Anyone who's visited our Barnsley showroom in past few months will have noticed that there’s a LOT of building work going on. Yes, we’re going to be bigger and better than ever before. Unfortunately, that means some disruption and a casualty of Phase One was our MOT bay, which closed in September. However, we’re pleased to announce that our bay is now back in business, freshly overhauled and ready to test scooters cars and motorcycles.
To book your MOT, just give us a call on 01226 203377, but we’ve asked Simon, our head tester, for a few tips on how to ensure your scooter passes first time. So, if you’re getting ready for an MOT, read on…
Preparation is key
Q. What gets tested on an MOT?
A. The MOT test on a scooter tests crucial safety components, including lights, steering, suspension, braking efficiency, tyres, and overall structure. Key checks involve verifying that brakes operate effectively, tyres have at least 1.0mm of tread across 75% of their width, and the exhaust is secure and not too noisy.
Q. What should I check before bringing my scooter in for its MOT?
A. Key areas covered in a scooter MOT include:
- Lights & Indicators: Headlamp (aim and brightness), rear light, indicators, and reflectors.
- Brakes: Condition of pads, discs and hoses
- Tyres & Wheels: Tread depth (minimum 1 mm), condition, and wheel alignment.
- Steering & Suspension: Head bearings, fork condition, and rear suspension movement.
- Frame & Body: Structural integrity, security of seats, and presence of all necessary parts.
- Controls: Smooth operation of the throttle and clutch lever.
- Exhaust System: Security and noise levels.
- Horn
- The registration plate’s conformity to Government regulations
If you check all of these before bringing your scooter in for an MOT, then your chances of passing it are much higher than simply crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. Oh, and please give it a wash, it makes the tester’s life much easier!
Q. My scooter has been off the road for a while and has no MOT. Unfortunately, I don’t have a van. Can I ride it to the testing station?
A. Yes, you can legally drive a vehicle without a current MOT certificate directly to a pre-arranged MOT appointment. The scooter must still be roadworthy and insured. We’d strongly suggest contacting your insurer before setting off to make sure they are happy to extend cover in those circumstances and keep proof on you of your appointment (e.g., booking confirmation) as you may need to show it if stopped. This exemption is also very limited as it only allows you to travel directly to and from the MOT station. It’s not a loophole that allows use of a scooter without an MOT.
Failure is an option...
Q. What are the most common reasons that causes scooters to fail the test?
A. Without doubt tyres and brakes, which is frustrating as they’re both very easy to check!
Q If my scooters fails an MOT can I ride it away?
A. That depends on several factors:
- Dangerous Faults: If the MOT certificate indicates "dangerous" faults, you cannot ride the ride under any circumstances. It must be taken to a garage, or you risk a fine of up to £2,500, points on your licence, or a driving ban.
- Valid Old Certificate: If your MOT failed but the old certificate is still in date (and no dangerous faults were found), you can legally ride it to a pre-booked repair shop.
- Expired Certificate: If the MOT has expired and it failed, you can only ride it to a pre-arranged test or repair appointment.
- Roadworthy Standard: Remember, even if the scooter has a valid, in-date certificate, using a vehicle that's known to be in a dangerous or unroadworthy condition is illegal.
Q. Do I have to pay for a re-test after a failure?
A. Generally, you get a free, partial retest if the vehicle stays at the same test centre for repairs and is retested within 10 working days. If removed, it must be returned by the next working day for specific, minor faults to be free.
Q. If the fail is an easy fix, for example headlight adjustment, can I repair it on the spot and get a pass?
A. Yes, this is known as a ‘P.R.S’, which stands for "Pass after Rectification at the Station". This means a vehicle initially failed its MOT test due to a minor defect, but the issue was fixed immediately on-site within one hour, allowing it to pass without needing a full re-test.
Indicator answers
Q. I’ve heard various opinions on the need to fit indicators, what’s the actual position for an MOT?
A. The MOT tester’s bible is the Government’s testing guide. This tells us that:
- Mandatory Fitment: Required for motorcycles registered on or after August 1, 1986.
- Colour: Must emit an amber light.
- Operation: Must flash on and off (not just dim/brighten) at a rate of 60 to 120 times per minute.
- Visibility & Security: Must be securely fitted and clearly visible from the front and rear.
- Switchgear: The switch must function correctly.
- Exceptions: Bikes registered before August 1, 1986, and machines incapable of exceeding 30 mph or, in some cases, enduro/trail bikes used for off-road purposes and that are incapable of carrying a pasenger, may not require them. (If in doubt speak with your MOT tester)
- If Fitted: If indicators are fitted to a bike that does not legally require them, they must still work correctly.
- Visibility Check: A dashboard/speedo ‘idiot light’ (indicator tell-tale) is required if the rider cannot see the indicators flashing while riding. If not working, this is classed as a minor defect
Loud pipes may save lives but they might not pass an MOT....
Q. I’ve fitted an expansion pipe and if I'm honest, it’s not the quietest exhaust on the planet. Will it fail?
A. Any noisy exhaust will likely cause an MOT failure or advisory if it is significantly louder than the standard system or “sounds like a ‘nuisance”. This is one area where examiners use subjective judgment rather than strict decibel meters, often testing at 2,500rpm or half maximum speed. Aftermarket exhausts, especially those missing baffles, are common reasons for failure and will not pass an MOT if they are marked “Not for road use”. Remember that even if a certificate is granted, the Police may take a different view on what constitutes a nuisance.
Take a look in the mirror
Q. Do mirrors have to be fitted?
A. Motorcycle mirrors are not a legal requirement for a UK MOT test, meaning a scooter can pass without them. However, if mirrors are fitted, they must be secure, not broken, and provide a clear view. If mirrors are removed, they must be fully removed, not just left broken.
LED-ing by example
Q. I’ve fitted an LED bulb to my headlight, will that fail an MOT?
A. LED lightbulbs fitted to a motorcycle will not automatically fail a UK MOT test, provided the beam pattern is correct, the light colour is correct (white or yellow), and it does not dazzle oncoming traffic. While earlier rules suggested conversions were prohibited, MOT special notice 01-21 clarified that motorcycles (Class 1 & 2) should not fail solely for using LED/HID bulbs, provided they meet beam requirements. The most critical factor is that the LED produces a sharp, correct beam pattern, allowing the MOT tester to check the alignment without producing excessive glare (dazzle).
Book early
Q. My MOT is due to expire, how far in advance can I book it?
A. You can book an MOT up to one month (minus a day) before it expires to retain the same renewal date for the following year. Booking within this window ensures you keep the full 12-month validity. For example, If your MOT expires on May 15, the earliest you can book to keep that date is April 16. You can book earlier than one month, but your renewal date will change to one year (minus a day) from the new test date.
Q. How much does an MOT cost?
A. Prices vary but we conduct our tests on site, where you can watch the test. Our prices are £30.00 for a scooter/motorcycle and £49.00 for a car.
Tests can be booked by calling our showroom on 01226 203377.
