A motorcycle needs its first MOT three years from registration, then yearly. The fee is capped at £29.65, or £36.46 with a sidecar. Tests are split into Class 1 and Class 2 by engine size.
Last reviewed: June 2026
When a Motorcycle Needs Its First MOT
The motorcycle MOT follows its own fee cap and class system, separate from the car test. A new motorcycle follows the same broad timing rule as a car: the first MOT is due on the third anniversary of the date it was first registered with the DVLA. A machine registered on 3 May 2023, for example, needs a valid certificate by 3 May 2026. After the first test, the MOT must be renewed every year for the motorcycle to remain legal on the road. The deadline is tied to the registration date rather than the date of purchase, which matters for ex-demonstrator or pre-registered machines.
- A motorcycle's first MOT is due on the third anniversary of its registration, according to GOV.UK.
- The maximum fee for a motorcycle MOT is £29.65.
- A motorcycle with a sidecar has a higher fee cap of £36.46.
- Class 1 covers motorcycles up to 200cc and Class 2 covers those over 200cc.
- The test checks brakes, lights, steering, wheels and tyres, and the exhaust among other items.
The exact due date can be confirmed free of charge on the GOV.UK check MOT status service using the registration number. Riders can also sign up for the GOV.UK MOT reminder service to receive a free alert before the test falls due. Keeping the V5C registration document to hand makes it easy to verify the registration date against the official record.
As with cars, the three-year gap reflects the expectation that a new machine remains close to its built condition during its early life. A motorcycle is still required to be roadworthy throughout that period, so worn tyres, a defective light or a binding brake must be put right whether or not a test is due. Riders who store a machine over winter and return to it in spring should pay particular attention to the due date, because a bike that has been off the road for months can slip past its test deadline without the owner noticing. The free GOV.UK reminder removes much of that risk by prompting the rider in advance.
How Much a Motorcycle MOT Costs
The MOT fee is capped by the DVSA, so a test centre cannot charge more than the set maximum. For a solo motorcycle the maximum fee is £29.65. If the motorcycle has a sidecar fitted, the cap rises to £36.46 to reflect the additional components that need inspecting. These are ceilings rather than fixed prices, so some test centres may charge less, but none may lawfully charge more than the cap for the relevant test.
The fee covers the test itself. If a motorcycle fails, the rider will need to pay for any repairs, and a retest may be required. Where the machine is left at the test centre for repairs and retested within the permitted period, a partial retest may attract a reduced or no fee depending on the items involved, in line with DVSA rules.
It is worth separating the test fee from the wider cost of ownership. The £29.65 cap is only what the test itself can cost, and a budget for keeping a motorcycle legal should also allow for consumables such as tyres, brake pads and a chain, all of which are common reasons a machine needs attention before it will pass. Setting aside a small annual sum for these wear items makes the test far less likely to spring an unwelcome bill. The fee caps are the same across the country, so price differences between test centres come only from how much, if anything, they discount below the maximum.
Motorcycle MOT Classes Explained
Motorcycle MOTs are divided into two classes based on engine size. Class 1 applies to motorcycles up to 200cc, including many mopeds and small-capacity machines. Class 2 applies to motorcycles over 200cc, covering the bulk of larger road bikes. The class determines the applicable fee cap and ensures the right test specification is used. A motorcycle with a sidecar is tested with that combination in mind, which is why a separate, higher fee cap applies.
The table below summarises the classes, the fee caps and the timing so the key figures sit together. Riders unsure which class their machine falls into can check the engine capacity on the V5C registration document, where the cylinder capacity is recorded.
| Category | Engine size | Maximum fee | First MOT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 motorcycle | Up to 200cc | £29.65 | Third anniversary of registration |
| Class 2 motorcycle | Over 200cc | £29.65 | Third anniversary of registration |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | Solo plus sidecar | £36.46 | Third anniversary of registration |
What the Test Covers
The motorcycle MOT examines the components that keep a two-wheeled machine safe and roadworthy. Brakes are a core element, with the tester checking both the front and rear braking systems for condition and effectiveness. Lights and indicators are inspected to confirm they work correctly and are visible, and steering and the head bearings are checked for free movement and play. Wheels and tyres are assessed for condition, security and tread.
The exhaust system is checked for security and condition, and emissions or noise are assessed where applicable to the machine. The tester also looks at items such as the frame and structure, the registration plate, the horn and the throttle. As with cars, defects are recorded against the categories introduced in May 2018, where a dangerous or major defect results in a fail and minor defects or advisories are noted for the rider's attention.
Tyres deserve particular mention because they are both safety-critical and a frequent cause of advisories. The legal minimum tread for car tyres is 1.6mm, and a motorcycle's tyres are assessed for condition, tread and security as part of the test. A rider preparing a machine can do a great deal to improve its chances by checking lights, topping up and bleeding brakes where needed, confirming the chain tension and ensuring the registration plate is secure and correctly formatted. Many fails come down to small, inexpensive items that a careful pre-test check would have caught, so a short inspection before the appointment is time well spent.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Most road-going motorcycles must hold a valid MOT once they reach three years old, but there are limited exemptions. Vehicles of historic interest can qualify for an exemption from MOT testing under the rules set out on GOV.UK, broadly where the vehicle is over a certain age and has not been substantially changed. An exemption from testing does not remove the legal duty to keep the motorcycle in a roadworthy condition, and the rider remains responsible for ensuring it is safe to use.
Riders who believe their machine may be exempt should confirm the position directly with GOV.UK rather than assuming, since the criteria are specific. Where an exemption applies, the keeper may need to make a declaration as part of taxing the vehicle. For the great majority of riders, however, the standard three-year first test and annual renewal apply, and the fee caps above are the figures that matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a motorcycle MOT?
The maximum fee for a solo motorcycle MOT is £29.65, and for a motorcycle with a sidecar it is £36.46. These are caps set by the DVSA, so a test centre may charge less but cannot charge more. The fee covers the test only, not any repairs.
When does a motorcycle need its first MOT?
A motorcycle needs its first MOT on the third anniversary of the date it was first registered. After that, the test must be renewed every year. The exact due date can be confirmed free on the GOV.UK check MOT status service using the registration number.
What does a motorcycle MOT check?
The test checks brakes, lights and indicators, steering and head bearings, wheels and tyres, and the exhaust, along with items such as the frame, registration plate and horn. Emissions or noise are assessed where applicable. Defects are recorded under the categories introduced in May 2018.
Are any motorcycles exempt from the MOT?
Some vehicles of historic interest can be exempt from MOT testing under GOV.UK rules, broadly where the machine is over a certain age and has not been substantially changed. An exemption does not remove the duty to keep the motorcycle roadworthy, and owners should confirm eligibility with GOV.UK.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 motorcycle MOT?
Class 1 covers motorcycles up to 200cc, including many mopeds and small machines, while Class 2 covers motorcycles over 200cc. The class sets the correct test specification. Engine capacity is recorded on the V5C registration document, which riders can use to confirm their class.
