MOT Class 7 in Hastings | Commercial Vehicle Testing at Castleham MOT Centre

Running a business with commercial vans in Hastings means keeping your fleet legal and roadworthy. At Castleham MOT Centre, we specialise in MOT Class 7 in Hastings for light goods vehicles weighing between 3,000kg and 3,500kg. Our DVSA-approved testing bay is equipped to handle larger vans, flatbed trucks, and commercial vehicles that work harder than standard cars.

What Vehicles Need a Class 7 MOT?

If your van or commercial vehicle has a Design Gross Weight between 3,000kg and 3,500kg, you’ll need a Class 7 MOT instead of the standard Class 4 test. This weight category includes most large panel vans like Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, and Iveco Daily models when they’re fitted out for commercial use.

Check your V5C registration document to confirm your vehicle’s weight classification. The plate inside your driver’s door will also show the maximum laden weight. Some medium-sized vans fall under Class 4 if they weigh less than 3,000kg, so it’s worth double-checking before you book. If you’re not sure which test your van needs, just give us a ring- we’ll sort it out quickly.

How Class 7 MOT Testing Works

Your Class 7 MOT covers all the standard checks from a Class 4 test, plus extra assessments designed for heavier commercial vehicles. We examine your brakes more thoroughly because stopping a fully loaded 3.5-tonne van takes considerably more braking power than a 1.5-tonne car. Our brake efficiency testing uses specialised equipment to measure stopping performance under load conditions.

Tyres get closer attention too. We don’t just check tread depth and condition- we verify your tyres are rated to handle your van’s maximum weight. Running incorrect load-rated tyres on a commercial vehicle is dangerous and will fail your MOT immediately. Many van owners don’t realise their tyres need higher load indices than car tyres, even if the sizes look similar.

Why Choose Castleham MOT Centre for Class 7 MOT in Hastings?

Not every garage in Hastings has the proper facilities for Class 7 testing. You need wider loading bays, heavier-duty ramps, and technicians trained specifically for commercial vehicle assessment. We’ve invested in the right equipment because we know how important your van is to your business.

Our MOT Class 7 in Hastings typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your vehicle’s condition. We run an efficient schedule, so you’re not waiting around all day. Many customers drop their van off in the morning and collect it by lunchtime. If you need to wait, you’re welcome to, we’ve got decent coffee and WiFi.

When your van passes, you’ll drive away with a valid certificate straight away. If there are issues, we’ll explain exactly what needs fixing and give you an honest price for repairs. No pressure, no overselling, just clear advice about what’s legally required and what can wait.

Common Class 7 MOT Failures and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent failures we see on commercial vehicles are completely avoidable. Worn tyres are the biggest culprit- check your tread depth is above 1.6mm across the full width of each tyre. Look for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns too.

Brake issues come next. If your van pulls to one side when braking, makes grinding noises, or the pedal feels spongy, get it checked before your MOT. Brake pads wear faster on heavier vehicles, especially if you’re regularly carrying maximum loads around Hastings and East Sussex. Exhaust leaks and excessive smoke are common on older diesel vans. If you can hear blowing or smell fumes inside the cab, your exhaust needs attention. Black smoke on acceleration often means your injectors need cleaning or your air filter needs changing.

Keeping Your Commercial Vehicle Roadworthy

Your MOT proves your van is roadworthy on the test day, but it’s not a substitute for regular servicing. Oil changes, filter replacements, and routine maintenance keep your vehicle reliable between tests and prevent expensive breakdowns when you’re out on a job. We recommend booking your MOT and full service together. It saves time, and our technicians can address any advisories during the service before they become failures next year. Regular servicing also maintains your van’s resale value and keeps fuel economy reasonable- important when diesel prices are high.

For businesses running multiple vans, we can arrange fleet testing schedules to keep all your vehicles legal without disrupting your operations. Staggering MOT dates throughout the year means you’re not taking several vans off the road at once.

Book Your MOT Class 7 in Hastings Today

Don’t leave your MOT until the last minute. Driving without valid certification risks a £1,000 fine, points on your licence, and invalidates your insurance. You can book up to a month before your current MOT expires without losing any time- your new certificate runs for 12 months from your original expiry date.

Whether you’re a sole trader with one van or managing a fleet of commercial vehicles around Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, and Rye, we’re here to keep you legal and safe on the road. Give us a call to book your Class 7 MOT or pop in to discuss your commercial vehicle needs. We’re straightforward, honest, and we get the job done properly.