Get an MOT for a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus or trailer

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Overview

You need to get an HGV, bus or trailer MOT (also known as an ‘annual test’) for:

  • goods vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3,500 kilograms (kg)
  • vehicles that are built or have been adapted to form part of an articulated vehicle
  • semi-trailers
  • horseboxes with a gross weight of more than 3,500kg
  • ‘A’ frame trailers and converter dollies manufactured on or after 1 January 1979
  • trailers with an unladen weight of more than 1,020kg with powered braking systems (instead of standard overrun brakes and as well as the required parking brake)
  • all public service vehicles (such as buses and coaches) with more than 8 passenger seats - not including the driver’s seat

Check Form V112/G for a list of vehicles that are exempt from the HGV MOT. You still might need to get a standard MOT for the vehicle.

MOT due dates

HGVs and buses (including coaches) usually must be tested each year. The first test should be 12 months after the vehicle was first registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Trailers must usually be tested one year after they were first sold or supplied.

Before the test

You can get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to prepare for the test.

Get testing manuals for different vehicles.

You can also download a guide on how to check the roadworthiness of horseboxes and trailers.

How to clean your vehicle

You must clean the inside of your vehicle before your test.

This means:

  • tidying unnecessary items from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets and seats
  • wiping down the dashboard, doors and vehicle controls

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if the vehicle is not clean.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Get an annual test (MOT) for a lorry, bus or trailer: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check when your test is due and get reminders

    1. Check when your annual test is due
    2. Get reminders by email or text message

  2. Step 2 Book the test

    1. Find your nearest test centre and book your test

    The cost will vary depending on where you take the test.

    1. Check the fees for heavy goods vehicles or trailers
    2. Check the fees for public service vehicles

    Fill in an application form before you book your test if it's the first time it's been tested and it's:

  3. Step 3 Prepare your vehicle

    1. Check your vehicle’s headlamp aim
    2. Check the brakes if it's a heavy goods vehicle
    3. Check what to do if your vehicle carries dangerous goods

    You can get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to prepare for the test. They should be using the test standards in the:

  4. and Prepare the documents you need

    1. Check what documents you need to take with you

    You need to bring extra documents if your vehicle is used to carry dangerous goods, or if it's exempt from having a tachograph or speed limiter.

  5. Step 4 Take your vehicle to the test

    1. Find out what happens at the test centre

    At the end of the test, you'll be told if your vehicle has passed or failed.