Classic Car MOT
Careful testing for older cars, and advice on the 40-year exemption.
Classic car MOTsMOT Testing · Class 4 & Class 7
MOT Test in High Wycombe: Class 4 & Class 7
A Class 4 MOT at RH Automotive costs £45 and a Class 7 MOT costs £55. RH Automotive is a DVSA-approved MOT test centre on West Wycombe Road in High Wycombe, testing cars, 4x4s and vans up to 3,500kg. If your vehicle fails, the retest within 10 working days is free.
- DVSA Approved MOT Centre
- Class 4 & Class 7
- All Makes & Models
- 25 Years in High Wycombe
- Free Retest
Prices
How much does an MOT cost at RH Automotive?
Fixed prices. MOT test fees are not subject to VAT, so the price you see is the price you pay. There is nothing to add on the day unless you ask us to repair something, and we quote that first.
| Test | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MOT Test (Class 4) | Cars, 4x4s and small vans up to 3,000kg | £45.00The DVSA maximum fee for a Class 4 MOT is £54.85. We charge less. |
| MOT Test (Class 7) | Vans 3,000–3,500kg | £55.00The DVSA maximum fee for a Class 7 MOT is £58.60. |
| MOT Retest | Within 10 working days of the original test | FREE |
| Service + MOT bundle | Any interim, full or major service booked with an MOT | SAVE £20 |
Due a service as well? See car servicing prices. Older vehicle? See Classic Car MOT.
Class 4 or Class 7?
Which MOT class is my vehicle?
Class 4 covers cars and vans up to 3,000kg design gross weight. Class 7 covers the bigger vans between 3,000kg and 3,500kg. RH Automotive is approved for both, so you do not need to work it out before you book.
| Class | What it covers | Typical vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Class 4 | Cars with up to 8 passenger seats, motor caravans, and goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight | Hatchbacks, saloons, estates, 4x4s and SUVs, car-derived vans, small panel vans and pickups, campervans, taxis |
| Class 7 | Goods vehicles between 3,000kg and 3,500kg design gross weight | Large panel vans such as the Transit, Sprinter, Crafter, Master and Ducato, plus Luton vans, box vans and larger pickups and tippers up to 3,500kg |
Not sure of the weight? It is stamped on the VIN plate, usually inside the driver’s door frame or under the bonnet. Or send us the registration and we will check.
The test
What is checked in an MOT?
An MOT is a legal inspection, set by the DVSA, of the parts that affect safety and emissions. It is not a service. The tester does not strip anything down, and does not check the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
Brakes
- Brake performance on the roller tester
- Pads, discs, drums, pipes and hoses
- Handbrake and warning lights, including ABS
Steering and suspension
- Play in the steering and ball joints
- Shock absorbers, springs and bushes
- Power steering operation and leaks
Tyres and wheels
- Tread depth (1.6mm minimum) and condition
- Correct size, type and pressure monitoring where fitted
- Wheel condition and security
Lights and electrics
- Headlamp aim and condition
- Indicators, brake, rear, fog and plate lights
- Horn, battery security and visible wiring
Visibility
- Windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s view
- Wipers and washers
- Mirrors, condition and security
Body and structure
- Corrosion in load-bearing areas
- Sharp edges, doors, bonnet and boot catches
- Towbar condition where fitted
Exhaust, emissions and fuel
- Exhaust leaks, noise and security
- Emissions test for the age and fuel type
- Fuel system leaks and the filler cap seal
Seats and seatbelts
- Seatbelt condition, operation and anchorages
- Seat security and adjustment
- Airbag and seatbelt warning lights
Identity and instruments
- Number plates legible and correctly formatted
- VIN present and readable
- Speedometer and dashboard warning lights
Straight answers
MOT questions we get asked at the counter
How long does an MOT take?
An MOT at RH Automotive takes around 45 to 60 minutes. You are welcome to wait, or drop the car off in the morning and collect it later the same day. If it fails on something small, we can often fix it and retest the same day.
Bigger repairs depend on parts. We will tell you what is involved and how long it will take before we start.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
You get a refusal certificate listing each fault as dangerous, major or minor. We explain what each one means, quote for the repairs, and only go ahead if you say so. Once fixed, the retest within 10 working days is free at RH Automotive.
If your old certificate has not yet expired you can usually still drive the car, unless a fault is marked dangerous. A dangerous fault means the car should not be driven until it is fixed.
Do you charge for an MOT retest?
No. Retests within 10 working days are free at RH Automotive. If we do the repairs, the retest usually covers the failed items only. If the car is away for more than 10 working days it needs a full MOT again at the normal fee.
When is my MOT due?
The expiry date is printed on your current certificate, and you can check it free on GOV.UK with your registration. You can have the test up to a month, minus a day, before it expires and keep the same renewal date. New cars need their first MOT three years after registration.
Check your MOT date and history on GOV.UK. It shows the expiry date, past results and any advisories.
Do I need to book an MOT?
Yes, please book ahead. RH Automotive tests by appointment so we can give you a definite slot and have a tester ready. Book online and we will call to confirm, or ring 01494 471017. If your MOT has already expired you can still legally drive to a pre-booked test.
Older car, or due a service as well?
Cars over 40 years old may be MOT exempt but can still be tested. And if a service is due, booking it with the MOT saves £20 and one trip.
FAQ
More MOT questions
Yes. Most tests are finished within an hour, so you are welcome to wait at the garage. If you would rather not, drop the car off and we will call you when it is done.
Just the vehicle. We do not need your old certificate or the V5C because the record is on the DVSA system. Make sure there is fuel in the tank, the interior is clear enough to check the seats and belts, and the boot can be opened.
Most cars first registered more than 40 years ago that have not been substantially changed are exempt from the MOT, but you can still have one tested voluntarily and many owners do. RH Automotive tests classic cars at the same price as any other Class 4 vehicle.
There is more on the Classic Car MOT page.
No. An MOT is an inspection to check the vehicle meets the legal minimum on the day. It does not change oil or filters or check wear on the engine, clutch or gearbox. A service does. Booking a service with your MOT at RH Automotive saves £20.
Only to or from a pre-booked MOT test, or to a garage for repairs needed to pass. Otherwise it is illegal to drive without a valid MOT, and your insurance may not cover you. Book the test first, then drive straight to it.
Yes. RH Automotive is approved for Class 7, which covers goods vehicles between 3,000kg and 3,500kg design gross weight, such as Transits, Sprinters, Crafters and Luton vans. Smaller vans under 3,000kg are tested as Class 4.
We also service and repair vans. See Van & Light Commercial.
Related services
Also at RH Automotive
If your car fails on something small, RH Automotive can often fix it and retest the same day. For bigger jobs, see all the car repairs we carry out, each one quoted before work starts.
Car Servicing
Interim, full and major services at fixed prices. Book with an MOT and save.
Servicing pricesVan & Light Commercial
Servicing and repairs for vans up to 3,500kg, alongside the Class 7 MOT.
Van servicingBrakes & Suspension
The most common MOT failures, inspected and quoted before any work.
Brakes and suspensionBook online
Tell us what you need and we’ll call you back to confirm a slot. It takes about a minute. Prefer to talk? Call 01494 471017.
- 1. Your vehicle needs
- 2. Your vehicle
- 3. When
- 4. Your details
Thanks there, we’ve got your request.
We’ll call you on to confirm.
Need it sooner? Call us on 01494 471017.