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What Are Class 1 & 2 MOTs?
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.