Class 5 MOT Testing – Stanway

Minibuses and other passenger vehicles with 13 or more passenger seats need a Class 5 MOT, and the test can only be carried out by a garage with the right bay and equipment. All Trans Autos is one of relatively few garages in the area that can test Class 5 vehicles, saving schools, clubs, community groups, and businesses a longer journey to find a test centre.

What counts as a Class 5 vehicle?

Class 5 applies to private passenger vehicles and ambulances with 13 or more passenger seats. In practice, that usually means minibuses used by:

• schools and colleges
• sports clubs and youth groups
• community transport schemes and charities
• hotels and businesses carrying staff or guests

Passenger vehicles with nine to twelve passenger seats are tested under Class 4 instead.

The first test comes sooner

Unlike most cars, Class 5 vehicles need their first MOT one year after they’re first registered, and every year after that. If you’ve recently taken delivery of a new minibus, it’s worth noting the date so the first test doesn’t catch you out.

You can book the test up to a month, minus a day, before your current certificate runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Why fewer garages offer it

A Class 5 test needs a bay large enough to take a full-size minibus and equipment rated for its weight. Many MOT centres are set up only for cars and small vans, so organisations running minibuses often end up travelling some distance for a test.

Our MOT bay takes vehicles up to 5.5 tonnes, which covers the minibuses most organisations use. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle fits, call us with its details and we’ll confirm.

What’s checked on a minibus

The Class 5 test covers the same core safety items as any MOT, including brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, emissions, and the condition of the body and chassis. With a vehicle full of passengers, some areas get particular attention, such as:

• passenger seats and their mountings
• seatbelts throughout the vehicle
• doors, including how they open, close, and lock
• the condition of the floor and steps

Keeping your minibus on the road

For a school or community group, a minibus off the road can mean cancelled trips and fixtures. If your vehicle fails, we’ll explain each failure point, send photos, and give you a quote for the repairs. Our workshop handles most of the mechanical work these vehicles need, and nothing goes ahead until you’ve approved it.

Because our ramps lift vehicles up to 5.5 tonnes, with a further ramp rated to 26 tonnes, we can service and repair your minibus as well as test it. Booking the MOT alongside a service means one visit instead of two. If you manage several vehicles, we can also plan tests and servicing around your calendar so they don’t all fall due at once.

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Tom Coates 2 weeks ago

Needed an MOT at short notice and found All trans. Very easy to book online, great communication from the staff, very nice facilities.

They even made sure the kids were safe, which had me laughing all the way home!

Would highly recommend.

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Sam Baker 3 weeks ago

My car went in for a service and MOT. From start to finish great comms and service.

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Jessica Bassnett 4 weeks ago

All trans managed to squeeze me in after realising my MOT ran out! They were honest, reliable and communicated well. My first time using since my original garage has gone down hill so we’ll defo be back.

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