Motorcycle MOT Failures & What To Do

Navigating a Motorcycle MOT Failure: Your Essential Guide

So, you've taken your beloved two-wheeled steed for its annual MOT test, only to be met with the dreaded news: it hasn't passed. While a fail can be disheartening, it's by no means the end of the road. Understanding why your motorcycle might have failed and what steps you need to take next is crucial for getting back on the tarmac legally and safely. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common reasons for a motorcycle MOT failure, your rights and responsibilities, and the best course of action to rectify any issues.

Common Motorcycle MOT Failure Points

The MOT test for motorcycles is designed to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and safe. Several key areas are scrutinised, and failure in any of these can lead to an automatic fail. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

• Brakes: This is arguably the most critical component. Issues like worn brake pads, leaking brake fluid, damaged brake hoses, or malfunctioning brake levers will result in a fail. The effectiveness of both the front and rear brakes is rigorously tested.
• Tyres: Tyre tread depth is a major factor. A minimum of 1mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth is required. Additionally, any cuts, bulges, or signs of excessive wear on the sidewalls or tread will lead to a failure. Mismatched tyres (different makes or types on the front and rear) can also be an issue.
• Lights: All lights, including headlights (both main beam and dipped beam), taillights, brake lights, and indicators, must be present, functioning correctly, and of the appropriate colour. A cracked lens or a light that's too dim or too bright can also cause a fail.
• Frame and Chassis: Significant corrosion or damage to the frame or chassis is a serious safety concern. Cracks, excessive rust, or any structural weakness will result in a fail.
• Exhaust System: The exhaust must be secure, free from leaks, and not excessively noisy. While emissions testing isn't as stringent for motorcycles as for cars, a damaged or modified exhaust that's clearly too loud will fail.
• Steering and Suspension: Worn wheel bearings, loose steering head bearings, or damaged suspension components (like worn fork seals or damaged shock absorbers) can all lead to a fail. The motorcycle must steer and handle predictably.
• Horn: The horn must operate correctly and be audible.
• Wheels and Wheel Bearings: Damaged wheels, loose spokes (on spoked wheels), or worn wheel bearings are safety hazards and will cause a fail.
• Engine and Drivetrain: While the engine's internal workings aren't directly tested, any obvious leaks (oil, fuel), loose or damaged engine mounts, or issues with the drive chain (excessive slack, worn sprockets) can lead to a fail.
• General Condition: While subjective, a motorcycle in extremely poor condition with numerous loose parts, sharp edges, or a general lack of maintenance might be failed on safety grounds.

Understanding Your MOT Test Certificate

When your motorcycle undergoes its MOT, you'll receive a VT30 certificate. This document is crucial:

• Pass Certificate (VT20): If your motorcycle passes, you'll receive a VT20 certificate, which is your proof of roadworthiness for the next 12 months.
• Refusal of Test Certificate (VT30): If your motorcycle fails, you'll receive a VT30. This document will list the reasons for the failure and any 'dangerous' or 'major' defects that need to be addressed.

It's vital to understand the categories of defects listed on the VT30:

• Dangerous Defects: These are issues that pose an immediate and direct risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. You must not drive the motorcycle until these are repaired.
• Major Defects: These are issues that could compromise the safety of the vehicle or have an impact on the environment. The vehicle will fail the MOT with these defects.
• Minor Defects: These are issues that are not dangerous but should be rectified as soon as possible. They do not cause an MOT failure on their own, but if they are present alongside other issues, they could contribute to a fail.

What Happens After a Motorcycle MOT Fail?

Once you've received your VT30, you have a few options:

1. Leave the Test Centre: If the MOT has expired, you can only ride your motorcycle if it's to a pre-arranged MOT test appointment or to a place of repair. You cannot legally ride it for any other purpose.
2. Leave it at the Test Centre: You can choose to leave your motorcycle at the test centre for repairs.
3. Ride it Away (if MOT is still valid): If your previous MOT is still valid, you can ride your motorcycle away, but you must get the necessary repairs done and have the MOT re-tested before the old one expires.

Getting Repairs Done

You are not obliged to have the repairs carried out by the same garage that conducted the MOT. You can take your motorcycle to any mechanic or garage of your choice. However, if you choose to have the repairs done at the original test centre, you may be eligible for a partial re-test, which can be more cost-effective.

A partial re-test typically involves re-checking only the items that failed. For example, if only your brakes failed, the re-test might only focus on the braking system. This can often be completed within one working day of the original test.

Key Considerations for Repairs:

• Get a Quote: Always get a clear quote for the repairs before authorising any work.
• Quality of Parts: Ensure that reputable parts are used for the repairs.
• Don't Delay: Address the issues promptly to avoid further deterioration and to get your motorcycle back on the road legally.

The Re-test Process

After the repairs have been completed, your motorcycle will need to be re-tested. If you have the repairs done at the original test centre and it's within a specified timeframe (usually one working day), you might qualify for a free or reduced-price partial re-test. If you take it to a different garage, you will likely have to pay for a full MOT re-test.

Important Note: If your motorcycle has been left at the test centre for repairs, you can only drive it away once the repairs are completed and it has passed the re-test, or if you are taking it to another garage for further work (provided the previous MOT is still valid).

Preventative Maintenance: The Best Defence

The best way to avoid the stress and expense of an MOT failure is through regular, proactive maintenance. A well-maintained motorcycle is less likely to have issues. Here are some tips:

• Regular Servicing: Adhere to your motorcycle manufacturer's recommended service schedule.
• Pre-MOT Checks: Before your MOT, do a thorough visual inspection yourself. Check tyre pressures and tread depth, lights, horn, and brake operation.
• Cleanliness: A clean motorcycle can make it easier to spot potential problems.
• Listen to Your Bike: Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in handling. These could be early indicators of a problem.
• Address Minor Issues: Don't ignore small problems like a sticky brake lever or a dim indicator. Fix them before they become major issues that could cause an MOT failure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I ride my motorcycle if it fails its MOT?

A1: You can only ride your motorcycle if its previous MOT certificate is still valid, and you are taking it for a pre-arranged MOT test or to a place of repair. Otherwise, it must remain off the road.

Q2: How long do I have to get repairs done after failing an MOT?

A2: There is no legal time limit to complete repairs, but you cannot legally ride the motorcycle on public roads if its MOT has expired, unless you are en route to a pre-booked MOT test or a repair shop.

Q3: Do I have to use the same garage for repairs if my motorcycle fails its MOT?

A3: No, you are free to choose any garage for repairs. However, using the original test centre for repairs may allow for a more cost-effective partial re-test.

Q4: What if my motorcycle fails due to a dangerous defect?

A4: You must not drive the motorcycle under any circumstances until the dangerous defect is repaired. It cannot be legally driven on public roads.

Q5: Is there a limit to how many times a motorcycle can be re-tested?

A5: No, there is no limit to the number of re-tests you can have, but each re-test might incur a charge, depending on the circumstances and the garage.

Conclusion

Failing a motorcycle MOT is a common occurrence and a prompt to address necessary maintenance. By understanding the common failure points, your responsibilities, and the available options for repair and re-testing, you can efficiently get your motorcycle back into a roadworthy condition. Remember, regular maintenance and a keen eye for detail are your best allies in ensuring your motorcycle not only passes its MOT but remains safe and reliable for every ride. Don't let a fail deter you; see it as an opportunity to ensure your bike is in top mechanical condition.

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