About motorbike MOTs
A motorbike MOT is the annual roadworthiness check required for any motorcycle over three years old. The DVSA splits motorcycles into two test classes: Class 1 covers machines up to 200cc, Class 2 covers anything above that. Most stations licensed for Class 2 also handle Class 1, but not all, so it pays to check the listing before you book.
The test itself runs through lights, brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, wheels, frame, exhaust, throttle, clutch operation, horn, mirrors and the registration plate. The engine internals, the gearbox and the clutch wear are not covered; those belong to a service, not an MOT. A bike with a sidecar is tested as one combined unit, with extra checks on the attachment and a slightly higher fee cap.
3,062 of the 23,000-plus DVSA-approved stations on LocalMOT are licensed for motorbikes. That works out at roughly one in eight, which is why finding a motorbike-capable garage often takes a town-by-town search. Pick a letter above, jump to one of the busy towns, or browse by region from the homepage.
Frequently asked questions
What is a motorbike MOT?
A motorbike MOT is an annual roadworthiness check required for any motorcycle over three years old. The tester inspects lights, brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, wheels, frame, exhaust, throttle, clutch operation, horn, mirrors and the registration plate. The engine internals, gearbox and clutch wear are not part of the test.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2?
Class 1 covers motorcycles up to 200cc. Class 2 covers motorcycles over 200cc. A station licensed for Class 2 will usually also test Class 1, but not always; check the class chips on each listing before you book.
How much does a motorbike MOT cost?
The statutory maximum is £29.65 for a solo motorcycle (Class 1 or Class 2) and £37.80 if you have a sidecar attached. The maximum is a cap, not a fixed price, and many garages charge less.
How long does a motorbike MOT take?
A solo bike typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Add 10 to 15 minutes if you have a sidecar fitted, since extra checks apply. Most stations let you wait on-site or drop off and collect later.
Do mopeds need an MOT?
Yes. Any motorcycle or moped over three years old needs an annual MOT, including 50cc machines that cannot exceed 50 mph. The standard motorcycle test still applies, with one or two checks adapted for the smaller machine.
Are sidecars tested?
Yes. A bike with a sidecar is tested as a combined unit. The MOT covers the sidecar attachment, its lights, its wheel and tyre, plus all the usual motorcycle items. The statutory fee cap is slightly higher than for a solo bike.
Can I ride my bike to its MOT without a valid certificate?
Only to a pre-booked MOT appointment, or to a garage for repairs after a recent failure. Riding otherwise without a valid MOT can result in a £1,000 fine and your insurance is likely to be void.
Learn more
- MOT classes explained, the full breakdown of every class from 1 to 7.
- What is an MOT?, the basics of the annual roadworthiness check.
- MOT vs service, what each one checks and where they overlap.
- Browse all towns, every town in the directory, not just the motorbike-capable ones.