Last updated: 12/9/2022
Motorhomes are categorised as a class 4 MOT, which means the majority of MOT testing stations should be able to test them.
However, due to the size and weight of some campervans and motorhomes, many may not have the required space and equipment to do so.
Owners are best advised to contact a Class 7 MOT testing centre, which cater for light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and therefore have the space and lifting equipment needed for larger motorhomes.
The maximum MOT test fee for a ‘motor caravan’ is £54.85 but testing stations may charge less.
As with cars, once a ‘motor caravan’ reaches the third anniversary of its registration, it requires an MOT on an annual basis.
How do motorhome MOTs work?
Defects found during the MOT are categorised as either dangerous, major, minor or advisory.
‘Dangerous’ and ‘major’ defects will result in a fail, while ‘minors’ are not considered severe enough to fail the test.
Advisories are similar to ‘minor’ defects but indicate that a component will become defective soon.
The MOT history of your motorhome can be found online using the DVSA’s MOT history portal.
Why isn’t my campervan classified as a motor caravan in the log book?
In some cases, DIY campervan conversions and even professional campervan conversions won’t be recognised as a campervan by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The DVLA refuses to recognise campervans as a motor caravan if it doesn’t outwardly look like one.
In these cases the DVLA will classify your campervan as a ‘van with windows’ or ‘multi-purpose vehicle’ (MPV) in the description section of the vehicle’s V5C log book.
However your campervan or motorhome is categorised, it must still undergo an annual Class 4 MOT if it was register three or more years ago.
Historic campervan MOT exemption
If your campervan was registered more than 40 years ago it is not mandatory to have an MOT but you may wish to voluntarily get an MOT for your campervan.
You can be fined up to £2,500 and get three penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
If you do have your your classic camper tested and it fails, it must be repaired and receive an MOT ‘pass’ before you can drive it on public roads again.
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