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Large Goods Vehicle MOT 2026: Class 7 £58.60 + HGV Test
Light goods vehicles 3,000-3,500kg unladen sit in DVSA Class 7 at a statutory maximum of £58.60. Above 3,500kg gross vehicle weight, the vehicle leaves the conventional MOT system entirely and moves to the separate DVSA annual goods-vehicle test, which is run at DVSA-authorised testing stations rather than at high-street MOT garages.
The Weight Split
| Vehicle weight | DVSA class | Test framework | Fee | Where tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 3,000kg unladen | Class 4 | Standard MOT | £54.85 max | Any DVSA-licensed MOT garage |
| 3,000-3,500kg unladen | Class 7 | Standard MOT | £58.60 max | Any DVSA-licensed MOT garage |
| Above 3,500kg GVW | n/a | Annual goods-vehicle test | Set by DVSA at testing station | DVSA-authorised testing station (ATF) or DVSA goods-vehicle testing station |
DVSA Class 7: Light Goods Vehicles 3,000-3,500kg
Class 7 covers goods vehicles between 3,000kg and 3,500kg unladen. Common examples include the heavier Ford Transit configurations, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3.5t, Iveco Daily 3.5t, Renault Master 3.5t, Peugeot Boxer 3.5t, Vauxhall Movano 3.5t and Volkswagen Crafter 3.5t.
The test framework is the same conventional MOT inspection as Class 4 cars and lighter vans, taken at any DVSA-licensed MOT garage. The £4 fee difference (£54.85 to £58.60) reflects the slightly longer testing time and lift requirements for the heavier vehicle. Test is annual, with the first MOT required 3 years after first registration.
See /van-mot-cost for the Class 4 vs Class 7 weight-boundary detail and a list of common van models per class.
Above 3,500kg: The DVSA Annual Goods-Vehicle Test
Vehicles above 3,500kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) leave the conventional MOT system. They are tested under the separate DVSA goods-vehicle annual test framework. Key differences from the consumer MOT:
- Test location. Tests happen at DVSA goods-vehicle testing stations or at Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) operated by hauliers and large fleet centres under DVSA supervision. Not at high-street MOT garages.
- Test frequency. Annual, but the test schedule is anchored to the registration anniversary rather than the consumer-MOT 3-year-then-annual cadence.
- Fee structure. Fees are set by DVSA per testing station per vehicle category and are not capped under the consumer MOT fee schedule. Typical fees published by DVSA for HGV testing vary by axle count, vehicle type (rigid, articulated, trailer) and whether the test is at a DVSA station or an ATF.
- Operator licensing. Vehicles in this category are usually subject to operator licensing rules (O-licence) and have additional roadworthiness inspections, separate from the annual test.
- Inspection scope. The test scope expands to cover load-bearing structures, coupling assemblies (for tractor units), brake performance under load, tachograph compliance and tyre specification per axle.
The consumer-facing MOT and the goods-vehicle test are administered by the same agency (DVSA) but are legally distinct frameworks with different fee structures, test locations and inspection scope.
What Class 7 Inspection Differs On vs Class 4
The conventional MOT inspection items are the same across Class 4 and Class 7. The areas where heavier vans typically draw extra attention:
- Load floor and bulkhead. Structural integrity of the load area, bulkhead securing, prescribed-area corrosion.
- Suspension. Heavier rear leaf springs and air-suspension components common on 3.5t-class vans receive close inspection.
- Brake performance. The brake force requirement scales with the vehicle weight; Class 7 brake-test deceleration thresholds are checked against the heavier weight.
- Tyre specification. Load index and speed rating must match or exceed the manufacturer specification for the loaded vehicle.
Need Class 4 (under 3,000kg)?
Most light vans sit in Class 4 at £54.85 statutory max, with typical garage charges from £35-50.
Van MOT Cost (Classes 4 + 7)