Class 7 MOT testing for vans and light commercials

What counts as a Class 7 vehicle

Class 7 is the MOT category for goods vehicles with a design gross weight (DGW) between 3,000kg and 3,500kg. That's most large panel vans used by trades and couriers around Park Royal, including:

• Ford Transit (LWB and jumbo variants)
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313, 314, 316 and 319
• Volkswagen Crafter
• Iveco Daily 35 series
• Renault Master, Vauxhall Movano, Peugeot Boxer, Fiat Ducato (heavier variants)
• Nissan NV400 and Maxus Deliver 9

How to check your vehicle's class

The design gross weight is on the manufacturer's plate — usually inside the driver's door shut or under the bonnet. If the top figure (gross vehicle weight) is above 3,000kg and up to 3,500kg, you need a Class 7 MOT rather than the Class 4 test used for cars and smaller vans. If you're unsure, send us a photo of the plate and we'll confirm before you book.

What we test on a Class 7 MOT

The Class 7 test covers the same broad areas as a car MOT, but with commercial-vehicle tolerances and heavier equipment. Key checks include:

• Brake performance under simulated load using our roller brake tester
• Steering, suspension, and axle geometry for a laden van
• Tyres, wheels, and load-rated speed ratings across every axle
• Lights, indicators, and reflectors — including reversing beepers where fitted
• Body structure, chassis condition, and load area security
• Emissions to the correct commercial vehicle limits for the fuel type and age
• Seatbelts, mirrors, wipers, washers, and driver visibility

Why Class 7 specialists matter in Park Royal

Park Royal is one of London's biggest commercial districts, and the streets around Coronation Road, Abbey Road, and Acton Lane are full of van-based businesses. A Class 7-approved workshop nearby means less downtime, no long drives across London to find a suitable bay, and a team that sees light commercials every day. At AStarAutos we're set up for the heavier lift, higher-rated brake tester, and load-simulation the test demands.

Fleet MOTs and downtime planning

For businesses running multiple vans, timing matters as much as price. We help local fleets in Park Royal stagger their MOT bookings so you never have more than one vehicle off the road at once. If a van fails, we quote the repair on the spot and — where possible — carry it out in the same visit so you get a fresh pass certificate without a second trip.

Preparing your van for the test

Most Class 7 fails come down to the same simple issues as car MOTs: blown bulbs, worn tyres, wiper blades, and warning lights left on the dash. Before you drop the van in:

• Clear the load bay so we can inspect the floor, seatbelts, and rear doors
• Check every bulb — including side markers and the high-level brake light
• Look over each tyre for cuts, bulges, and tread depth (3mm is a good working minimum on a working van)
• Top up screen wash and replace worn wipers
• Get any dashboard warning lights diagnosed before test day — they're an automatic fail

Frequently asked questions