How Much Is a Motorcycle MOT? Maximum Fees and Retests
The legal maximum fee for a motorcycle MOT is £29.65, or £37.80 with a sidecar. What you can be charged, retest rules and how to avoid paying twice.
The maximum fee for a motorcycle MOT
The government sets a maximum fee that an MOT test station can charge. For a standard motorcycle the maximum is £29.65, whether the bike is under or over 200cc. With a sidecar fitted the maximum rises to £37.80. There is no VAT on the MOT fee.
| Vehicle | Maximum MOT fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle up to 200cc (class 1) | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle over 200cc (class 2) | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar (class 1 or 2) | £37.80 |
| Three-wheeler up to 450kg unladen (class 3) | £37.80 |
These are ceilings, not set prices. A test station can charge less, and many do, particularly when you book a service or repair at the same time. A station cannot legally charge more than the maximum for the test itself.
What the fee covers
The fee pays for the inspection only. It does not include any repairs, parts or adjustments, and it is not a service. The MOT does not check the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox, so a bike can pass its MOT and still need mechanical work.
If your bike fails: retests
A failed test does not always mean paying the full fee again. GOV.UK sets out three situations:
- Repaired at the test centre: if you leave the bike at the test centre for repair and it is retested within 10 working days, the partial retest is free.
- Taken away and brought back within 10 working days: you only need a partial retest, but the centre can charge a partial retest fee.
- Back by the end of the next working day: some items can be retested free at the same centre, such as lamps, the horn, mirrors and registration plates. Wheels and tyres are not on that free list for motorcycles.
In every other case you need a full retest and pay the full fee again.
Can you ride a bike that has failed?
You can ride it away if your current MOT is still valid and the test listed no "dangerous" problems. If the MOT has run out, you can only ride it to have the failed defects fixed or to a pre-arranged MOT test. Riding a bike that failed with a dangerous problem can mean a fine of up to £2,500, a ban and 3 penalty points.
How to keep the cost down
- Check lights, the horn, tyre tread and chain tension yourself before the test. Simple faults are a common reason for failure.
- Ask whether the centre offers a free retest if repairs are done there.
- Book up to a month (minus a day) before your MOT runs out. You keep the same renewal date, and you have time to fix anything that fails.
Common questions
What is the most a motorcycle MOT can cost?
The maximum fee is £29.65 for a motorcycle and £37.80 for a motorcycle with a sidecar. There is no VAT on the MOT fee.
Is a motorcycle MOT cheaper than a car MOT?
Yes. The maximum fee for a car is £54.85, compared with £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.
Do I have to pay again if my bike fails?
Not always. A partial retest is free if you leave the bike at the test centre for repair and it is retested within 10 working days. Some items can be retested free if you return to the same centre by the end of the next working day.
Find a motorcycle MOT near you
Find a motorcycle MOT centre
All areas · Search by postcode
More guides
- What Is Checked in a Motorcycle MOT?
- Motorcycle MOT Classes Explained: Class 1, 2 and 3
- When Does a Motorcycle Need an MOT?
- Class 7 MOT Explained: Which Vans Need One and What It Costs
General information, not legal advice. Figures checked against GOV.UK and DVSA guidance on 9 November 2026.