Which MOT class does my vehicle need?
Information for drivers in England.
Most ordinary passenger cars use Class 4. Other vehicles need a class based on their construction, use, seats or weight. Use the outline below to understand the choices, then have the test station confirm the classification for your vehicle.
Quick answer
Most ordinary passenger cars use Class 4, while other vehicles have different requirements. Check the vehicle's construction, use, seats and weight with the test station before booking.
- Confirm the vehicle's class with the station.
- Use the correct seating and weight information.
- Check that the branch tests that class.
Vehicle type
Cars, motorcycles and passenger vehicles have different classifications.
Seats and use
Tell the station about passenger seats and any conversion.
Specified weight
For goods vehicles, have the plated weight details ready.
MOT classes used in England
Find the vehicle type, then check the written criteria with your test station. Pictures are illustrative; vehicle use, construction and specifications determine the class.
| Vehicle | MOT class | Which vehicles it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Class 1 | Up to 200cc. |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | Class 1 | Up to 200cc, with a sidecar. |
| Motorcycle | Class 2 | Over 200cc. |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | Class 2 | Over 200cc, with a sidecar. |
| Three-wheeled vehicle | Class 3 | Up to 450kg unladen weight. |
| Car and eligible variants | Class 4 | Cars with up to 8 passenger seats; motor caravans; goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight; three-wheelers over 450kg unladen; dual-purpose vehicles; taxis and ambulances. Eligible quads and other passenger-use variants are detailed in the official class list. |
| Passenger vehicle or ambulance | Class 4 | Private passenger vehicles and ambulances with 9–12 passenger seats. |
| Seatbelt installation check | Class 4A | Eligible Class 4 vehicles with 9–12 passenger seats requiring an installation check. |
| Passenger vehicle or ambulance | Class 5 | Private passenger vehicles and ambulances with 13–16 passenger seats. |
| Larger passenger vehicle | Class 5 | Private passenger vehicles and ambulances with more than 16 passenger seats. |
| Playbus | Class 5 | Playbuses. |
| Seatbelt installation check | Class 5A | Eligible Class 5 vehicles with 13–16 passenger seats requiring an installation check. |
| Seatbelt installation check | Class 5A | Eligible Class 5 vehicles with more than 16 passenger seats requiring an installation check. |
| Petrol, diesel or hybrid goods vehicle | Class 7 | Over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight. |
| Zero-emission goods vehicle | Class 7 | 3,501kg to 4,250kg design gross weight. |
Passenger seats exclude the driver. Design gross weight is the vehicle's specified maximum laden weight, not its weight on the day. Class 4 includes further eligible vehicles; check the official classification for conversions and unusual vehicles.
Classes 1 and 2: motorcycles
Class 1 covers motorcycles up to 200cc, with a separate sidecar variant. Class 2 covers motorcycles over 200cc, also with a sidecar variant.
Class 3: lighter three-wheeled vehicles
Class 3 covers three-wheeled vehicles up to 450kg unladen. Confirm the vehicle's classification with the station.
Class 4: cars and other eligible vehicles
Class 4 includes ordinary cars, motor caravans and certain other vehicles. Private passenger vehicles and ambulances with 9–12 passenger seats have a separate variant.
Classes 4A and 5A: installation checks
These apply to eligible vehicles requiring a seatbelt installation check: 4A for 9–12 passenger seats; 5A for 13–16 or more than 16.
Class 5: larger private passenger vehicles
The listed variants cover private passenger vehicles and ambulances with 13–16 seats, those with more than 16, and playbuses.
Class 7: specified goods vehicles
Class 7 covers petrol, diesel and hybrid goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight, and zero-emission goods vehicles from 3,501kg to 4,250kg.
What information should I give the station?
Provide your registration and explain any conversion or change of use. For a passenger vehicle, have the seating details ready; for a goods vehicle, have the plated weight information available. Do not choose a class from the vehicle's appearance or the cheapest advertised test.
Ask whether the particular branch tests that class. A service appearing in a catalogue does not establish that every garage offers it. This guide is an outline and does not determine unusual, public-service or heavy-vehicle classifications.
Is every van a Class 7 MOT?
No. Class depends on the relevant vehicle specifications, including weight and use. Give the test station the plated details and confirm the class before selecting an appointment.
Does an adapted vehicle always use the original MOT class?
Ask the station to assess the conversion and current use. Have seating and weight information available. The vehicle's appearance or old booking history is not enough to resolve every adaptation.
Can a car MOT station test my motorcycle?
Only if the station offers the appropriate motorcycle test. Confirm the class and sidecar details when booking rather than choosing a car appointment.
Can I choose a cheaper MOT class?
No. Ask the station to confirm the correct classification. Price is not a basis for changing the class that applies to the vehicle.
Find an MOT garage near you
Enter your postcode to find local garages. Add your registration to include your vehicle details.
Check your MOT status and expiry date before planning your next test.
Official guidance and further reading
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (opens in a new tab or window), where applicable.
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