If you’ve ever wondered what a Class 5 MOT is, you’re not alone. MOT vehicle classes can be confusing, particularly because Class 5 covers a relatively specific group of passenger vehicles that many MOT testing stations don’t routinely test.
A Class 5 MOT applies to certain private passenger vehicles with 13 or more passenger seats, including vehicles such as larger minibuses, coaches and other passenger vehicles that fall within the Class 5 MOT category.
For MOT Testers, Class 5 is also different because an existing MOT testing authorisation doesn’t automatically mean you can test Class 5 vehicles. Testers must meet the relevant DVSA requirements before Class 5 can be added to their testing authorisation.
In this guide, we’ll explain which vehicles fall into Class 5, how Class 5 differs from other MOT classes and what an MOT Tester needs to do to become authorised to test Class 5 vehicles.
What Vehicles Are Class 5?
Class 5 MOTs apply to certain larger passenger-carrying vehicles. Under the DVSA MOT vehicle classifications, Class 5 includes private passenger vehicles, ambulances and motor caravans with 13 or more passenger seats.
These vehicles fall within vehicle categories M2 or M3 and can include larger passenger vehicles, community buses and play buses.
It’s important not to assume that every minibus or passenger vehicle is automatically Class 5. Passenger vehicles with 9 to 12 passenger seats can fall within Class 4, depending on the vehicle and its seat belt installation.
There are also additional classifications within this area. Class 5A applies where a qualifying Class 5 vehicle requires an additional seat belt installation check, while Class 5L refers to certain lightweight Class 5 vehicles that can be tested at appropriately approved Class 5L testing stations.
Because the correct MOT class depends on the vehicle’s type, seating capacity and, in some cases, its seat belt installation, the vehicle should always be correctly identified before determining which MOT test is required.
What’s the Difference Between Class 4, Class 5 and Class 7 MOTs?
The main difference between Class 4, Class 5 and Class 7 MOTs is the type of vehicle being tested.
Class 4 covers most cars and smaller passenger vehicles, as well as certain motor caravans, ambulances and passenger vehicles with up to 12 passenger seats. It also includes goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight.
Class 5 covers private passenger vehicles, ambulances and motor caravans with 13 or more passenger seats. This includes certain community buses and play buses. Depending on the vehicle and its seat belt installation, a Class 5A test may be required instead.
Class 7 primarily covers goods vehicles over 3,000kg and up to 3,500kg design gross weight. From 1 June 2026, it also includes certain zero-emission goods vehicles over 3,500kg and up to 4,250kg design gross weight.
Although Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7 all sit within MOT test group B, being authorised to test Classes 4 & 7 does not automatically authorise a tester to test Class 5 vehicles. Additional Class 5 training and a further DVSA Demonstration Test are required before testing Class 5 vehicles.
Who Can Carry Out a Class 5 MOT?
A Class 5 MOT must be carried out by an MOT Tester who is authorised to test Class 5 vehicles.
If you’re already authorised to test Classes 4 & 7, this does not automatically mean you’re authorised to test Class 5 vehicles. Although Classes 3, 4, 5 and 7 are all within MOT test group B, DVSA treats adding Class 5 as an additional test class for demonstration-test purposes.
Testers wishing to add Class 5 therefore need to meet the relevant DVSA requirements and successfully demonstrate their competence for the additional vehicle class before carrying out Class 5 MOT tests.
Class 5 testing also includes additional vehicle-specific inspection requirements. DVSA’s demonstration-test criteria contain a dedicated section for additional information for Class 5 vehicles, including requirements relating to driving controls, brake performance, steering, visibility and other Class 5-specific items.
How Do You Become a Class 5 MOT Tester?
If you’re already an authorised MOT Tester for Classes 4 & 7 and want to add Class 5 to the vehicle classes you can test, you’ll need to complete the appropriate Class 5 training before applying to DVSA to extend your authorisation.
Class 5 training develops the additional knowledge and practical skills needed to test larger passenger-carrying vehicles correctly and apply the specific inspection requirements relevant to Class 5.
Once you’ve completed the required training, you’ll also need to successfully complete a DVSA Demonstration Test for Class 5 before you can begin testing vehicles in that class.
The demonstration test is carried out by a DVSA Vehicle Examiner and allows you to demonstrate that you can competently carry out a Class 5 MOT test and apply the appropriate testing standards.
Do You Need a DVSA Demonstration Test for Class 5?
Yes. If you’re adding Class 5 as an additional MOT test class, you’ll need to successfully complete a DVSA Demonstration Test before becoming authorised to test Class 5 vehicles.
During the demonstration test, a DVSA Vehicle Examiner will assess your ability to carry out the relevant testing procedures correctly and apply the standards required for Class 5 vehicles.
If you’d like to know more about how the assessment works, what the Vehicle Examiner will be looking for and how to prepare, read our DVSA Demonstration Test guide.
Class 5 MOT Tester Training with Pro-Tech
Pro-Tech provides Class 5 MOT Tester Training for existing MOT Testers who want to extend their authorisation to test Class 5 vehicles.
Training covers the additional knowledge and practical requirements associated with Class 5 testing, helping testers understand the relevant inspection standards and prepare for the next stage of the DVSA authorisation process.
Training is delivered by experienced MOT professionals with practical knowledge of MOT testing, DVSA requirements and MOT compliance.
Once you’ve completed your training, our team can also support you in preparing for the DVSA Demonstration Test required to add Class 5 to your testing authorisation.
View our Class 5 MOT Tester Training →
Class 5 MOT FAQs
What vehicles need a Class 5 MOT?
Class 5 covers certain private passenger vehicles, ambulances and motor caravans with 13 or more passenger seats. The exact MOT class can depend on the vehicle type, number of passenger seats and, in some cases, its seat belt installation.
Is a minibus Class 4 or Class 5?
It depends on the number of passenger seats and the vehicle’s specification. Passenger vehicles with up to 12 passenger seats can fall within Class 4, while qualifying passenger vehicles with 13 or more passenger seats fall within Class 5. Always check the appropriate DVSA vehicle classification for the particular vehicle.
Can a Class 4 & 7 MOT Tester test Class 5 vehicles?
Not automatically. An existing Classes 4 & 7 Tester must meet the additional requirements for Class 5 before it can be added to their MOT testing authorisation.
Do I need another DVSA Demonstration Test for Class 5?
Yes. When adding Class 5 as an additional test class, you’ll need to successfully complete the relevant DVSA Demonstration Test before becoming authorised to test Class 5 vehicles.
What is the difference between Class 5 and Class 5A?
Class 5A applies to qualifying Class 5 vehicles that also require a seat belt installation check. This additional requirement relates to the installation of certain seat belts rather than simply the standard Class 5 MOT inspection.
