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Van MOT Testing
Van MOTs in Smethwick for everything from a small Berlingo to a 3.5-tonne Sprinter. We test Class 4 and Class 7, explain the result plainly and quote any repairs before we touch the van.
Why book with us
Van MOT Testing with clear advice.
Vans take a harder life than most cars. They carry weight, stop and start all day and often rack up big miles, so brakes, suspension, tyres and steering wear faster. An MOT is the yearly check that the van is still safe to work in. We test vans on Cranford Street in Smethwick for sole traders, delivery drivers and small fleets from West Bromwich, Oldbury, Hockley and across Birmingham.
The class of MOT depends on the design gross weight on the van's plate, not on how big it looks. Class 4 covers cars and vans up to 3,000kg, such as most Transit Connects, Berlingos, Caddys and many mid-size panel vans. Class 7 covers goods vehicles from 3,000kg to 3,500kg, which includes most Sprinters, Ducatos, Boxers, Relays, Masters and the bigger Transits. We test both classes here, so whatever you drive up to 3,500kg, you can MOT it with us.
Plenty of garages only offer Class 4, which leaves owners of 3.5-tonne vans driving across town to find a Class 7 test. Because we do both, a builder with a Transit Custom and a removals firm with a Luton Ducato can use the same garage. We can also service and repair the van while it is here, so it only comes off the road once.
If the van fails, you get a written list of the failures and any advisories, and we explain each one in plain English. We quote for the repairs before doing anything and nothing goes ahead without your approval. Once the work is done we can retest the van, and if it comes back within 10 working days it is usually a partial retest. Advisories are not failures, but we tell you which ones are worth fixing soon.
Andrae has run ER Automotive in Smethwick for more than ten years, and we test cars and vans every week. To book your van MOT, call us on 0121 461 6097 or book online. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Have your registration ready and, if you can, check the design gross weight on your V5C so we book the right class.
Class 4 and Class 7
We test vans up to 3,000kg under Class 4 and goods vehicles from 3,000kg to 3,500kg under Class 7.
3.5-tonne vans welcome
Sprinters, Ducatos, Boxers, Relays, Masters and big Transits tested here.
Results explained
Failures and advisories put in plain English, in writing.
Repairs quoted first
We give you a price and wait for your go-ahead before any work.
MOT and service together
Book both at once so the van is only off the road once.
Local and easy to reach
On Cranford Street, Smethwick, handy for West Bromwich, Oldbury and Birmingham.
Van MOT Testing
What we check on a van MOT
Clear expectations, no surprises. If anything extra is needed, we explain it first.
- Brakes: condition, operation and performance, including the parking brake.
- Steering and suspension: joints, bushes, springs, shock absorbers and wheel bearings.
- Tyres and wheels: tread depth, condition, size and security.
- Lights, indicators, reflectors and the horn.
- Body, chassis and load area for corrosion and sharp edges.
- Doors, mirrors, seat belts and the driver's view of the road.
- Exhaust emissions and smoke, with diesel particulate filter checks.
- Fuel system and exhaust for leaks and security.
- A written pass or fail result with advisories explained.
- A clear quote for any repairs before work is booked.
Van MOT Testing
Common questions
- Is my van Class 4 or Class 7?
- It depends on the design gross weight, which is on your V5C and on the plate inside the door shut or under the bonnet. Vans up to 3,000kg are Class 4. Goods vehicles from 3,000kg to 3,500kg are Class 7. If you are not sure, give us your registration and we will help you check.
- Do you do Class 7 MOTs?
- Yes. We test Class 7 goods vehicles from 3,000kg to 3,500kg, which covers most Sprinters, Ducatos, Boxers, Relays, Masters and long-wheelbase Transits. We also test Class 4 vans and cars, so we can MOT a mixed fleet in one place.
- What about vans over 3,500kg?
- Goods vehicles over 3,500kg design gross weight are not MOT tested at garages like ours. They take an annual test at a DVSA testing station. We can still help with servicing and many repairs on the running gear, so give us a call to check.
- When does my van need its first MOT?
- A van needs its first MOT when it is three years old, then every year after that. You can have the MOT up to a month, minus a day, before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. Our free MOT checker shows your current expiry date.
- What are the most common van MOT failures?
- We mostly see worn brakes, tyres below the legal limit, suspension and steering wear, blown bulbs and corrosion on older vans. Vans that carry heavy loads every day wear brakes and suspension faster, so a quick check before the MOT can save a fail.
- What happens if my van fails?
- You get a written list of failures and advisories. We explain each one and quote for the repairs before doing anything. If you approve the work, we carry it out and retest the van. A van that comes back within 10 working days usually only needs a partial retest.
- Can I drive my van after it fails?
- Only if the old MOT is still valid and the van has no dangerous faults. A van with a dangerous fault must not be driven until it is repaired. We tell you clearly which category each fault falls into so you know where you stand.
- Can you service my van at the same time?
- Yes. Booking the MOT and service together is the easiest way to keep the van working, as it is only with us once. We service and repair all the common makes, including Ford, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Vauxhall, Renault, Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat.
- How do I book a van MOT in Smethwick?
- Call us on 0121 461 6097 or book online. We are on Cranford Street, Smethwick, B66 2RX, and open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Let us know the registration and, if you can, the design gross weight so we book the right class.
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Serving drivers across the local area
We provide van mot testing for customers from across the region — book online or call us.
Experts in van mot testing
Tell us your car and symptoms, we will advise honestly.
Serving Smethwick, West Midlands and surrounding areas towns. Message or call and we will outline likely costs before we book you in.