Class 4 MOT

Class 4 is the most common MOT test category and includes the vehicles listed below:

• Cars with up to eight passenger seats
• 3-wheeled vehicles over 450kg
• Motor caravans such as campers or motorhomes
• Vehicles such as ambulances and taxis
• Private passenger vehicles (up to 12 passenger seats)
• Goods and services vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3,000kg

Almost every aspect of a vehicle is checked and/or tested during an MOT test.

• number plate – this needs to be secure and legible and needs to meet government requirements
• lights – the MOT checks that these are all in correct working order
• steering and suspension – all components of these systems are inspected to ensure correct functionality
• wipers and screenwash reservoir – wipers must clear the windscreen effectively and there must be adequate screenwash in the bottle
• windscreen – the MOT tester will be looking out for chips and cracks, particularly in the area in front of the driver
• horn – they check that this works
• seatbelts – they need to be in good condition, to work and to be the correct type
• seats – these are checked to ensure that they are secure
• fuel system – there must be no leaks and the petrol cap must fit securely
• emissions – there are specific guidelines that exhaust emissions must fall within and the exhaust will be inspected for leaks and for correct noise levels
• bodywork – the MOT test will be looking for dangerously corroded areas or any sharp edges
• doors – the doors need to open and shut correctly
• mirrors – will be checked for damage and secure fitting
• wheels and tyres – they will look at the condition of your tyres, in particular, tread depth, any damage, that they are the correct size and that they are secure
• brakes – the entire braking system, including the hand brake, will be tested on a roller brake tester to make sure that it’s all operating correctly