Motorbike MOT requirements: What every rider needs to know

Your MOT might not be the most exciting part of bike ownership, but it’s one you can’t ignore. If your motorbike is more than three years old, a valid MOT is a legal must-have.

If you skip it, you could risk fines, invalid insurance, and even having your bike taken off the road. To help you stay road-legal, we’ll break down what’s checked during a motorbike MOT, how to prepare, and how to keep your bike safe.

Which motorbikes require an MOT?

If your motorbike is more than three years old, it legally needs an MOT every year. This applies to all types of bikes, whether it’s a 125cc commuter, an adventure-ready touring bike, or a sporty superbike.

There are only a few exceptions:

• Brand-new bikes are MOT-exempt for the first three years.
• Off-road-only bikes (not registered for road use) don’t require an MOT.
• Classic motorcycles over 40 years old may be MOT-exempt, but only if they haven’t been “substantially changed” in terms of engine, frame or suspension.

If you’re unsure whether your bike needs an MOT, you can check the requirements on the GOV.UK MOT checker.

What is checked during a motorbike MOT?

During your MOT, a qualified tester will go through a thorough safety inspection of essential components to ensure your bike is roadworthy and legally compliant with GOV.UK motorcycle MOT regulations.

Here’s an MOT checklist for your motorbike:

1. Brakes

• Brake pads, discs/drums, levers/pedals: Inspected for wear and secure movement.
• Brake performance: Tested for stopping efficiency.
• Brake fluid/hydraulics: Checked for leaks or damage.

2. Lights and electrics

• Headlights, tail lights, indicators, and reflectors: Must work, be correctly aimed, securely attached, and the right colour.
• Horn: Must function with a clear tone.

3. Steering and suspension

• Handlebars, forks, head bearings: Tested for use, damage, and correct alignment.
• Shocks and suspension: Examined for leaks, damping performance, and tight mounts.

4. Wheels and tyres

• Tyre condition and tread depth: Minimum 1 mm tread, free of cracks or bulges.
• Wheel bearings and alignment: Wheels must rotate smoothly and stay aligned.

5. Frame and structure

• Frame: Checked for cracks, corrosion, distortion, and integrity.

6. Exhaust and emissions

• Exhaust system: Must be intact, secure, quiet, and appropriately stamped for road use (BSAU 193 if required).
• Leaks and noise levels: Monitored for safety and environmental compliance.
• Fuel system: Tanks, hoses, and cap must be leak-free, secure, and fully functional.

7. Rider controls and accessories

• Throttle and clutch levers: Smooth operation, full return, no excessive slack or damage.
• Accessories: Footrests, seat, drive chain, and sprocket must be secure, functional, and tensioned correctly.

8. Registration and ID

• Plates and VIN/frame numbers: Must be present, legible, and fitted correctly.

9. Sidecar (if fitted)

• Sidecar: Checked for secure mounting, suspension, wheel bearings, alignment, lights, and tyres.

How to prepare for your MOT

A bit of prep can go a long way in avoiding a failed MOT and the hassle that comes with it.

Here are some simple steps to help make sure your motorbike is ready for test day:

Do a DIY pre-check

Before booking in, give your bike a once-over. Test your lights, indicators, horn and brakes. Check tyre tread depth (minimum 1mm), look for any visible leaks, and make sure your number plate is clean and legible. It only takes 10–15 minutes and could flag up obvious issues early.

Keep up regular maintenance

Routine servicing is one of the best ways to avoid MOT surprises. Stick to your bike’s service schedule, keep fluids topped up, and don’t ignore odd noises or performance changes as they could be early signs of something serious.

Focus on safety-critical areas

Make sure the key components are in good condition, including brakes, tyres, lights, steering, and suspension. These are the most common reasons bikes fail their MOT, and they’re usually easy to spot and fix with a quick check.

Book a pre-MOT inspection

If you’re unsure whether your bike will pass, many garages offer pre-MOT checks. These can flag up potential fails before the official test, so you have time to fix anything in advance.

Don’t leave it last minute

Give yourself a buffer. If your bike fails and you need to book repairs, having some extra time before your MOT expires can save you from being stuck off-road.

What happens if your motorbike fails the MOT?

If your motorbike fails its MOT, you’ll be issued a VT30 certificate explaining why. There are two types of failure:

• Major fail: Your bike doesn’t meet safety standards and must be repaired before it’s road legal.
• Dangerous fail: The bike poses a serious risk and can’t be ridden at all, not even to a garage.

You can only ride after a failure if your current MOT is still valid and the failure wasn’t classed as dangerous. Otherwise, it’s illegal and could lead to penalties.

If you get the repairs done at the same garage, you usually qualify for a free or reduced-price retest, as long as it’s within 10 working days. If you go to a different test centre or miss the window for repairs, you’ll have to pay the full MOT fee again.

If you think your bike was failed unfairly, you can appeal the result. Ask the test centre for a VT17 form and submit it within 14 days. For more information, check the GOV.UK website.

Common questions about motorbike MOTs

Can I ride without an MOT?

No, riding without a valid MOT is illegal (unless you’re heading to a pre-booked MOT test). If you’re caught, you could face fines, penalty points, and your insurance may be void.

How long does a motorbike MOT take?

On average, a motorbike MOT takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Most garages allow you to drop your bike off and collect it later the same day.

Is insurance valid without an MOT?

In most cases, no. If your bike doesn’t have a valid MOT, your insurance could be invalid in the event of a claim, especially if the bike is considered unroadworthy.

How much does a motorbike MOT cost?

As of June 2025, the maximum MOT fee for a standard motorcycle is £29.65. If your bike has a sidecar, the fee goes up to £37.80. Some garages may charge less, but can’t legally charge more.

Keep your motorbike protected with specialist insurance from Devitt

Your MOT is just one part of staying road-legal—insurance is the other. Without it, you risk fines, points on your licence, or worse, losing your bike altogether.

At Devitt, we’ve been arranging motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936. Our cover is built to suit all types of riders, wherever your bike takes you. We can offer cover for classic bikes, custom builds, scooters, superbikes and more, plus optional extras like breakdown cover, legal expenses and helmet and leathers protection. Call us on 0808 503 4747 or fill in our online form to get an instant quote.

Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Devitt Insurance Services Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.