MOT classes for buses

[Newbiedriver]

Hello,

Can someone explain what MOT class a bus is please?

I know that Class 5 is for a minibus but I don’t understand if a bus is Class 6 or 7.

thank you.

 

[90019]

Buses are class 6, goods vehicles are class 7.

 

[Leyland Bus]

Buses are class 6, goods vehicles are class 7.

Preserved buses can be tested as Class 5, which is essentially a large car MoT but curiously, the brake test for a Class 5 is more stringent than a Class 6...

 

[richw]

I know that Class 5 is for a minibus

No it’s not.

Class 5 is anything not used for hire or reward.

If the minibus is used for hire or reward it needs a class 6, or taxi class depending on size. I can’t remember which class a taxi is

Preserved buses can be tested as Class 5, which is essentially a large car MoT but curiously, the brake test for a Class 5 is more stringent than a Class 6...

Simple answer. A class 6 will have regular 4-8 weekly inspections as part of its operations, which normally includes a brake test. Class 5 will only see a test every year

 

[Leyland Bus]

Simple answer. A class 6 will have regular 4-8 weekly inspections as part of its operations, which normally includes a brake test. Class 5 will only see a test every yeear

Very true, not switched on today! Thanks

 

[Newbiedriver]

I’m still confused as I know you can run a minibus on a section 19 permit but don’t they have to be inspected the same frequency as a normal bus.

 

[RJ]

If a bus is taxed as a Private / Light Goods vehicle (not used for trade or business) then it’s Class 5.

If it’s used for hire and reward, it needs to be taxed as a Public Service Vehicle and needs a Class 6 annual test.

Official information is here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-testing-guide/a-introduction

 

[Roger1973]

I can’t remember which class a taxi is

I'm fairly sure that as far as MOT and DVLA vehicle tax classes are concerned, a taxi* is the same as a private car. Any licensing as a taxi, and any tests over and above MOT standard is up to the local licensing authority (mostly local councils - although London is of course different, and the Public Carriage Office is now part of TFL rather than the Metropolitan Police like it used to be.)

Some councils' tests can take the place of an MOT test if DfT accept that the test is equivalent to an MOT test or more so.

* - technically, the term 'taxi' has no legal status, a vehicle is either a 'hackney carriage' (that can 'ply for hire' on the streets or cab ranks) or a 'private hire vehicle' (which can only be booked in advance via the operator's base.)

 

[richw]

I'm fairly sure that as far as MOT and DVLA vehicle tax classes are concerned, a taxi* is the same as a private car. Any licensing as a taxi, and any tests over and above MOT standard is up to the local licensing authority (mostly local councils - although London is of course different, and the Public Carriage Office is now part of TFL rather than the Metropolitan Police like it used to be.)

Some councils' tests can take the place of an MOT test if DfT accept that the test is equivalent to an MOT test or more so.

* - technically, the term 'taxi' has no legal status, a vehicle is either a 'hackney carriage' (that can 'ply for hire' on the streets or cab ranks) or a 'private hire vehicle' (which can only be booked in advance via the operator's base.)

My neighbour has a Hackney carriage in Cornwall. He said the mot is more stringent and includes things like cleanliness.

 

[Titfield]

I’m still confused as I know you can run a minibus on a section 19 permit but don’t they have to be inspected the same frequency as a normal bus.

Are you talking about the preventative maintenance inspection (PMI) or the MOT Test? The PMI is at an interval specified on that Operators O Licence, the MOT Test is annual.

The PMI interval (when set as a condition of the O licence) takes into account the mileage being undertaken and how arduous the work is (more relevant to HGVs as this could for example include road construction vehicles which operate in an off road environment where the "wear" is much greater).