Inspection Manual for Motorcycle MOT Tests
Summary
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has published the Inspection Manual for Motorcycle MOT Tests, providing inspection processes and rules for motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and motorcycle combinations (class 1 and 2 vehicles). The manual applies to England, Scotland and Wales and covers sections including brakes, steering, lamps, wheels, tyres, suspension, structure, audible warning and exhaust noise.
What changed
The DVSA has released the Inspection Manual for Motorcycle MOT Tests, establishing the technical standards and inspection procedures for testing motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and motorcycle combinations in England, Scotland and Wales. The manual covers 9 sections including brakes, steering, lamps and reflectors, wheels and tyres, suspension, structure and attachments, audible warning (horn), and exhaust noise.
Affected parties including MOT testing stations, motorcycle owners, and motorcycle repair businesses should consult this manual to understand the specific inspection criteria and standards that motorcycles must meet to pass the MOT test. The manual provides detailed guidance on items such as brake performance requirements, tyre condition and tread depths, lighting requirements, and exhaust noise limits.
What to do next
- Refer to the inspection manual for specific inspection criteria
- Follow the defined procedures when conducting motorcycle MOT tests
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Summary
Inspection processes and rules for motorcycle, scooter, moped and motorcycle combination (class 1 and 2 vehicle) MOT tests.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Guidance for Northern Ireland
There are different MOT inspection manuals for cars and passenger vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles.
Contents
- 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. Print this page
Named provisions
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