Motorbike MOT: due date calculator and checklist

How the MOT date works

The first MOT is due by the third anniversary of the bike's first registration, the date on the V5C, not the date you bought it. From then on an MOT lasts a year and the next one is due by the anniversary of the last. Test within the month (minus a day) before the expiry and the renewal date stays put; test earlier and the new MOT runs for a year minus a day from the pass. A bike registered on 29 February is treated as due on 28 February, the earlier of the two possible dates.

Bikes built or first registered more than 40 years ago may not need an MOT at all if they have not been substantially changed. Bikes registered in Northern Ireland follow different rules and are out of scope here: see nidirect.

Motorbike MOT checklist

What the tester looks at, from GOV.UK's list of motorcycle parts checked at an MOT. Go through it the week before the test; most of it you can check at home with the bike on its stand. The MOT does not cover the engine, clutch or gearbox. For every item and the exact reasons for failure, read the MOT inspection manual for motorcycles.

• LightsHeadlamp working and aimed correctly, front and rear position lamps, brake light coming on from both the front and rear brake, indicators flashing at a normal rate, the rear number plate lamp and the rear reflector.
• HornIt works and suits the bike.
• Tyres and wheelsOn a bike over 50cc the tread must be at least 1.0mm deep across a band of three quarters of the tread width, all the way round, and the pattern must be visible over the whole tread. A bike of 50cc or less needs the visible pattern but not the 1mm. Look for lumps, bulges, and cuts deep enough to show the ply or cords. Check the valves, and that the tyres are the right size and type: a radial on the front with a cross-ply on the rear is a fail.
• BrakesCondition, operation and performance: the tester measures braking efficiency. The levers and pedal must work properly.
• Steering and suspensionForks, handlebars, grips, head bearings, swinging arm and shock absorbers secure and working. The front and rear wheels must line up.
• FrameNo cracks, damage, distortion or corrosion likely to affect the steering or brakes.
• Drive chain and sprocketThe chain not too slack, too tight or worn, the sprockets not too worn, and the chain guard secure.
• Exhaust and fuelThe exhaust secure, complete and not too loud. No fuel leaks, and the filler cap in place.
• Seat, footrests and controlsA rider's seat fitted securely, footrests present and secure, the throttle working, and a clutch lever not so bent or shortened that it is hard to use.
• Number plate, VIN and frame numberPresent and legible.
• Sidecar, if fittedAttachment, alignment, suspension, wheel bearings, lights and tyre.

If it fails, or the MOT has run out

A bike fails when the result lists dangerous or major problems. You can ride it away only if the old MOT is still valid and nothing dangerous was listed; otherwise it needs repairing first. Riding a bike that failed on a dangerous problem can bring a fine of up to £2,500, a ban and 3 penalty points, and riding without a valid MOT can bring a fine of up to £1,000. A SORN does not pause the MOT; our SORN guide explains what to do in spring.

Motorbike MOT questions