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Motorcycle MOT Check

Q: How much is an MOT for a 125cc motorbike?

The maximum legal charge is £29.65 for a standard motorcycle MOT, though some garages may offer slightly lower rates.

Get a motorcycle MOT to know your bike’s MOT status, due date, and test history in seconds. Avoid fines, ride confidently, and make informed decisions before buying or selling any bike.

What is an MOT?

An MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is a mandatory annual inspection that ensures your motorcycle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the UK government. It’s required for all bikes over three years old. The test checks critical components, including brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, and exhaust emissions.

A motorcycle MOT check helps confirm the motorcycle’s MOT status and history, ensuring it is safe to ride on public roads and compliant with the law. Without a valid MOT, your bike cannot be legally driven.

How Does an MOT Test Work?

The MOT test follows a structured inspection process carried out by a qualified technician. Each step focuses on specific parts of your motorcycle to ensure it’s roadworthy and meets UK safety and emission standards.

Step 1: Vehicle Identification Check

The examiner confirms your bike’s registration and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) match the records. This ensures your motorcycle is correctly registered and not associated with any fraudulent or stolen activity.

Step 2: Visual and Safety Inspection

The tester examines your lights, brakes, tyres, frame, exhaust, steering, and mirrors. This identifies any visible defects or safety concerns that could affect your riding safety or harm other road users.

Step 3: Emissions and Exhaust Check

The bike’s exhaust system and emissions are tested to confirm compliance with environmental standards. Any leaks or excessive smoke may result in a failure or advisory note.

Step 4: Functionality and Controls Check

The throttle, clutch, horn, and other controls are tested for proper operation. The tester ensures that all essential features work as intended for safe riding.

Step 5: Issuing the MOT Result

Once all checks are complete, you’ll receive a passed or failed MOT certificate. If the bike fails, the tester lists the issues and indicates if they’re dangerous, major, or minor.

Does My Motorcycle Need an MOT?

Yes. Any motorcycle over three years old must have a valid MOT certificate to be legally ridden on UK roads.

The test ensures your bike is safe, compliant, and environmentally sound. Riding without one can lead to fines, penalties, and even invalid insurance.

How To Know Your Bike’s MOT Status?

You can instantly check your motorcycle’s MOT status for free using our online motorcycle MOT checker. It also offers the option to get the complete motorbike history report, and not only the MOT records you get from GOV.UK.

Follow these simple steps to verify MOT status and previous tests:

Step 1: Enter the Reg Number

Enter the motorcycle’s registration number or VIN in the search form at the top of this page.

Step 2: Search Reg Number

Click the “Search” button to begin the check. Our free tool instantly retrieves data from DVLA and other government and private agencies to provide you with the MOT status and history.

Step 3: Get MOT History Report

You can pay to receive a detailed car check report including MOT history, mileage records, ownership history, logbook changes, outstanding finance, and more. This is more than the free MOT check officially provided by the GOV.UK website.

What Does a Motorcycle MOT Check Include?

A motorcycle MOT check covers several key details about your bike’s current and past MOT status. These details help you understand if the bike is road-legal, due for inspection, or has previously failed. They include:

Current MOT Status: Shows whether your motorcycle currently holds a valid MOT certificate.
MOT Due Date: Indicates the exact date your next MOT test is required by law.
MOT Days Remaining: Displays how many days are left before your MOT expires.
MOT Full History: A record of every MOT test conducted, including results and advisory notes.
Pass/Failed MOT Tests: Lists previous passes and failures to help assess reliability.
Odometer Unit Changes: Highlights inconsistencies in mileage readings across tests.
MOT Exempt Status: Identifies if your motorcycle qualifies for exemption due to age or special status.
Days Out of MOT: Shows how long your bike has been without a valid MOT certificate.
Failure List: Details specific reasons for past MOT failures, from brake faults to light issues.
Mileage Records: Tracks mileage history to detect tampering or rollback.
Advisory Details: Lists potential future issues noted by examiners for awareness.
Annotation Items: Notes any special remarks or conditions added during past MOTs.

What Motorcycle Parts Are Tested in the MOT?

During an MOT test, several vital components of your motorcycle are inspected to confirm they meet safety and legal standards. These include:

Lights

Headlights, tail lights, indicators, and brake lights must work correctly, be aligned, and provide enough brightness to ensure visibility during day and night riding.

Steering and Suspension

Checks for smooth operation, alignment, and stability. Faulty steering or worn suspension can make handling dangerous, especially at high speeds or sharp turns.

Wheels and Tyres

Examines tyre tread depth, damage, and pressure. Tyres must have at least 1mm tread depth and no cracks or bulges.

Frame

Inspected for cracks, corrosion, or damage. The frame must be solid and capable of supporting the rider safely.

Braking

Front and rear brakes are tested for responsiveness and balance. Brakes must stop the motorcycle effectively without pulling to one side.

Exhaust System

Checked for leaks, excessive noise, and correct fitting. A faulty exhaust may emit harmful gases or increase pollution.

Fuel System

Ensures no fuel leaks and that pipes and tanks are secure. Fuel systems must be safe to prevent fire risks.

Seats

Must be securely fitted and safe for the rider and any passenger.

Wheel Alignment

Ensures front and rear wheels are properly aligned for balance and control.

Sidecars (when fitted)

Sidecars must be securely attached and stable, with lights and brakes functioning correctly.

Horn

Must be loud, functional, and easily accessible from the handlebar controls.

Registration Plates, Vehicle Identification and Frame Numbers

These must be legible, properly displayed, and match the registration details.

Drive Chain and Sprocket

Checked for correct tension, lubrication, and wear. A loose or worn chain can cause accidents.

Throttle

Must operate smoothly and close fully when released to ensure control.

Clutch Lever

Tested for proper function and ease of use, ensuring smooth gear shifting.

Footrests

Must be secure and provide sufficient grip for both the rider and passenger.

What Isn’t Checked in a Motorcycle MOT?

An MOT isn’t the same as a full bike service. It doesn’t cover every aspect of your motorcycle’s condition or mechanical performance.

It doesn’t inspect the engine, clutch, or gearbox for wear or internal faults.
It doesn’t include checks for history of theft, outstanding finance, ownership history, mileage verification, or logbook (V5C) changes. You should consider getting a bike check report to access all these records.
The MOT test only confirms that your motorcycle meets legal standards at the time of testing.

Even if your bike passes inspection, it may still develop faults later. A full service ensures it remains roadworthy and safe to ride long-term.

What Are Common Motorcycle MOT Failures & How to Avoid Them?

Most MOT failures happen due to simple issues that riders could fix beforehand. Regular maintenance and pre-test checks can help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected failures like:

Faulty Lights: Replace blown bulbs and check light alignment regularly.
Worn Tyres: Keep tyre tread above 1mm and ensure they’re properly inflated.
Brake Issues: Test brakes for responsiveness and unusual noises before the MOT.
Loose Chain: Maintain correct chain tension and lubrication.
Damaged Number Plate: Make sure plates are clean, readable, and secure.
Excessive Exhaust Noise: Replace damaged silencers or fix leaks to reduce sound levels.

Check Other MOT Tools

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MOT Check

Instant Motorcycle MOT Check – Check Status, Ride Legally

Check your motorcycle’s MOT status in seconds. Avoid fines, stay road-legal, and get instant access to your bike’s full MOT history with the best online car check tool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle MOT

When is a motorcycle MOT-exempt?

Bikes built or registered over 40 years ago and not substantially modified in the last 30 years, and used for private purposes, are MOT-exempt. Nevertheless, when you tax it, you should declare the vehicle of historic interest with the DVLA by filling in the form V112.

Do I need mirrors on my motorcycle for an MOT?

No, mirrors are not required for an MOT pass, but they’re strongly recommended for safe riding and visibility.

Does a motorcycle need a speedometer for its MOT?

A speedometer isn’t part of the motorcycle MOT inspection, so your bike can still pass even if it’s faulty or missing. However, UK law requires every road-legal motorcycle to have one. Riding without a working speedometer won’t fail your MOT, but it could result in a police warning for having an unroadworthy vehicle.