How Much Is a Van MOT?
A van MOT costs up to £54.85 for a smaller van and up to £58.60 for a larger one. This guide explains the maximum fees by weight, when your van is due and the simple ways to keep the price down.
How Much Is a Van MOT?
The cost of a van MOT depends on the weight of the van. A smaller van up to 3,000kg takes a Class 4 test with a maximum fee of £54.85, the same ceiling as a car. A larger van between 3,000kg and 3,500kg takes a Class 7 test with a higher maximum of £58.60.
These figures are legal maximums set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, so they are the most a garage can charge rather than a fixed price. In practice many garages sit below the cap to stay competitive. The weight that decides your van class is the design gross weight shown on the vehicle plate, which is explained in full in our guide on Class 4 vs Class 7 MOT.
If you are new to how the test works, our overview on What Is an MOT sets out what an MOT is and what it checks. It applies to vans in the same way as cars, since a van is tested against the same safety and emissions standards.
Maximum Van MOT Fees by Weight
The table below shows the legal maximum fee for the two van classes. Remember these are ceilings, so the price you actually pay may be lower depending on the garage you choose.
| Van Type | MOT Class | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Van up to 3,000kg | Class 4 | £54.85 |
| Van 3,000kg to 3,500kg | Class 7 | £58.60 |
| Failed test retest | Any | Often free within 10 days |
| Above 3,500kg | Commercial HGV | Separate testing scheme |
The difference between the two van caps is small, so for most owners the bigger question is simply making sure the van is booked in under the correct class. A Class 7 centre needs a ramp and brake equipment rated for the heavier vehicle, so not every garage is set up for it. Giving your registration to the test centre when you book lets them confirm the class from the plated weight and avoids any wasted trip.
Book Your Van MOT in Ely
Give our team your registration and we will confirm the correct class and price, then handle the test and any repairs in one visit.
Book Your MOTWhen Your Van Needs an MOT
A van follows the same age based rules as a car for most drivers. The first MOT is due three years after the date of first registration. After that the van must be tested every twelve months to stay legal on the road.
Most vans need their first MOT three years after the date of first registration shown on the V5C document.
Once the first test is done, the van must be tested again every twelve months for as long as it is used on the road.
Vans often cover big miles, so booking the test in good time keeps a working vehicle legal and avoids downtime you cannot afford.
For the wider rules on whether and how often a van needs testing, our guide on Vans and MOT covers the detail alongside this cost page.
What the Van MOT Fee Covers
It helps to separate the test fee from the cost of any work. The MOT fee pays only for the inspection and the certificate. If your van passes with no faults, that is all you pay. If it fails, the repairs needed to put it right are quoted and charged on top.
This is why two van owners can leave the same garage with very different bills. One collects a van that passed cleanly, while another needs a tyre or a brake repair to meet the standard. A good garage always confirms the cost of any repair before starting, so you stay in control of the final figure. For a working van, choosing a centre that can test and repair together simply saves you taking the vehicle off the road twice.
How to Keep Your Van MOT Cost Down
The honest ways to reduce the cost are the same as for a car. Booking the MOT together with a service often lowers the combined price. It also keeps a hard working van reliable as well as legal. A quick pre-test check of lights, tyres and wipers can prevent a needless fail on the day.
Value matters more than the headline price for a van that earns its keep. A garage that can test and repair in one visit avoids the downtime of a second trip. Clear advice on advisories helps you plan maintenance around your workload rather than being caught out. For a fuller look at what drives the final figure, see our guide on How Much Does an MOT Cost.
Explore More MOT Guides
Our full library answers the questions drivers ask most about testing, costs, rules and failures, all in one place.
Visit the MOT Guides HubPlan Your Van MOT
This guide is part of our full MOT Guides hub, where the testing, cost and rules articles sit together so you can move to the exact detail you need next. When it is time to book, our team offers full MOT testing and repairs from our centre in Ely. You may also find it useful to read Class 4 vs Class 7 MOT, Vans and MOT and How Much Does an MOT Cost.
Common Questions
Book Your Van MOT at Ely Motor Services
Our Ely centre tests Class 4 and Class 7 vans and can carry out any repairs needed to pass, all in one visit. Get a quote or call our friendly team today.