Change of https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-motorcycles

Change description : 2023-02-06 15:11:00: Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment – 4.1.2 add additional information for items not tested”“Not tested” or “unable to be tested” should only be used where it becomes apparent during the test that the particular item cannot be tested, and this could not have been identified prior to starting the test. The reason for selecting the failure must be included in the additional information box.” [Guidance and regulation]

Showing diff : 2022-03-02 11:38:42.592728081 +00:00..2023-02-06 15:11:07.627682868 +00:00

MOT inspection manual: motorcycles

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
Updated:
6, see all updates
  1. Contents

Inspection processes and rules for motorcycle, scooter, moped and motorcycle combination (class 1 and 2 vehicle) MOT tests.

Applies toto: England, ScotlandScotland, and Wales
Guidance (see publication for Northern Ireland).

There are different MOT inspection manuals for cars and passenger vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles.

  • Introduction

    Definitions, vehicle classes, reasons to refuse to test a vehicle, historic vehicles, and inspection procedures for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • 0. Identification of the vehicle

    Registration plate (number plate) and vehicle identification number rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • 1. Brakes

    Brake condition and operation (including brake lever and pedal, lining and pads, callipers and cylinders), brake performance and efficiency, and brake fluid rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • 2. Steering

    Mechanical condition, handlebar, forks and yokes and wheel alignment rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • 3. Not in use

    Section 3 of the motorcycle MOT inspection manual is not currently used.

  • 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

    Headlamp, position lamps, stop lamps, direction indicators, rear registration plate lamp, rear reflector and direction indicator ‘tell-tale’ rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • 5. Wheels, tyres and suspension

    Wheel bearing, wheel and tyre, and suspension (including springs, shock absorbers, and suspension arms and joints) rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • 6. Structure and attachments

    Frame and attachments (including exhaust system and fuel system), and seat and riding controls (including clutch and throttle controls and footrests) rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • 7. Audible warning

    Audible warning (horn) rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • 8. Exhaust noise

    Exhaust noise rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.

  • Appendix A: Structural integrity and corrosion

    Assessing corrosion and methods of repair for motorcycle MOT tests.

Update history

2025-06-24 09:03
Introduction – 3. Motorcycles of historical interest – removed ‘If you or your assistant are not familiar with the controls of a historic motorcycle, you should ask the vehicle presenter – if available – to operate or demonstrate the controls.’Definition of insecure – changed the third bullet point from ‘a safety critical component (braking, steering or suspension system component) is not safely attached at its fixing or to an associated component’ to ‘a safety critical component (braking, steering or suspension system component) is not safely or completely attached at its fixing or to an associated component’.Inspection procedure – added ‘If you or your assistant are not familiar with the controls of the motorcycle, you should ask the vehicle presenter – if available – to operate or demonstrate the controls.’

2023-02-06 15:11
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment – 4.1.2 add additional information for items not tested”“Not tested” or “unable to be tested” should only be used where it becomes apparent during the test that the particular item cannot be tested, and this could not have been identified prior to starting the test. The reason for selecting the failure must be included in the additional information box.”

2022-03-02 11:38
Introduction – Introduction – 2. Application (Classes 1 and 2) – Bullet point 1 changed from ‘Class 1 – motorcycle or motorcycle and sidecar up to 200cc’ to ‘Class 1 – motorcycles or motorcycle combinations up to 200cc and motorcycles with not more than 4kW maximum continuous rated power and a maximum design speed up to 45km/h (28mph) – Category L1, L3 and L4’Introduction – 2. Application (Classes 1 and 2) – Bullet point 2 changed from – ‘Class 2 – all motorcycles or motorcycle and sidecar combinations including Class 1’ to ‘Class 2 – all motorcycles or motorcycle combinations other than those in category L1’Introduction – 2. Application (Classes 1 and 2) – Removed sentence ‘Classes 1 and 2 both include categories L1, L3 or L4’Introduction – 17. Retest following failure – Bullet point added ‘carry out another brake performance test and record the results in the MOT testing service, where the braking system may have been affected by the repairs’