Motorcycle price guide
How much does a motorcycle MOT cost?
Maximum fee, set by law
Figures last reviewed 26 September 2026.
Motorcycles need an MOT once they’re three years old, and every year after that. The maximum fee is set by law, and it’s lower than a car’s. Not every MOT centre can test motorcycles, so book one that’s approved for bikes.
The maximum MOT fee
| Vehicle | Maximum fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle (up to 200cc) | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle (over 200cc) | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | £37.80 |
Source: GOV.UK - Getting an MOT: MOT costs, checked 26 September 2026. You don't pay VAT on the fee.
Key dates and rules
- The first MOT is due by the third anniversary of the vehicle’s registration, then every year after that.
- You can have the MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
- Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000 - the only exceptions are driving to a pre-booked MOT, or to a garage for repairs needed to pass.
- Any vehicle’s MOT history, including past failures and advisories, can be checked for free on GOV.UK.
- These rules and fees apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own MOT system, run by the DVA.
Never miss your MOT
Add your motorcycle to RoadVerdict and we'll keep track of the MOT date - along with tax, insurance and servicing - and read its full MOT history for you. Free.
Track my motorcycle freeWhat an MOT checks
- Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels and tyres
- Lights, horn and the registration plate
- The frame, for damage or corrosion
- The exhaust, for noise and security, and the fuel system for leaks
- The drive chain and sprockets
What changes the price
- The test itself is capped - what varies is how much under the cap a centre charges.
- Repairs to pass are separate.
How to make sure you're paying a fair price
- Book a centre approved to test motorcycles - not every MOT station can.
- An MOT is a test, not a repair: if your bike fails, you can have the repairs done elsewhere.
- Ask about retests before booking: a partial retest is often free if the bike is repaired at the same centre and retested within 10 working days.
Red flags
- Repairs presented as MOT failures that aren’t on the official test result, which is recorded against the bike and visible on GOV.UK.
Questions people ask
How much does a motorcycle MOT cost?
The maximum MOT fee for a motorcycle is £29.65, whatever the engine size, or £37.80 with a sidecar - set by law. Test centres can charge less, and many do. You don’t pay VAT on the fee.
When is a motorcycle’s first MOT due?
By the third anniversary of its registration, then every year. You can have it up to a month (minus a day) early and keep the same renewal date.
Can any MOT centre test my motorcycle?
No - motorcycles are tested at centres approved for them, and not every MOT station is. Check when you book.
More motorcycle price guides
RoadVerdict price guides are benchmarks from named, dated sources, not a quote for your motorcycle. Every figure shows how well sourced it is, and where no source prices a job directly we say so.