Lorries, buses and trailers take an annual test, not an MOT, first due 12 months after registration. An HGV test costs £91 for 2 axles, £113 for 3 and £137 for 4 or more at authorised facilities. Test history since 2018 is on GOV.UK.
Checked 23 October 2026 against the DVSA MOT inspection manual
- Test name: Annual test, not MOT
- First test: 12 months after registration
- HGV fee: £91 / £113 / £137 by axles
- History on GOV.UK: From 2018
The annual test
Lorries, buses and trailers do not take an MOT. Instead they take the annual test, sometimes called the annual vehicle test. This is the periodic inspection that applies to larger commercial vehicles in place of the standard MOT that cars and light vans undergo.
The annual test applies to petrol, diesel and hybrid goods vehicles over 3,500kg, horseboxes over 3,500kg, semi-trailers, and buses and coaches with more than 8 passenger seats. These vehicle types fall within the annual test regime rather than the MOT scheme.
The first test for HGVs and buses is due 12 months after first registration. Trailers usually need their first test one year after first sale or supply. After that, the annual test falls due at regular intervals as set out in the testing rules.
Fees at authorised testing facilities
The fee for an HGV annual test depends on the number of axles. It is £91 for a two axle vehicle, £113 for three axles and £137 for four or more axles. Where a retest is needed within 14 days, the fee is £35, £49 or £65 respectively. These are the standard figures set for the annual test.
Trailer fees follow a separate scale. A one axle trailer costs £41, a two axle trailer £54 and a trailer with three to five axles £64. Retests within 14 days cost £18, £25 or £33. The fee reflects the trailer type presented for testing.
An authorised testing facility may add a service charge on top of the statutory fee. This charge can be up to £70 for an HGV and up to £50 for a trailer. The service charge is set by the facility and is separate from the annual test fee itself.
Checking test history
The GOV.UK MOT history service provides a record of annual test results for HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches. Results are available for tests carried out since 2018. This allows operators and buyers to review a vehicle's recent test record online rather than relying on paperwork alone.
To view the history, the vehicle registration number is needed. The service returns the test results held against that registration, giving a straightforward way to confirm how a vehicle has performed at its annual tests in recent years.
Test locations can also be checked through the service. This requires the 11-digit number from the vehicle's V5C registration certificate. The number is printed on the document, and entering it allows the recorded test locations to be displayed alongside the other history held for the vehicle.
Exemptions and finding a centre
Some vehicles are exempt from the HGV annual test. Form V112/G lists the vehicle categories that qualify, and operators can check whether a vehicle appears on it. Exemption from the annual test does not automatically remove all testing obligations, as a standard MOT may still be required. Confirming the position for each vehicle matters before assuming no test is due.
The V112/G declaration is used to record an exemption claim. It covers specific vehicle types set out on the form, and the listed categories define who can rely on it. Vehicles not listed on V112/G remain within the annual test regime. Checking the form against the vehicle's details establishes whether the annual test applies or whether a standard MOT is the relevant requirement.
A separate GOV.UK service helps locate test centres for HGVs, buses and trailers. The centre finder is distinct from the exemption process and is used to identify suitable sites for vehicles that need testing. The service covers the three vehicle groups named, so it can be used whether the vehicle is an HGV, a bus or a trailer.
Frequently asked questions
Do lorries and buses need an MOT?
No. Lorries, buses and trailers do not take an MOT. They take the annual test, which is sometimes called the annual vehicle test. The annual test applies to goods vehicles over 3,500kg, horseboxes over 3,500kg, semi-trailers, and buses and coaches with more than 8 passenger seats.
When is the first annual test due for an HGV or bus?
The first test for HGVs and buses is due 12 months after first registration. Trailers usually need their first test one year after first sale or supply. The annual test then applies to petrol, diesel and hybrid goods vehicles over 3,500kg, horseboxes over 3,500kg, semi-trailers, and buses and coaches with more than 8 passenger seats.
How much does an HGV annual test cost?
HGV annual test fees are £91 for 2 axles, £113 for 3 axles and £137 for 4 or more axles. A retest within 14 days costs £35, £49 or £65. An authorised testing facility can add a service charge of up to £70 for an HGV.
What are the trailer annual test fees?
Trailer fees are £41 for 1 axle, £54 for 2 axles and £64 for 3 to 5 axles. Retests within 14 days cost £18, £25 or £33. An authorised testing facility can add a service charge of up to £50 for a trailer.
How can HGV and bus test history be checked?
The GOV.UK MOT history service shows HGV, trailer, bus and coach results for tests since 2018. The registration number is needed, and test locations need the 11 digit V5C number. A separate GOV.UK service finds test centres for HGVs, buses and trailers.
Part of the MOT guide series
MOT check: the full guide › MOT by vehicle type
‹ Class 7 MOT: The Test for Larger Vans ExplainedMOT for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: What Is Tested ›
