Running an MOT bay requires DVSA authorisation as an MOT testing station. There is separate approval for the Authorised Examiner (AE), which is the business, and the Vehicle Testing Station (VTS), which is the site. The premises, bay, equipment and trained roles all have to be in place before testing starts.
What DVSA approval means
DVSA authorises MOT testing stations in Great Britain. Every test is recorded through the MOT testing service (MTS). The business must be authorised as an AE, the site must be approved as a VTS, and the station must be connected to MTS before it can test vehicles.
Liftmaster can support the bay specification, equipment supply, installation, calibration and site-layout information. DVSA grants the authorisation.
MOT test classes explained
The MOT class determines the vehicles that can be tested and the bay and equipment requirements that apply.
- Class 1 and 2: motorcycles
- Class 4: cars and light vans up to 3,000kg
- Class 7: conventional goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to and including 3,500kg, and, from 1 June 2026, qualifying zero-emission goods vehicles over 3,500kg up to and including 4,250kg
Goods vehicles above the Class 7 limits move to a separate heavy-vehicle testing facility.
The approval process, step by step
1. Apply as an Authorised Examiner
Form VT01 is submitted with the required enclosures, including the specified DBS, business documents and evidence of exclusive use of the premises.
2. Provide the site evidence
Provide the site plan and a fully dimensioned bay drawing showing the equipment positions, together with the planning or local-authority evidence required.
3. Site assessment and Approval in Principle
DVSA assesses the site. Where only minor changes are needed, an Approval in Principle (AIP) can be issued and is reviewed at six months.
4. Put the mandatory roles in place
The required management, tester and site roles must be appointed and the relevant training completed.
5. Final authorisation
Authorisation follows once the site, equipment, trained roles and MOT testing service connection are in place.
Premises and site requirements
- A weatherproof building that can be fully enclosed
- Safe, unobstructed access from a metalled road with adequate off-road parking
- A weatherproof public waiting area seating at least two people, with the whole test visible directly or by mirror or camera
- At least 600mm clearance around adjacent equipment and the lift, with 1.0m clear ahead of the lift and 1.5m behind the drive-on end
Recorded CCTV is not accepted as the means of observing the test.
Bay size and equipment by class
Class 4: cars and light vans
Allow at least 3.6m bay width with 2.4m headroom, rising to 3.8m over the lift, and an entrance at least 2.4m by 2.4m. A four-post or scissor lift is required with platforms at least 3.9m long and a safe working load of at least 3 tonnes, installed to BS 7980, or an inspection pit as an alternative.
The Class 4 equipment list also includes a connected roller brake tester on a level area at least 9.0m by 2.4m, a headlamp beam tester on a certified flat area of 3.6m by 2.1m, plus a calibrated decelerometer, exhaust gas analyser, diesel smoke meter and play detectors.
Class 1 and 2: motorcycles
An inspection area at least 3.2m by 3.7m and 2.1m high is required, with wheel-alignment apparatus, jacks or stands to raise each wheel independently, a rail-mounted headlamp tester, a calibrated decelerometer and a calibrated brake tester.
Class 7: goods vehicles, including zero-emission to 4,250kg
Class 7 covers conventional goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to and including 3,500kg design gross weight. From 1 June 2026 it also covers qualifying zero-emission goods vehicles over 3,500kg up to and including 4,250kg.
Class 7 follows the Class 4 principle but is sized for longer, heavier vans. The lift or pit and brake-testing arrangement must suit the vehicle weight and length. For a combined Class 4 and 7 pit bay, allow a pit width of up to 1.3m.
See Class 7 MOT changes 2026 for the detail on the zero-emission change.
One-person test lanes: OPTL and ATL
A new bay does not have to be an ATL. A One Person Test Lane (OPTL) meets DVSA requirements for one-person testing, while an Automated Test Lane adds an automated brake-test sequence and axle weighing.
See the ATL and automated test lanes article for the detailed comparison.
Connected equipment rules
Key test equipment must be able to send readings directly to the MOT testing service. The requirement applies to new or replacement equipment from 1 October 2019 for roller brake testers, 1 February 2020 for decelerometers and 1 May 2021 for exhaust gas analysers and diesel smoke meters.
Connection is required when opening a new station, adding a test lane or replacing a brake tester, so a new bay is planned as connected equipment from the start.
Roles and training
Four roles must be in place before authorisation:
- Authorised Examiner Principal (AEP)
- Authorised Examiner Designated Manager (AEDM)
- Tester
- Site Manager (SM)
The Level 3 Award in MOT Test Centre Management is specified for the AEP and AEDM, and the Level 2 Award in MOT Testing for the Tester.
What an MOT bay costs
The 2026 equipment figures are about £9,795 for a motorcycle bay, £20,995 to £34,995 for Class 4, around £17,435 for the cited pit-based Class 4 entry point and £23,995 to £31,995 for Class 7.
Those are equipment figures rather than complete project totals. Installation, calibration, LOLER, any building or pit work and staff training sit outside the equipment price. See the MOT bay cost guide for the full breakdown.
MOT testing station FAQs
Do I need DVSA approval to run an MOT bay?
Yes. Only an authorised MOT testing station can carry out MOT tests and issue certificates.
How long does DVSA approval take?
There is no single guaranteed approval time. Timing depends on the site, the changes required and staff training, and an Approval in Principle is reviewed at six months.
Does a new bay have to be an ATL?
No. An OPTL meets DVSA requirements, and an ATL adds automated brake-test sequencing and axle weighing.
What is the difference between Class 4 and Class 7?
Class 4 covers cars and light vans up to 3,000kg. Class 7 covers conventional goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to and including 3,500kg and, from 1 June 2026, qualifying zero-emission goods vehicles over 3,500kg up to and including 4,250kg.
How much does it cost to set up an MOT bay?
The 2026 Class 4 equipment figures are roughly £20,995 to £34,995 before installation, building work and training.
How often does the lift need inspecting?
A vehicle lift requires a LOLER thorough examination at least every 12 months.