If your van has a design gross weight of up to 3,000kg, it will normally need a Class 4 MOT. A goods vehicle over 3,000kg and up to 3,500kg normally needs a Class 7 MOT. From 1 June 2026, there is also an important exception: zero-emission goods vehicles over 3,500kg and up to 4,250kg now fall into Class 7.
The key figure is the vehicle’s design gross weight, not what it happens to weigh on the day of the test.
At Windmill Garage in Horndean, we carry out Class 4 MOTs for cars, light vans and small minibuses. We do not currently advertise Class 7 MOT testing, so if your van is Class 7, you will need a test centre authorised and equipped for that class.
Class 4 or Class 7 MOT: the quick answer
For an ordinary petrol, diesel or hybrid goods van, this is the simplest way to start:
| Vehicle | MOT class |
|---|---|
| Three-wheeled vehicle up to 450kg unladen | Class 3 |
| Car with up to 8 passenger seats | Class 4 |
| Goods van up to 3,000kg design gross weight | Class 4 |
| Certain passenger vehicles with 9–12 passenger seats | Class 4 |
| Certain 9–12 seat vehicles requiring a seat belt installation check | Class 4A |
| Private passenger vehicle with 13 or more passenger seats | Class 5 |
| Petrol, diesel or hybrid goods vehicle over 3,000kg and up to 3,500kg design gross weight | Class 7 |
| Zero-emission goods vehicle over 3,500kg and up to 4,250kg design gross weight | Class 7 |
These classifications come from the current DVSA MOT testing rules.
There are exceptions, particularly for some dual-purpose vehicles, pick-ups and passenger vehicles, so weight alone does not settle every unusual case.
If you already know that yours is Class 4, you can read our fuller guide to Class IV MOTs for cars, vans and minibuses.
What does design gross weight mean?
Design gross weight, often shortened to DGW, is the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to have when fully loaded.
That includes the vehicle itself, the driver and passengers, fuel, tools, stock, equipment and anything else being carried.
It is sometimes described as:
- gross vehicle weight
- GVW
- maximum authorised mass
- MAM
- maximum permissible mass
The important point is that you do not work out your MOT class by putting the van on a weighbridge.
Imagine you have an empty van that weighs 2,100kg today but is designed to weigh up to 3,500kg when fully loaded. For MOT classification purposes, the relevant figure is 3,500kg.
For an ordinary goods van of that weight, that normally means Class 7.
Where can I find my van’s design gross weight?
The easiest place to start is the manufacturer’s weight plate, commonly called the VIN plate.
Its exact position varies between vehicles. You might find it:
- inside the driver or passenger door opening
- on a door pillar
- under the bonnet
- in the engine bay
- around the bulkhead
The plate normally contains several numbers.
You are looking for the vehicle’s maximum permitted laden weight or design gross weight, rather than the axle weights.
[IMAGE: close-up of a typical van VIN/manufacturer’s plate with the design gross weight clearly circled, while keeping the VIN itself generic/not identifiable]
For example, if the relevant figure is:
2,800kg: an ordinary goods van would normally be Class 4.
3,500kg: an ordinary petrol, diesel or hybrid goods van would normally be Class 7.
Do not simply use the van’s kerb weight or unladen weight. They are different measurements.
If the plate is unclear, has been replaced, or you are unsure which figure applies, check the vehicle documentation or ask an MOT test station before booking. It is much easier to establish the correct class beforehand than to arrive at a test centre that cannot test your vehicle.
Class 4 vs Class 7 MOT: what is actually different?
People sometimes assume a Class 7 MOT is a completely different examination. It is not.
Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7 are covered by the same DVSA inspection manual, with requirements applied according to the type and class of vehicle. The familiar areas of an MOT still matter: brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, structure, seat belts where applicable, emissions and other safety-related components.
The important practical differences are the vehicle classification, the equipment the MOT station needs to test it and the maximum fee that can be charged.
Not every Class 4 MOT station is authorised or equipped to test Class 7 vehicles. That is why it is worth checking before you book a larger van.
How much does a Class 4 or Class 7 MOT cost?
The government sets maximum MOT test fees.
As of August 2026, the maximum fees are:
| MOT | Maximum test fee |
| Class 4 car or goods vehicle up to 3,000kg | £54.85 |
| Class 7 goods vehicle | £58.60 |
MOT test fees are not subject to VAT. A garage can charge less than the maximum, but cannot charge more for the MOT test itself.
At Windmill Garage, our published Class IV MOT web test fee is £54.85, including diesel emissions testing where applicable. If the vehicle fails its first test, our published policy is a free re-test.
You can see our current MOT and servicing prices before you book.
A 2026 change electric van owners need to know about
There is now an important exception to the familiar 3,500kg Class 7 ceiling.
From 1 June 2026, zero-emission goods vehicles with a design gross weight of more than 3,500kg and up to 4,250kg are treated as Class 7 vehicles for MOT purposes.
Their first Class 7 MOT is generally required three years after registration.
This change matters because electric vans can be heavier than equivalent petrol or diesel vehicles, largely because of the battery. The increased limit allows qualifying zero-emission goods vehicles to remain within the Class 7 MOT system at weights where a conventional goods vehicle would be outside it.
So if you run a newer electric van, do not assume that anything above 3,500kg automatically falls outside Class 7.
What about pick-ups and dual-purpose vehicles?
This is where the simple weight rule can become less simple.
Some vehicles that can carry both passengers and goods are legally treated as dual-purpose vehicles. Class 4 includes qualifying dual-purpose vehicles, and the DVSA has specific criteria covering their construction and unladen weight.
The current guidance also contains particular provisions for certain 4×4 pick-ups and crew-cab vehicles with a design gross weight over 3,000kg and up to 3,500kg where unladen-weight information is unavailable.
So do not assume that every pick-up showing 3,200kg or 3,500kg on its plate automatically needs Class 7.
If you own a crew-cab or 4×4 pick-up and are uncertain, give the MOT station the exact make, model, registration and weight information so its correct classification can be checked.
What MOT class does a minibus need?
The answer depends mainly on the vehicle’s passenger seating and use, rather than applying the Class 4/Class 7 goods-van weight split.
For private passenger vehicles, the DVSA classes include:
Up to 8 passenger seats
These are generally Class 4.
Remember that the driver’s seat is not counted as a passenger seat.
9 to 12 passenger seats
Private passenger vehicles with 9 to 12 passenger seats can be Class 4, although some require a Class 4A test involving an additional seat belt installation check.
13 or more passenger seats
Private passenger vehicles with 13 or more passenger seats generally fall into Class 5.
Different requirements can apply to public service vehicles, taxis and other vehicles used in particular circumstances, so a commercial minibus operator should not rely on passenger numbers alone.
If you have a small private minibus that falls within Class 4, our MOT testing service in Horndean covers Class IV cars, light vans and small minibuses.
Does Windmill Garage do Class 7 MOTs?
At present, Windmill Garage advertises Class IV MOT testing rather than Class 7 testing.
Our Class 4 service covers cars, light vans and small minibuses, with a published web test fee of £54.85 and a free re-test if the vehicle fails first time.
If your goods van is up to 3,000kg design gross weight and otherwise falls within Class 4, you can book your MOT online using our live diary.
If your van is over 3,000kg and requires a Class 7 MOT, you will need a test station authorised for Class 7. We would rather tell you that before you book than have you turn up with a vehicle we cannot MOT.
Keeping a working van ready for its MOT
For a business van, an MOT failure can mean more than a repair bill. It can mean cancelled jobs and a vehicle sitting idle when you need it earning money.
A few regular checks can catch obvious problems early:
- check every exterior light
- inspect tyre tread and condition
- keep an eye on tyre pressures
- check the windscreen for damage
- make sure the washers and wipers work properly
- investigate warning lights rather than leaving them until MOT week
- pay attention to changes in braking, steering or suspension
- keep servicing up to date
Our van service checklist covers the regular maintenance that helps keep a working vehicle dependable.
If you operate several cars or vans locally, our fleet management service also covers MOTs, servicing, diagnostics and repairs for vehicles that fall within the services we provide.
Class 4 vs Class 7 MOT FAQs
Is a Transit Class 4 or Class 7?
It depends on the particular Transit. Model name alone is not enough because Transits come in different sizes and weight ratings. An ordinary goods version up to 3,000kg design gross weight will normally be Class 4; over 3,000kg and up to 3,500kg will normally be Class 7.
Check the manufacturer’s weight plate rather than guessing from the van’s size.
Is a 3.5-tonne van Class 7?
For a conventional goods vehicle, yes. A petrol, diesel or hybrid goods vehicle with a design gross weight over 3,000kg and up to 3,500kg normally falls into Class 7.
There can be exceptions for vehicles meeting the definition of a dual-purpose vehicle.
Can a Class 4 MOT garage test a Class 7 van?
Not necessarily. A test station must be authorised and have suitable equipment for the vehicle class it is testing. Always check that a garage offers Class 7 MOTs before taking a Class 7 van there.
Windmill Garage currently advertises Class IV testing.
Does an electric van over 3.5 tonnes need a Class 7 MOT?
It can. Since 1 June 2026, zero-emission goods vehicles over 3,500kg and up to 4,250kg design gross weight are included in Class 7.
Is a minibus Class 4 or Class 7?
Class 7 is primarily a goods-vehicle classification, so do not use the van weight rule to classify a minibus. Private passenger vehicles with up to 12 passenger seats can fall within Class 4, while vehicles with 13 or more passenger seats generally fall into Class 5. Some 9–12 seat vehicles require a Class 4A test.
Does Windmill Garage MOT vans?
Yes, provided the van falls within Class IV and is suitable for our testing facilities. Our MOT service specifically covers cars, light vans and small minibuses. If you are unsure about your van, call us on 02392 571003 before booking.
Book your MOT or service in under a minute
If your van is Class 4, we can get its MOT booked into our Horndean workshop without any fuss.
Book online any time at https://www.windmillgarage.co.uk/book-in-your-car/ or call us on 02392 571003 (Mon–Fri, 8.30am–5pm).