MOT Bays come in various shapes, sizes, and designs depending on the class of vehicles that needs to be MOT tested on each premise.
Click here to find out what the different classes of MOT Bay are.
The length of the MOT bay will be dependent on your choice of equipment, as well as the size, type and layout of the premises, and for this reason, we recommend a visit to have your potential MOT Bay measured and planned out correctly along with advice and guidance on the MOT equipment that you will need for a Class 4 MOT Bay, along with any additional requirements you would like to include.
Class IV MOT Bays
Class IV MOT Bays cover a large percentage of the standard vehicles on UK roads today including cars, motor caravans, private hire vehicles, taxis and ambulances.
Class 4 MOT Bay dimensions with MOT Ramp size requirements
Height requirement – This can be confusing at times so the easiest way to explain this is if you were to imagine a glass box around your MOT ramp.
The glass box must be extended 500mm from the outer edges of each platform left and right, 500mm to the rear of the ramp and 1000mm out from the drive on the end of the ramp. This glass box must be 3800mm high.
If that glass box fits where the ramp is to be installed, then the height is not a problem. If anything enters the glass box, this is a problem and it may cause DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) to reject your application. There may be a solution should you face this problem by using a slightly different configuration on the layout of the MOT bay, but this is dependent on the space available within your premises.
Other essential Class 4 MOT Bay dimensions to know
- The overall width of a class 4 MOT bay is 3600mm
- Vehicle entrances and exits must be a minimum of 2400mm in height and wide
- Headroom over lift 3800mm as explained above
- Headroom over brake test standing area 2400mm
- Brake test standing area width 2400mm
- Brake test standing area length 9000mm – This can be part of your ramp if the ramp is recessed into the floor and level with your roller brake tester
Class 4 MOT Bay dimensions with an Inspection Pit
Height requirement – When using an inspection pit instead of a ramp then the height considerably reduces from 3800mm to 2400mm.
The use of a pit may be the only option available to you if you don’t have the required height or width within your premises.
Again, using the glass box to help, you will need to imagine your glass box 3600mm in width and 2400mm high the whole length of your MOT bay. If that glass box fits, then there is no issue.
Class 4 Inspection Pit size requirements
- A working length of at least 3900mm
- A width of at least 760mm and not more than 920mm over the working length measured across both pit walls
- A depth of at least 1500mm and not more than 1800mm, over the working length
- Adequate access for personnel to enter the pit which does not intrude on the working dimensions
Essential Class 4 MOT Bay dimensions with inspection pit
- The overall width of a class 4 MOT bay is 3600mm
- Entrances and exits must be a minimum of 2400mm in height and width
- Headroom over brake test standing area 2400mm
- Brake test standing area width 2400mm
- Brake test standing area length 9000mm – Part of this can be either side of your pit
Further reading about MOT Bay dimensions
We have previously written about MOT Bay dimensions for Class 4 and Class 7 MOT Bays, so if you are unsure what size MOT Bay you may need, or indeed what may or may not be feasible within your premises, then this is essential reading.
We can help with the design of your Class 4 MOT Bay
Concept Garage Equipment engineers are experts in all classes of MOT Bay layout design and construction and can advise on, supply, install and can ensure that you and your mechanics are correctly trained on all garage and MOT Bay equipment anywhere in the UK, we can also supply MOT Bay Packages to suit your individual garage needs.
Call us today on 0113 469 0572 or use the online contact form, and we will help you create the perfect MOT Bay for your business.