If you ride a motorcycle, moped or scooter in the UK, you’ll need a Class 1 or Class 2 MOT test once your vehicle is over three years old.
These tests are specifically for two-wheeled vehicles (and sidecars), to make sure they meet legal safety and roadworthiness standards.
Though less common than MOTs for cars and vans, they’re just as important: failing to have a valid MOT can leave you uninsured and in trouble with the law.
Here we explain what Class 1 and Class 2 involve, which bikes they apply to, and what gets checked.
What Is a Class 1 MOT?
A Class 1 MOT covers motorcycles, scooters, mopeds (or motorcycle combinations with sidecars) that meet certain criteria:
- Engine size up to 200cc.
- Maximum continuous rated power not more than 4 kW, and a design speed up to 28 mph
- Includes those fitted with sidecars, provided they meet the above conditions.
- For these vehicles (that are over 3 years old), the MOT is required annually.
What Is a Class 2 MOT?
A Class 2 MOT is for motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and motorcycle + sidecar combinations that do not meet the criteria for Class 1, i.e. those with:
- Engine size over 200cc, or
- Higher power or design speed above the limits for Class 1.
- Again, once the vehicle is over three years old, a test is legally required every year.
What Is the Difference Between a Class 1 and Class 2 MOT?
Here’s a table summarising the differences between class 1 and 2 MOT tests:
| Feature
| Class 1 MOT
| Class 2 MOT
|
|---|
| Engine size
| Up to 200 cc
| Over 200 cc
|
| Max power/design speed
| Up to 4 kW; top speed ≤ 45 km/h (28 mph)
| No speed cap (bikes exceeding Class 1 limits)
|
| Includes sidecars?
| Yes, if vehicle meets Class 1 criteria
| Yes, all sidecar combos over the Class 1 limits or otherwise excluded from Class 1
|
| MOT frequency
| Annually, once over 3 years old
| Same: annually after 3 years old
|
| Purpose / typical bikes covered
| Learner mopeds, small scooters, lower powered machines
| Larger bikes, more powerful machines, touring, performance etc.
|
What’s Checked During a Class 1 MOT?
Even though Class 1 applies to smaller/less powerful machines, the checks carried out are rigorous. They include (but are not limited to):
- Vehicle identification: Registration plate and VIN checks.
- Brakes: Condition of levers & pedals, brake pads/linings, fluid where applicable; performance and efficiency.
- Steering and suspension: Handlebars, forks, wheel alignment, bearings etc.
- Lamps, reflectors, indicators, electrical: All lights must work, be properly fitted, the right colour, securely attached; indicators and reflectors must meet flashing rates or visibility standards.
- Tyres, wheels and suspension: Tread condition, wheel bearings, shocks/springs.
- Structure and attachments: Frame integrity, exhaust system, fuel system, seat, footrests, throttle/clutch controls.
- Audible warning (horn): Must function and be audible.
- Exhaust noise: Noise levels must be within legal limits.
Because these checks are to ensure basic safety and make sure small bikes/mopeds are not dangerous or overly polluting, the standards are essentially the same for many items, just applied to whatever the vehicle type is.
What’s Checked During a Class 2 MOT?
Class 2 uses the same inspection manual (motorcycles, scooter, moped & motorcycle combinations) so most test items are similar to Class 1.
In essence, everything that gets checked for a smaller machine also gets checked for a larger one – but the standards applied may be relative to the class of machine, power, speed etc.
Does Blackcircles Offer Class 1 or 2 MOT Bookings?
No – Blackcircles currently only offer Class 4 MOT bookings (i.e. for cars, light vans etc). There is no option via Blackcircles to book a Class 1 or Class 2 motorcycle MOT.
FAQs:
How much does a Class 1 or Class 2 MOT cost?
The DVSA sets maximum fees that approved test stations can charge for motorcycle MOTs. The maximum fee for a Class 1 MOT is lower than that for a Class 2, reflecting the smaller and less complex nature of the vehicles involved. Garages are free to charge less than the maximum, so it is worth comparing prices at local approved test stations before booking.
Can I ride my motorcycle to its MOT if the current certificate has expired?
You are permitted to ride a motorcycle with an expired MOT certificate only if you are travelling directly to a pre-booked test appointment. You must take the most direct route and not use the bike for any other purpose beforehand. Riding without a valid MOT in any other circumstance is illegal and will likely invalidate your insurance policy.
Do electric motorcycles and mopeds need a Class 1 or Class 2 MOT?
Yes. Electric motorcycles and mopeds are subject to the same MOT class structure as petrol-powered equivalents, with the class determined by the vehicle's power output and design speed rather than engine size. A low-powered electric moped that meets Class 1 criteria will require a Class 1 test, while a more powerful electric motorcycle will fall under Class 2. The test criteria are adapted accordingly, with no exhaust emissions check required for electric vehicles.
Can a motorcycle fail its MOT on tyre condition?
Yes. Tyre condition is one of the areas specifically checked during both Class 1 and Class 2 MOT tests. A motorcycle can fail if the tread depth falls below the legal minimum of 1mm across three-quarters of the tread width and around the full circumference, if there is visible damage such as cuts, bulges, or exposed cords, or if the tyres are not an appropriate type for the vehicle. Given that a motorcycle relies on only two contact patches with the road, tyre condition is particularly critical for safety.
How do I find an approved Class 1 or Class 2 MOT test centre?
Not all MOT garages are authorised to carry out motorcycle tests. You can find an approved Class 1 or Class 2 test station using the DVSA's online garage finder, which allows you to search by location and vehicle class. It is worth confirming the booking is for the correct class when you contact the garage, as some test stations may only be authorised for one of the two motorcycle classes.
