Van MOT rules explained: Class 4 vs Class 7 testing, when vans need MOT, what's tested differently, motorhome requirements, and common van failures.
Do vans need an MOT? Yes – most vans need their first MOT at 3 years old, then annually. But van MOT testing differs from car testing in key areas: weight class determines test type, load areas are inspected, and some dual-purpose vehicles have unique rules.
This complete guide explains van MOT requirements for 2025, including Class 4 vs Class 7 testing, motorhome rules, pickup truck classifications, what's tested differently on vans, common failures, and costs.
| Van Type | First MOT | Frequency | Test Class | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small vans (<3,000kg) | 3 years old | Annual | Class 4 | £54.85 |
| Large vans (3,000-3,500kg) | 3 years old | Annual | Class 7 | £58.60 |
| Motorhomes/Campervans | 3 years old | Annual | Class 4 or 7 | £54.85-£58.60 |
| Pickup trucks (dual-purpose) | 3 years old | Annual | Class 4 | £54.85 |
| Converted vans (camper) | 3 years old | Annual | Class 4 or 7 | £54.85-£58.60 |
Key points:
All vans (regardless of weight) need their first MOT 3 years after initial registration.
Example:
❌ No exceptions for commercial use (unlike some countries where commercial vehicles have different rules)
❌ No exemption for low-mileage vans (even if it's only done 1,000 miles)
✅ Historic van exemption: Vans over 40 years old (manufactured before 1 Jan 1985 in 2025) are exempt if substantially unchanged – but this is rare for working vans.
The weight of your van determines which type of MOT test is required.
For vans with:
Common examples:
Test characteristics:
For vans with:
Common examples:
Test characteristics:
Where to look:
V5C logbook (registration certificate)
Manufacturer's VIN plate
Owner's manual
Important: It's the design weight (maximum the van is rated for), not the actual weight when empty.
Example:
Van MOTs test everything that car MOTs test, plus some additional areas.
✅ Lights: Headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, fog lights, number plate light
✅ Tyres: Tread depth (1.6mm minimum), condition, damage, matching across axles
✅ Brakes: Effectiveness, balance, handbrake
✅ Steering: Play, condition, power steering
✅ Suspension: Shock absorbers, springs, bushings, ball joints
✅ Seatbelts: Condition, anchorage, operation
✅ Windscreen: Chips, cracks (same 10mm/40mm rules as cars)
✅ Wipers and washers: Function, condition
✅ Mirrors: Condition, security
✅ Horn: Audible and working
✅ Emissions: Diesel smoke opacity or petrol catalytic converter (if fitted)
✅ Registration plates: Legible, correct font, secure
✅ VIN (chassis number): Visible and matches V5C
What's checked:
Why it matters:
Common failures:
What's checked:
Failure example: Side sliding door doesn't latch properly (dangerous – could open in transit).
Some vans have:
All must work if they're part of the lighting circuit.
Testers look for:
Motorhomes and converted campervans have special MOT considerations.
Depends on conversion type:
If DVLA has re-classified as "Motor Caravan":
If V5C still shows "Van" or "Panel Van":
To re-classify: Apply to DVLA with evidence of conversion (photos, receipts). Benefits:
Standard MOT items (lights, brakes, suspension, etc.)
Plus motorhome-specific:
✅ Gas system (if fitted):
✅ Living area doors:
✅ Additional weight:
Not tested:
Pickup trucks (e.g., Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200) have unique rules.
Most pickups are classified as "Dual-Purpose Vehicles" (for tax and MOT purposes).
Requirements:
Why Class 4? They're designed for passenger + goods use (not goods-only like vans).
Standard car MOT items
Plus pickup-specific:
✅ Load bed:
✅ Rear lights:
✅ Suspension:
Common failures:
Based on DVSA data, here are the most common reasons vans fail MOTs:
Why vans fail more than cars:
How to avoid:
Typical failure: "Rear number plate light not working" – easy fix, but instant failure.
Why vans fail:
Common tyre failures:
How to avoid:
Why vans fail:
Common brake failures:
How to avoid:
Cost to fix: £150-£400 (pads + discs, both axles)
Why vans fail:
Common suspension failures:
How to avoid:
Cost to fix: £200-£600 (depends on components)
Most vans are diesel → smoke opacity test.
Common failures:
How to avoid:
Cost to fix: £100-£2,000 (DPF cleaning £150-£400, replacement £800-£2,000)
Vans rust faster than cars:
Common body failures:
How to avoid:
Cost to fix: £200-£1,500+ (depends on extent of welding needed)
2 weeks before MOT:
✅ Check all lights work (including fog, reverse, side markers)
✅ Inspect tyres (tread depth, sidewall damage, pressure)
✅ Test brakes (listen for squealing, check handbrake)
✅ Top up fluids (screen wash, brake fluid, AdBlue if diesel)
✅ Clear load area (remove tools, debris – tester needs to inspect floor)
✅ Check doors work (side sliding, rear barn doors, latches)
✅ Windscreen check (no chips >10mm in wiper area, no cracks in driver's vision)
✅ Registration plates clean and secure
1 day before MOT:
✅ Long drive (30+ minutes on motorway to warm engine, clear DPF)
✅ Fuel tank at least half full (helps emissions test)
✅ Wash van (easier for tester to inspect)
| Test Type | Cost | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Class 4 MOT | £54.85 | Vans up to 3,000kg |
| Class 7 MOT | £58.60 | Vans 3,000-3,500kg |
| Retest (within 10 days) | Free | All vans (if same garage) |
| Retest (after 10 days) | £54.85 or £58.60 | Full MOT fee |
Additional costs if you fail:
Can be tested at:
Easy to find – nearly all MOT centres do Class 4.
Can only be tested at:
How to find: Use gov.uk/find-mot-test-centre and filter by "Class 7".
Tip: Book in advance – fewer garages = less availability.
If you've converted a van (camper, day van, workshop, etc.), be aware:
✅ Secure fittings:
✅ Electrical safety:
❌ Not tested:
If you want your van classed as "Motor Caravan":
Partially. You need to:
You don't need to completely empty it, but testers must see the floor.
Technically yes, but:
Why? The 10-day rule assumes "minimal use" – commercial use could invalidate free retest.
Yes. Same rules as diesel/petrol vans:
What's not tested:
Yes. You can MOT up to 1 month before expiry without losing time.
Example:
Benefit: Avoids March/September rush.
✅ First MOT at 3 years old, then every year
✅ Class 4 (up to 3,000kg) = £54.85 | Class 7 (3,000-3,500kg) = £58.60
✅ Load area is inspected (not just passenger cabin)
✅ Van-rated tyres required (C or XL load rating)
✅ Clear load area before test (tester must see floor)
✅ Check all lights (vans have more lights than cars)
✅ Don't overload van (causes suspension/tyre wear → failures)
✅ Long drive before MOT (clears DPF on diesels)
Van MOTs are broadly similar to car MOTs, but the additional load area inspection and commercial use patterns mean vans often need more preparation. Check lights, tyres, and brakes thoroughly, clear your load area, and book with a Class 7-certified garage if your van is over 3,000kg. A little preparation ensures your van passes first time – keeping you on the road and earning.
MOT costs up to £54.85 for cars in 2025. Find average prices by region, free MOT deals explained, retest costs, and money-saving tips for UK drivers.
Vehicle-Specific GuidesComplete guide to hybrid car MOT testing. Learn about plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and mild hybrid MOT requirements, November 2025 rule changes, dual testing, and how to prepare your hybrid vehicle.
Vehicle-Specific GuidesDo electric cars need MOT? Yes. Learn what's tested on EVs in 2025, new November requirements for batteries and charging systems, EV-specific failures, and how to prepare your electric vehicle.