What is an MOT Test Class 4 and What Vehicles are Included?
What is an MOT Test Class 4 and What Vehicles are Included?
If you own a vehicle in the UK, you're likely familiar with the term "MOT test." The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual examination required by law to ensure that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards. One of the most common categories of MOT tests is Class 4. But what exactly is a Class 4 MOT test, and which vehicles fall into this category? Let's dive in.
Understanding MOT Test Class 4
An MOT test Class 4 is the standard test for most passenger cars and smaller vehicles. It is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe to drive and meet the required environmental standards. The test checks various components of the vehicle, including:
- Brakes: Ensuring they are effective and safe.
- Lights: Checking all lights are functioning correctly.
- Steering and Suspension: Ensuring the vehicle handles properly and safely.
- Tyres and Wheels: Checking for correct tread depth and overall condition.
- Seat Belts: Ensuring they are secure and functional.
- Exhaust and Emissions: Ensuring the vehicle meets environmental standards.
- Body Structure: Checking for any damage or corrosion that could affect safety.
- Doors: Ensuring they open and close properly, both from inside and outside.
- Mirrors: Ensuring they are in good condition and provide a clear view.
- Fuel System: Checking for leaks and ensuring the fuel cap fastens correctly.
An MOT test Class 4 is the standard test for most passenger cars and smaller vehicles. It is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe to drive and meet the required environmental standards. The test checks various components of the vehicle, including:
- Brakes: Ensuring they are effective and safe.
- Lights: Checking all lights are functioning correctly.
- Steering and Suspension: Ensuring the vehicle handles properly and safely.
- Tyres and Wheels: Checking for correct tread depth and overall condition.
- Seat Belts: Ensuring they are secure and functional.
- Exhaust and Emissions: Ensuring the vehicle meets environmental standards.
- Body Structure: Checking for any damage or corrosion that could affect safety.
- Doors: Ensuring they open and close properly, both from inside and outside.
- Mirrors: Ensuring they are in good condition and provide a clear view.
- Fuel System: Checking for leaks and ensuring the fuel cap fastens correctly.
Vehicles Included in MOT Test Class 4
- Class 4 MOT tests cover a wide range of vehicles. Here are the types of vehicles that typically require a Class 4 MOT test:
- Passenger Cars: Most standard cars fall into this category, including sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes.
- Light Vans: Light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 3,000 kg.
- Taxis: Vehicles used for public transportation that need to meet safety and emission standards.
- Private Hire Vehicles: Vehicles used for private hire must pass the Class 4 MOT test to ensure passenger safety.
- Ambulances: Emergency vehicles also fall under this category and need regular safety checks.
- Motorhomes: Smaller motorhomes with a GVW of up to 3,000 kg.
- Quads: Quad bikes (including those used for farming and recreation) must meet specific safety and environmental criteria.
- Dual Purpose Vehicles: Vehicles designed for both on-road and off-road use, such as some SUVs and crossovers.
- Class 4 MOT tests cover a wide range of vehicles. Here are the types of vehicles that typically require a Class 4 MOT test:
- Passenger Cars: Most standard cars fall into this category, including sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes.
- Light Vans: Light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 3,000 kg.
- Taxis: Vehicles used for public transportation that need to meet safety and emission standards.
- Private Hire Vehicles: Vehicles used for private hire must pass the Class 4 MOT test to ensure passenger safety.
- Ambulances: Emergency vehicles also fall under this category and need regular safety checks.
- Motorhomes: Smaller motorhomes with a GVW of up to 3,000 kg.
- Quads: Quad bikes (including those used for farming and recreation) must meet specific safety and environmental criteria.
- Dual Purpose Vehicles: Vehicles designed for both on-road and off-road use, such as some SUVs and crossovers.
Importance of a Class 4 MOT Test
Importance of a Class 4 MOT Test
The Class 4 MOT test is crucial for ensuring that vehicles on the road are safe to drive and meet environmental standards. Without a valid MOT certificate, it is illegal to drive a vehicle on public roads (except when driving to a pre-booked MOT test). Additionally, having a valid MOT certificate helps to maintain your vehicle's resale value and ensures that any potential issues are identified and rectified promptly.
Booking Your Class 4 MOT Test
Booking Your Class 4 MOT Test
If your vehicle falls into the Class 4 category, it's essential to book your annual MOT test before your current certificate expires. You can book your MOT test up to a month before the expiry date without losing the existing expiry date, ensuring that you have continuous coverage.
Regular MOT tests help to keep your vehicle in top condition, making sure it's safe for you, your passengers, and other road users. Make sure to schedule your Class 4 MOT test with a reliable and certified MOT test centre to ensure a thorough and accurate inspection.
By understanding what a Class 4 MOT test entails and which vehicles are included, you can better prepare for your next MOT test and ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy and compliant with UK regulations.
Thurton Auto Centre Customer Enquiry

The whole team has a great work ethic
Lyn & Bo P - Wolfie Restoration

The customer service was 1st class.
John & Sharon King - Dethleff A Class Motorhome

I was pleasantly surprised to be given a bill much less than anticipated
John Barnes - Thurton resident

I can easily see why they get 5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had my Ford Focus ecoboost cambelt and water pump changed today. I chose this garage because of the reviews and I can easily see why they get 5 stars. Fantastic service from start to finish. The ecoboost has a wet internal belt so it does need extra care, but when Ford wanted £2000 to carry the work out I looked else where. And that’s why I chose Thurton Auto Centre, and I would recommend you do the same. I cannot fault anything. All the parts used were genuine Ford and carried out to a high standard. The mechanic even showed me my old belt saying it was the right thing to do as it was on its way out! Thanks again.
Tom - Local resident

You don’t get that level of professionalism just anywhere
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Motorhome Buying Experience at Thurton Auto CentreMy wife and I bought a Detheffs Motor Home …. Right from the moment we arrived to just view the vehicle we were greeted by Kevin who was not overbearing like most high pressure salesman.. quite the opposite.!!! He explained all the features and left us to take our time to look inside and out and then after a while return to see if we had any questions.?? Which we had a few as we have never owned a Motor Home before…. We shook hands and left with absolutely no pressure to push us into a sale.… after we returned the next day we once again had to good guided tour of the home and we then decided to go ahead and purchase the Vehicle …. They then said the vehicle will go into the valeting shop for a thorough clean inside and out not that it needed it ?? But my God what an amazing job they’ve done.Terry then came over to see us and between Kevin & Terry the whole process of buying with total confidence couldn’t have gone smoother.!!! Absolutely nothing was to much trouble .. you don’t get that level of professionalism just anywhere … For all our servicing and retro fits we will not be going anywhere else .. Thurton Auto Centre scores 10/10 For us ….Terry & Nicola Local residents

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating...
I can't recommend this garage enough. I broke down on way to Bedfordshire and they sorted my car out straight away. Absolutely brilliant
Jacquline Cowan - Visitor to Norfolk
Five stars isnt enough i would give 10 if i could
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Drove down for the weekend from london and had something go wrong with my car. They managed to fit me in at really short notice and they didnt try to rip me off. I was able to drive back to london safely and without having to be inconvenienced by being stuck there until i found a way of fixing my car or getting it back. Five stars isnt enough i would give 10 if i could
Ben - Visitor to Norfolk
would recommend Thurton Auto Centre to anyone who are feeling let down by their own garage. They are an independently owned garage who genuinly wants to look after its customers hoping they will return, I certainly will.

Huge Thank You...
Teresa Linstead