Setting up an MOT station is a major investment and choosing the right testing class is crucial for your business. When deciding, it’s important to first understand the difference between both.
Class 4:
Most common vehicles - covers taxis, private cars and light vans up to DGW of 3T.
Class 7:
Larger vans with DGW between 3T-3.5T. MOT Stations approved for Class 7 can also test Class 4 and Class 5L, a subset of larger vehicles up to 5T which includes minibuses of more than 8 seats excluding the driver.
With that in mind, what are the key points to consider?
Local Market Demand
✔ Demographics:
Is the area primarily residential or industrial?
✔ Competition:
Are there other MOT stations nearby? Which Classes are they testing?
✔ Your Customer Base:
Already operating? Which Classes do you regularly work on?
Premises
✔ Class 4 Minimum Requirements:
Building Length – 8.940m, Width – 3.950m, Roof Height – 3.8m, Vehicle Entrance – 2.4m Wide by 2.4m High (Based on a bay with a recessed Boston B443-440 Four Post Lift)
✔ Class 7 Minimum Requirements:
Bay Length – 10.675m, Width – 4.343m, Roof Height – 4.8m, Vehicle Entrance – 3.5m Wide by 3.2m High (Based on a bay with a recessed Boston B442-560 Four Post Lift)
✔ Parking and Manoeuvring Space:
Adequate parking plus space to manoeuvre vehicles – essential for larger Class 7 vehicles.
Financial Considerations
✔ Class 4:
Lower initial investment (building & equipment), high test volume potential. Tests currently capped at £54.85
✔ Class 7:
Higher setup cost (building & equipment), but versatile in the types of vehicles you can test. Tests currently capped at £58.60
In Summary
✔ Class 4 Only:
This is a good option if space or budget is limited and the area is primarily residential.
✔ Class 7:
Higher cost and larger space requirements, but with potentially more loyal, contract-based commercial
Ready to Plan Your MOT Bay?
Get in touch with our team today. We're here to help you make the right decision for your business and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Call 01708 525585 or complete our Contact Form to start the conversation.