpose, goods) | V5C log book entry for the vehicle |
| Fuel or power type (electric, zero emission) | V5C log book, and the fuel type in the vehicle data |
Worked examples
These are illustrative examples with invented vehicles, to show how the dividing lines work.
Illustrative example 1: the family hatchback. A five-seat petrol hatchback has up to eight passenger seats. It is class 4, the maximum fee is £54.85 and the first MOT is due by the third anniversary of registration.
Illustrative example 2: the 125cc scooter. A 125cc scooter is under the 200cc line, so it is class 1. The maximum fee is £29.65 for a motorcycle of any size without a sidecar. Another owner with a 650cc machine and a sidecar is in class 2, and the maximum fee is £37.80.
Illustrative example 3: the large panel van. A van has a design gross weight of 3,500kg on its plate. Because that is over 3,000kg and not over 3,500kg, it is class 7 and the maximum fee is £58.60. A smaller van with a plate weight of 2,800kg is class 4 at £54.85. The owner of the larger van needs a test station approved for class 7.
Illustrative example 4: the 12-seat minibus. A minibus with 12 passenger seats is class 4, and the maximum fee is £57.30. Because private passenger vehicles with 9 to 12 seats are listed with a first MOT at one year, a new one needs its first test a year after registration. A 14-seat community bus is class 5, with a maximum of £59.55 and also a first test at one year.
Illustrative example 5: the campervan. A converted van is registered as a motor caravan. Motor caravans are tested in class 4 at a maximum of £54.85. Had it remained registered as a goods vehicle, its weight would decide the class. The way the vehicle is recorded on the V5C is therefore worth checking before you book.
Does the class change the cost
It can. Fees are capped by vehicle type, and the cap differs between a motorcycle, a three-wheeler, a car, a larger passenger vehicle and a heavier goods vehicle. The cap is a ceiling, so a garage can charge less, and repairs are always extra. A vehicle that sits near a weight or seat boundary is the one most likely to surprise you, which is why it pays to confirm the class and the quoted price when you book. The retest rules in what to do after a failed MOT work in the same way whatever the class.
| Vehicle type (GOV.UK fees table) | Class | First MOT | Maximum fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle, up to or over 200cc, no sidecar | 1 or 2 | 3 years | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | 1 or 2 | 3 years | £37.80 |
| Three-wheeler up to 450kg | 3 | 3 years | £37.80 |
| Three-wheeler over 450kg | 4 | 3 years | £54.85 |
| Car, up to 8 passenger seats | 4 | 3 years | £54.85 |
| Motor caravan, quad, dual purpose vehicle | 4 | 3 years | £54.85 |
| Private hire and public service vehicle, up to 8 seats | 4 | 3 years | £54.85 |
| Ambulance and taxi | 4 | 1 year | £54.85 |
| Goods vehicle up to 3,000kg | 4 | 3 years | £54.85 |
| Passenger vehicle or ambulance, 9 to 12 seats | 4 | 1 year | £57.30 |
| Passenger vehicle or ambulance, 13 to 16 seats | 5 | 1 year | £59.55 |
| Passenger vehicle or ambulance, more than 16 seats; play bus | 5 | 1 year | £80.65 |
| Goods vehicle over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg | 7 | 3 years | £58.60 |
| Zero emission goods vehicle 3,501kg to 4,250kg | 7 | 3 years | £58.60 |
Borderline and unusual vehicles
Most vehicles fit neatly into one class, but a few situations cause confusion, and it is worth thinking them through before you book.
- Converted vans and campervans. How the vehicle is recorded matters. A vehicle registered as a motor caravan is tested in class 4, while one still registered as a goods vehicle is classed by its design gross weight. If you have converted a van, make sure the V5C reflects the current body type, and tell the test station how it is registered.
- Pick-ups and dual purpose vehicles. Dual purpose vehicles are named in class 4. A pick-up that is registered as a goods vehicle is decided by weight. The V5C entry is the starting point.
- Minibuses and people carriers. The count of passenger seats decides the class, so a nine-seater is class 4 while a thirteen-seater is class 5. Count the seats that are fitted, as recorded, not the number you usually use.
- Heavier electric vans. A zero emission goods vehicle over 3,500kg and up to 4,250kg is class 7. A purely electric goods vehicle registered before 1 March 2015 is a separate case and is exempt from the MOT, as set out in the GOV.UK guidance.
- Trikes and quads. A three-wheeler at or under 450kg unladen is class 3, one over 450kg is class 4, and quadricycles are class 4. If the vehicle looks like a motorcycle but has three wheels and no sidecar, check which category it is registered in.
- Imported vehicles. The class depends on what the vehicle is once registered in the UK. Use the details on the V5C and, if in doubt, ask the test station to confirm before the day.
- Vehicles near the weight line. A goods vehicle at exactly 3,000kg is class 4, and one a fraction heavier is class 7. Use the plate figure and not an estimate.
What to ask when you book a test for a non-car vehicle
When your vehicle is anything other than an ordinary car, a short call saves a wasted journey. Ask whether the station is approved for your class, whether it has the equipment for your vehicle’s size and weight, and what the total price will be. Say what the vehicle is and give its seat count or weight, and ask whether a seat belt installation check applies. Ask how long the test is expected to take and whether you can wait. Finally, ask what happens if the vehicle fails, including whether it can be left for repair and retested within 10 working days to qualify for the free partial retest. A garage that tests your class will answer these questions quickly. If it cannot, try another station from the options in MOT near me.
It also pays to note that the retest rules apply whatever the class: a free partial retest if the vehicle is left at the centre for repair and retested within 10 working days, a free retest if it is returned to the same centre by the end of the next working day for a limited list of items such as lights, mirrors, doors, seatbelts and wipers, a reduced partial-retest fee if it is taken away and returned within 10 working days, and the full fee otherwise. For heavier vehicles a repair can take longer, so plan the test well before expiry, inside the one-month-minus-a-day window explained in how early you can get an MOT.
What changes between classes
The principle of the test is the same: a tester inspects the condition and operation of safety-related parts and checks emissions. What differs is the list of items, the equipment used and the limits that apply. A motorcycle has no seatbelts to check, a goods vehicle has load-related checks, and a bus has additional checks specific to passenger carrying. Defects are graded in the same way across them, using the categories in MOT defect categories.
That means the pass or fail logic is identical: a dangerous or major defect fails the vehicle, and minor defects and advisories are recorded on a pass. A defect fixed during the test can be recorded as a pass after rectification. A dangerous defect means the vehicle must not be driven, whatever the class. For cars and light vehicles, the full list of areas is in the MOT test checklist.
First tests and renewal dates
Most vehicles need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration, then every 12 months, although some types need a first test at one year. Check the rule for your type on GOV.UK and see first MOT for how to work out the date. You can test up to one month minus one day before expiry and keep your renewal date.
Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, apart from driving to a pre-arranged test or to or from a repair. A vehicle with a dangerous defect must not be driven; driving one can bring a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and 3 penalty points. The position is explained in driving without an MOT.
What our tools show for each class
| Vehicle | Page to use | What you can see for free |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Car MOT check | Status, expiry, history, advisories, mileage chart, tax and SORN |
| Van | Van MOT check | The same details, plus revenue weight from DVLA data where held |
| Motorcycle | Motorcycle MOT check | Status, history, and engine capacity from the vehicle data |
| Any vehicle | MOT history | Every recorded test since the history began in 2005 for England, Scotland and Wales |
| Older vehicle | Historical MOT check | Past tests for older vehicles still in the record |
Our tools cannot tell you the class of a vehicle, cannot show owner details, and do not include finance, stolen or write-off data. The mileage flags are our own analysis of recorded readings and are an indicator, not proof of clocking. Where you want a single document, the full vehicle report costs £3.99 and is delivered as an instant PDF.
Common mistakes
- Booking with a car-only garage for a motorcycle or large van. The station must be approved for the class.
- Using revenue weight instead of design gross weight. The plate weight decides class 4 versus class 7.
- Assuming three years for everything. Taxis, ambulances and larger passenger vehicles are listed at one year.
- Forgetting the seat belt installation check. Older vehicles with more than 8 seats may need it, and it changes the price.
- Treating a sidecar as a separate class. A sidecar changes the fee, not the class.
- Not asking about price. The fee cap is a maximum. Ask for the price of the test before you book.
Check your own vehicle
If you are not sure what your vehicle is recorded as, the quickest step is to enter your registration number in the free MOT check. It shows the expiry date and test history, and you can set the MOT reminder so you do not miss the next one. For general background, read what is an MOT. If a vehicle you are thinking of buying is in an unfamiliar class, the used car checklist and the compare cars tool help you weigh it against alternatives, and the wider library of explainers is on the guides page.
Glossary
- Test class: the group a vehicle belongs to for MOT testing.
- Design gross weight: the maximum weight a vehicle is designed to reach when loaded, set by the manufacturer. It decides the class for goods vehicles.
- Unladen weight: the weight of a vehicle with no load or passengers. It decides the class for three-wheelers.
- Revenue weight: a weight held in the vehicle record for tax purposes. It is not the same thing as design gross weight.
- Motorcycle combination: a motorcycle with a sidecar.
- Quadricycle: a light four-wheeled vehicle, tested in class 4.
- Dual purpose vehicle: a vehicle designed for both passengers and goods, tested in class 4.
- Zero emission goods vehicle: a goods vehicle with no tailpipe emissions, tested in class 7 up to 4,250kg.
- Seat belt installation check: an extra check on certain older vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats.
- Test station: an approved site authorised to test particular classes of vehicle.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: MOT testing guide, including the descriptions of test classes
- GOV.UK: MOT test fees, including the first MOT age and maximum fee for each vehicle type
- GOV.UK: MOT inspection manual for private passenger and light commercial vehicles (classes 3, 4, 5 and 7)
- GOV.UK: Getting an MOT, and the historic vehicles guidance
- DVLA: Vehicle Enquiry Service API documentation, for engine capacity, revenue weight and wheel plan fields
MOT Check Now is independent and is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. See how we get our data, or contact us if you notice a class description that looks out of date.