Check The Basics
Tread depth must be at least 1mm across ¾ of the width.
Tyres
Must be responsive and free from excessive wear.
Brakes
All must work correctly, flashing fast means you have a relay/LED issue.
Lights & Indicators
Required and must be securely fitted.
Horns & Mirrors
Keeping On The Right Hand Side Of The Law
What Are The Point Of Advisories?
Advisories are non-fail items that may need attention soon. These won’t prevent a pass, but ignoring them could lead to future failures.
Fines If You Ride With No MOT
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A £1,000 fine
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Points on your licence
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Possible invalidation of your insurance
Can You Ride The Motorcycle After A Fail?
You can ONLY ride:
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To a pre-booked repair appointment
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To a pre-booked re-test, provided the bike is insured and roadworthy
If Your Motorcycle Fails Its MOT
If your bike fails its MOT, the garage will list the dangerous or major defects that caused it.
At Ride It Ready, we help you find trusted motorcycle garages, call now or book your MOT online, and read reviews from other bikers - all in just a few clicks. Ride safe, stay legal.
Top MOT Failures (And How To Avoid Them)
Lighting And Signalling Issues
Indicators, headlights, tail lights and break lights
Faults: blown bulbs, poor alignment, incorrect color, or wiring problems
Why it fails: Any light that’s not working or visible will result in an automatic fail
Tip: Always check all lights before the MOT and replace faulty bulbs - it’s a 5-minute fix that avoids a fail.
Brake Performance And Condition
Brake pads, discs, hoses and fluid levels
Faults: worn brake pads, uneven braking, leaking fluid, or ineffective hand brake
Why it fails: Brakes must be effective and balanced. A performance test is part of the MOT.
Tip: If you feel reduced braking power or hear grinding, get them checked before the test.
Tyre Condition And Tread Depth
All tyres on the motorcycle need to be spic and span
Faults: low tread (under 1mm), sidewall damage, cracks, or incorrect type/size
Why it fails: Illegal or unsafe tyres affect grip and stopping distance
Tip: Measure your tread with a gauge and inspect for damage. Tyres must be appropriate for the bike and inflated correctly.