Everything you need to know about Class 7 MOTs
What is checked on a Class 7 MOT?
A Class 7 MOT is a testing procedure for large vehicles in the United Kingdom. The test covers both the safety of the vehicle and its emissions.
What is a Class 7 MOT?
A Class 7 MOT is an annual test of large goods vehicles (LGVs) over 3,500kg of maximum authorised mass. The test checks the safety and roadworthiness of the vehicle and its tyre condition.
The test is carried out by licenced testing stations and must be booked in advance. The test fee for goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) is currently £58.60.
During the test, the qualified examiner will check the condition of the brakes, suspension, steering, bodywork, tyres, wheels, mirrors, seatbelts, and lights. They will also check that there are no dangerous defects that could cause injury or death to you or other road users.
If an automobile passes its MOT, you will be given or issued a certificate that will be valid for 12 months from the date of expiration on your current certificate. If your vehicle fails its MOT, then you will be given a list of items that need to be repaired for it to pass the next time around. You can still drive your vehicle while these repairs are being carried out, but they must be completed within 28 days of SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) of your vehicle; otherwise, you could face being prosecuted by the police.
You also need to make a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) when you take a vehicle ‘off the road’ and you want to stop taxing and insuring it. Your vehicle is off the road if you do not keep or use it on a public road, for example, if it’s in a garage, on a driveway, or on private land.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for MOT Test
It’s that time again. Your vehicle is due for its annual MOT, and you’re dreading it, but it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little preparation, you can make sure your car is ready for its MOT and that the whole process goes as smoothly as possible.
Here are some tips on how to prepare your car for its MOT:
1. Make sure all service lights are off BEFORE taking your vehicle in for a MOT test; if they’re not, the testing centre won’t be able to carry out an inspection, and you’ll have to reschedule. If you’re unsure how to do this, ask a friend or take it to a garage beforehand so they can reset it for you.
2. Check the tyre tread depth and pressure; both of these things will be checked during the MOT, so it’s best to check them yourself beforehand and ensure everything is up to scratch. Tyre tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, while pressure should be checked using a digital gauge (don’t go by the markings on the tyres themselves). It’s always better to change your tyres before your MOT rather than wait for them to fail your vehicle; you replace them and then have to have it retested.
3. Top up your washer fluid levels. Part of the visual checks carried out during an MOT includes checking that there’s enough washer fluid to clean the windscreen properly, so always make sure it is topped up before taking it in.
How much does a Class 7 MOT cost?
MOTs are an important part of owning a vehicle. They help to ensure that your and others’ vehicles are safe to drive and meet all of the required legal requirements. While the cost of an MOT can vary depending on several factors, you can typically expect to pay around £58.60 for a Class 7 MOT. This includes both the test itself and whether it needs to be retested, as long as it is retested within 10 days. You only need a partial retest on the failure points if it is retested within 10 working days, and there’s no fee for this. If there are any major failure points, then you will not be allowed to take your vehicle to another garage to be repaired, as it is deemed dangerous to drive and risks you and other road users.
While the price of an MOT may seem like a lot, it is important to remember that it is an essential part of owning a car. An MOT can help catch potential problems with your vehicle before they become more serious, which could save you money in the long run. It is also worth noting that some reputable garages will offer discounts on MOTs if you book them alongside other services such as servicing or repairs.
Do I need a Class 7 MOT for my vehicle?
An MOT, or “Ministry of Transport” test, is required for all vehicles in the UK that are more than 3 years old. The test assesses the safety and roadworthiness of a vehicle and is conducted by qualified mechanics at authorised testing centres.
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you will be given a “refusal of issued certificate” notice. This means that your vehicle is not safe to drive on public roads and must be repaired before it can be retested.
There are a few exceptions to the MOT rule, such as vehicles that are exempt from road tax (electric vehicles such as milk floats) or those that are used solely for off-road purposes (such as agricultural vehicles). You can check whether your vehicle needs an MOT by searching for it in the government’s online database here.
What can I do to make sure my commercial vehicle passes?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your commercial vehicle passes its annual inspection. Firstly, you should always keep up to date with the recommended maintenance for your vehicle. This means regularly changing the oil, checking fluid levels, and inspecting the brakes and tyres. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can avoid larger issues that could mean it fails its inspection and MOT.
Secondly, you could take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic before the inspection. This way, they can check for any issues that need to be fixed and advise you on what needs to be done to pass.
Finally, ensure all of your paperwork is in order before taking your vehicle in for the inspection. This includes registration and proof of insurance. Having everything in order will help the process go smoothly and ensure that you pass your commercial vehicle inspection.
What happens if my vehicle fails the MOT test?
If a vehicle fails its MOT test and the failure points are major faults, then it cannot legally be driven on the road until the necessary repairs have been made. Once repairs have been made, the vehicle will need to be retested. See the reasons for failure below, and you can read our full MOT FAQs here.
Minor MOT Faults
Minor MOT faults are considered to be a problem that does not cause an immediate safety risk but should be rectified as soon as possible. If a car only has minor faults, it will be given an MOT pass certificate.
Major MOT Faults
A major fault is more serious as it could be a safety risk to drivers, others in your car, or others on the road. Major faults are also classified as having a damaging effect on the environment (a vehicle’s emissions). These failures will indefinitely result in an MOT failure until the issues have been rectified. If the vehicle still has a valid MOT from the previous year, it can still be driven, but only until the MOT expiration date.
Dangerous MOT Faults
A dangerous fault poses an immediate risk to the safety of the driver and other road users and will result in an immediate MOT failure. Unlike a major fault, the vehicle cannot be driven even if it has a valid MOT certificate. The car can only be driven when the failure has been rectified and it passes its MOT retest.
Class 7 MOT Conclusion
The MOT Class 7 test checks a large vehicle’s safety, emissions, and roadworthiness.
Safety is checked by making sure the vehicle has working brakes, steering, tyres, and lights. The tester will also check for any warning lights on the dashboard.
The emissions test measures the level of harmful gases coming from the car’s exhaust. All cars must meet minimum standards for emissions, although newer cars usually have lower emissions than older ones.
The roadworthiness test looks at various aspects of the vehicle to make sure it meets legal standards. This includes checking the suspension, bodywork, seatbelts, and mirrors.
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