If you own a car, van or minibus in the UK, you will probably have heard of the MOT test. It is a mandatory annual check to ensure vehicles on the road are safe, roadworthy and meet environmental standards. One of the most common categories is the Class IV MOT. In this article, you will learn what a Class IV MOT is, which vehicles fall into that class, what checks are involved, how often the test applies, what it costs and how to prepare.
What is a Class IV MOT
A Class IV MOT is the standard MOT test for many cars and light commercial vehicles. Vehicles that fall under this class are those with up to eight passenger seats, plus certain other types including light goods vehicles (vans) with a design gross weight not exceeding 3,000 kilograms. It also covers ambulances and taxis with up to eight passenger seats, motor caravans, dual purpose vehicles and certain quadricycles and three wheeled vehicles. Vehicles with nine to twelve passenger seats may also be tested under a subclass of Class IV (sometimes referred to as Class 4A) if additional seat belt installation checks are needed. If the vehicle exceeds the weight or seating thresholds, it may fall under other MOT classes.
Vehicles not included
If the vehicle’s design gross weight exceeds 3,000 kg or has more than twelve passenger seats, it will not usually fall under Class IV. Goods vehicles heavier than 3,000 kg may require a Class VII MOT. Vehicles used as heavy service vehicles or large passenger carriers, such as coaches and large buses, are in higher classes.
What the MOT test checks
A Class IV MOT test includes a wide range of checks to ensure that everything from basic safety to environmental impact is acceptable. Among the items inspected are brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, mirrors, horn, exhaust and emissions, bodywork and structure, seat belts, doors and windows, fuel system, identification and registration plates, and visibility systems such as the windscreen, wipers and washers. The test does not generally cover the full mechanical condition (for example, internal engine wear), but focuses on components important for safe and lawful operation.
Frequency and first test requirements
For many Class IV vehicles, the first MOT is required when the vehicle reaches three years old from its date of first registration. After that, it must be tested every year. Some vehicles have different requirements. For example, taxis and ambulances may need their first test sooner or be subject to additional inspections.
Cost of a Class IV MOT
There is a maximum fee set by the government that MOT test centres may charge for Class IV tests. As of the current guidance, the maximum fee is £54.85 for most cars or goods vehicles up to 3,000 kg in this class. Some garages may charge less. Retests following a failed MOT are usually less expensive, and many garages offer a free retest if repairs are done there within a certain period.
Legal implications of having no valid MOT
Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is illegal. If you are caught driving without one, you may be fined, your insurance may not cover you, and you risk the safety of yourself and other road users. The MOT test is not just about compliance. It is also about safety and environmental protection.
How to prepare for a Class IV MOT
To increase the chances of passing the MOT first time, there are several steps you can take. Before the test, check lights such as headlights, brake lights and indicators, tyres including tread depth and general condition, mirrors, windscreen and wipers, doors, seat belts, exhaust for leaks, emissions and bodywork for rust or damage. Ensure the registration plate is clean, legible and correctly fixed. Have documents like your V5C and previous MOT certificate handy. Fix minor issues in advance where possible, such as replacing bulbs or wiper blades. Garages often provide a checklist or guidance.
Class IV vs other MOT classes
It is useful to know how Class IV differs from other MOT classes. For example, Class VII is for goods vehicles with a design gross weight between 3,001 kg and 3,500 kg. Classes for vehicles with more than twelve passenger seats, or for heavier goods vehicles, have stricter or more extensive inspections. Vehicles with nine to twelve passenger seats may require extra seat belt installation checks under subclass 4A. Knowing which class your vehicle is in helps ensure you take it to a test centre authorised for that class, and that the correct checks are done.
What happens if you fail
If your vehicle fails its MOT test, the test centre will issue a document listing the defects. You are allowed time to fix those problems and then present the vehicle for a retest. The retest must usually be done within a certain period. If dangerous faults are not remedied before driving, you should not drive the vehicle until they are fixed. Keeping the proof of repair can help if there are any legal issues.
Summary
If you drive a car, van or minibus that falls under the criteria for Class IV, its MOT is an essential annual or first required check to ensure safety, legality and environmental compliance. Knowing which class your vehicle belongs to, what is tested, what it costs and how to prepare will help you avoid failures, fines or worse. Always keep on top of your MOT due date, address minor issues early, and use a test centre authorised for your vehicle class.