What are classes, and what can I test?

Vehicles in the UK are separated by classes. These classes refer to the size, weight and number of wheels a vehicle has. The majority of cars fall into Class 4 (example; Audi A4, Kia Venga), but commercial vehicles (example; Fiat Ducato, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) are under Class 7. Motorbikes are either Class 1 or 2, and this is dependent on the engine size. Motorcycle sidecars are unaffected by the class difference.

What space do I need for an MOT bay?

The amount of space you require for an MOT bay is dependent on what classes you want to test, and the configuration of the MOT bay. We offer both recessed and surface-mounted in-line and side-by-side configurations.

The DVSA requires you to have a publicly-accessible area for viewing a MOT test in progress; and the MOT noticeboard must be publicly-accessible. This could be a room you notate as a reception that has a physical line of sight to the test equipment, via a non-recording live CCTV system, or a seperate physical viewing location near the MOT test equipment.

You can have part of the headlight or brake testing standing area externally to save more space in your workshop.

The amount of headroom you require is dependent on the configuration of the MOT bay and the classes you want to test. For example:

• Class 4 MOT bays require a minimum headroom of 3.8 metres over the lift. All other equipment, or a pit layout must have at least 2.4 metres of headroom.
• Class 7 MOT bays require a minimum headroom of 4.8 metres over the lift. All other equipment, or a pit layout must have at least 3.2 metres of headroom.

We are one of the only suppliers in the UK to be able to provide an in-line Class 4 MOT bay that spans less than 9 metres in length internally; and that has the capabilities to comfortably test longer Class 4 vehicles, such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Our Class 4 bays at minimum length can be reduced as far down to 7 metres, and our Class 7 bays can be reduced to 9 metres; providing that you have the necessary width and headroom.

Can I test all classes on a single MOT bay?

Yes, it is possible to have an "All Classes" MOT bay. You can test anything from motorcycles through to long-wheelbase vans on an All Classes MOT bay, provided that the bay and your workshop meets the DVSA's requirements. For Class 3 vehicles (and some Class 4), a moving platform is required to be fitted to a lift or pit in order to support the singular wheel on 3-wheeled vehicles. An All Classes MOT bay encompasses Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5L and 7.

The absolute minimum requirements we recommend for an All Classes MOT Bay are as follows:

• Internal Building Length: 11500mm
• Internal Building Width: 4500mm
• Internal Building Height: 4800mm

What's included in an MOT bay from yourselves?

How do I purchase an MOT bay?

First, a site survey will be required to ensure the suitability for having an MOT bay at your premises. We offer this service from £250 for a 50 mile radius of Northampton. Further charges apply for sites outside this radius. Our site survey service includes a consultation on your testing capabilities, a proposal drawing and a site plan for use with your VT01 application. We'll then put you in touch with one of our trusted suppliers, who will be able to install and calibrate the equipment for your site, along with any other equipment you may need. We can handle the initial VT01 application on your behalf at a cost of £49 per site. This includes ourselves filling out the VT01 on your behalf, supplying you with an application checklist that explains every document you will need in order to get your application approved in principle by the DVSA.