Your bike’s MOT represents a historical document for the motorbike you want to purchase or sell. It highlights any existing faults and any issues that may cause a problem in the future, so you’re fully informed about the bike’s condition. With MOT Reg Check, you can access free information about the MOT history and mileage history of any bike in the UK, helping you make an informed decision.
If you drive a motorbike with an outstanding MOT, you’re breaking the law and you could face a fine of up to £2,500, 3 points on your licence and/or a ban from driving. You need to ensure your bike is road-safe and in a condition that meets UK standards, and an MOT helps you do that. Any motorbike in the UK is required to have an annual MOT check after the first 3 years. If you’re buying a used motorbike, you can check the MOT status with our MOT report.
If you’re stopped by police without a valid MOT status, your bike could be seen as ‘unroadworthy’ and you could face a penalty. Every bike driving on UK roads needs to have a valid MOT certificate, to keep you and other road users safe, so if your bike’s MOT has expired, you need to book it in for a test straight away.
There are two categories of MOT failure: Dangerous Faults and Major Faults. A Dangerous Fault is something like a missing wheel nut or hydraulic fluid leaks – it’s an issue that makes the bike unsafe to drive and means you can only relocate it by tow truck, as it’s classed as too dangerous to be on the road.
A Major Fault may still be driveable to the garage, but it’s recommended you don’t do so. This type of failure may be a noisy exhaust, a failed catalytic converter or something similar. If your MOT test fails, you won’t be able to drive the bike on public roads until it’s been repaired.
Any bike in the UK that’s three years old or older from its initial registration date must have an annual MOT test. However, if you own a vintage bike that’s over 40 years of age, you don’t need an MOT test and you’re simply obligated to keep it in a safe and roadworthy condition. Make sure you stay on top of the MOT due date for your bike – you can use our free MOT check to find out when the MOT expiry date is.
Not all bikes have MOT data available – if it’s less than 3 years old, it won’t have had an MOT and therefore there won’t be data available for the MOT history check.
Your MOT test will be due every 12 months after the bike reaches 3 years old. Simply enter the registration number to find out your MOT expiry date.
An MOT check ensures that the motorbike you want to buy was in a safe and roadworthy condition when it was tested. With our free MOT check, you can check the history of the bike, find out if it had any issues and if anything was flagged that could be a potential issue in the future.
More than 15% of motorbikes failed their MOT in 2020, for a range of faults. The leading advisories were:
No, driving on UK roads without an MOT is illegal – it invalidates your insurance and could cost you a fine. Make sure you’re on top of your MOT status and book in your bike when a test is required.