Motorcycle MOT checker

Check your motorbike’s MOT status

• Try our MOT calculator to check your motorbike’s MOT status
• Find out what’s inspected in a motorcycle MOT
• Learn what checks to make on your bike before it has an MOT

What’s tested during a motorbike MOT?

An MOT is an official test used to check that your bike is roadworthy and meets the legal road safety standards.

The test involves a thorough and extensive check of your motorbike and needs to be done every year once your bike is more than three years old.

A motorbike MOT test will include checking:

Lights

These will be inspected to make sure they’re in good condition, working properly and fixed securely.

• Headlamps need to be the right colour and aimed correctly
• Rear lights, indicators and reflectors will also be checked

Steering and suspension

Your motorbike will be inspected to see if the steering and suspension is working correctly and efficiently. This will involve checking:

• Handlebar alignment and grips
• The forks, head bearings and swinging arm
• Shock absorbers and damping effect

Wheels and tyres

A motorcycle's wheels need to be secure and in good condition, as part of this they’ll be checked to make sure they:

• Are the right size and type
• Have the correct tread depth
• Are correctly fitted
• Have valves in good condition

The frame

Your motorcycle’s frame will be inspected to check it doesn’t have any cracks, damage, distortion or corrosion which might affect the steering or braking.

Braking

The brakes on your motorbike must be in good condition, working correctly and efficiently.

Exhaust system

The exhaust should be secure. It also needs to be complete and shouldn’t have any missing parts or leaks. It’ll be checked to make sure it’s not too noisy.

Fuel system

The fuel system must not have any leaks and all its components should be secure.

Seats

The MOT testing centre will check whether there’s a rider’s seat on your bike and that it’s attached securely.

Wheel alignment

The front and rear wheels must be correctly aligned for optimal handling.

Sidecars

If you have a sidecar fitted, this will be checked to see whether:

• It’s securely attached
• The suspension is working correctly
• The wheel bearings are secure
• The wheels are correctly aligned
• The lights and tyres are all working correctly and safely

The horn

The horn should work properly, sounds as it’s supposed to, and must be suitable for a motorbike.

Registration plates, vehicle identification and frame numbers

These must be valid, clear and legible. Number plates that have been made smaller or more stylised won’t pass an MOT.

Drive chain and sprocket

These elements will be inspected to check that:

• The drive chain isn’t too loose or tight
• The chain and sprockets aren’t too worn
• The chain guard is secure and has been fitted correctly

Throttle and clutch lever

Your bike’s throttle will be tested to make sure it’s working properly. The clutch lever will also be checked - it shouldn’t be bent, damaged or shortened.

Footrests

Footrests must be present and fitted securely.

Why do I need a motorbike MOT?

The MOT checks your bike is safe and fit to ride. Passing its MOT means your bike meets the minimum legal emission and safety standards.

It’s your responsibility to get your motorbike tested every year. And the digitisation of MOT testing means police and mobile camera units can check to see if it has a valid certificate.

If you get caught without a valid MOT, you could face a fine of up to £1,000 and it’s likely to invalidate your motorcycle insurance.