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Motorcycle MOT Cost 2026: £29.65 Max (DVSA Classes 1 + 2)
The DVSA statutory maximum for a motorcycle MOT is £29.65 for both Class 1 (up to 200cc) and Class 2 (over 200cc). Motorcycle with a sidecar falls into Class 3 at £37.80. Most independent garages charge £20-29 for a solo bike test.
Class 1
£29.65
Up to 200cc
Class 2
£29.65
Over 200cc
Class 3 sidecar
£37.80
Bike + sidecar
Typical charge
£20-29
Solo bike independent
DVSA Motorcycle Classes
| Class | Description | Max fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Motorcycle up to 200cc (mopeds, scooters, learner-legal) | £29.65 |
| Class 2 | Motorcycle over 200cc (standard motorcycles) | £29.65 |
| Class 3 | 3-wheeled vehicle up to 450kg (including motorcycle with sidecar) | £37.80 |
When Your Motorcycle First Needs an MOT
A motorcycle needs its first MOT 3 years after the date of first registration shown on the V5C. From that point on, an annual MOT is required for every Class 1 or Class 2 vehicle on the road. Bikes more than 40 years old qualify for the same historic vehicle MOT exemption that applies to cars, provided no substantial modification has been made; see /mot-exemption for the rules and the V112 process.
What the DVSA Motorcycle MOT Checks
| Area | What is inspected |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlight (dipped + main beam), tail light, brake light, indicators, number plate light, reflectors |
| Steering and suspension | Front fork operation, headstock bearings, swingarm, rear shock, wheel bearings |
| Brakes | Front and rear brake performance, lever and pedal travel, fluid level, pad wear |
| Tyres | Tread depth (1.0mm UK minimum for motorcycles), sidewall condition, valve security, tyre type compatibility |
| Wheels and frame | Wheel security, frame condition, structural corrosion, registration plate format and security |
| Emissions | Visible exhaust smoke; emission limits for bikes first registered after 1 July 1999 |
| Horn | Horn operation; mirrors fitted and adjustable |
| Drive chain | Chain tension and condition, sprocket wear, chain guard fitment |
Common Motorcycle MOT Failures
Motorcycle MOT failures cluster differently from cars. The most common categories are:
- Lights. Bulbs and indicator function. Easy DIY fix; a bulb is typically £5-12.
- Brakes. Pad wear and lever travel. Pads are £20-50 per disc; full pad and disc replacement runs £80-200.
- Tyres. Tread below 1.0mm or sidewall damage. Front and rear motorcycle tyres typically £80-180 fitted.
- Chain and sprockets. Excessive chain slack or worn sprockets are an MOT failure. Chain and sprocket kit £80-150 fitted.
- Headstock bearings. Play in the steering. Garage replacement £100-200.
- Number plate format. Non-standard fonts and styling fail; this is a quick fix with a replacement plate at £15-25.
Want the full DVSA fee schedule?
Cars, vans, motorhomes, public service vehicles, and 3-wheelers all sit in different DVSA classes with different statutory caps.
See All DVSA MOT Fees