What is a ‘daytime MOT’?
A ‘daytime MOT’ is the popular rather than official term used for a Ministry of Transport vehicle test which confirms your motorcycle is legally roadworthy for use only in daylight and conditions of clear visibility. If your bike meets the test criteria you will be issued with a normal MOT certificate but with an advisory note (a VT32) which confirms the daytime/ visibility restriction which applies. If you have a daytime MOT you may not legally use your bike on the public highway outside of daylight hours or at times of seriously reduced visibility.
Who would this apply to?
This mainly applies to owners of classic bikes which are not originally fitted with lights, who might have to MOT with the VT32 advisory and owners of off road bikes or track bikes might also be issued with one if they have modified their bike in order to make it street legal.
How do I get one?
Any authorised MOT test station should be able to issue you with an MOT certificate carrying the VT32 advisory note should your vehicle satisfy the test criteria. However you may find that as VT32 restricted MOTs are not frequently requested some garages are not familiar with them. The test criteria are listed in Section 1 of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency’s (VOSA) MOT Inspection Manual Motor Bicycle and Side Car Testing .
What are the criteria?
To qualify for a daytime MOT your bike must “have neither front nor rear position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked.” This applies to headlamps, position lamps and indicators. The situation with stop lamps is significantly more complicated. Machines do not need to have a stop lamp fitted if they cannot exceed 25mph, were first used before 1st January 1936 or were first used before 1st April 1986 and do not exceed 50cc. Those first used before 1st April 1986 must have a stop lamp that operates from at least one brake control and those used on or after that date must have a stop lamp operated from both brakes. There is an added if not widespread complication for bikes first used from 1st April 1986 which were approved with a stop lamp activated by one control. There were very few of these and test inspectors are instructed to fail a bike only if they are certain the stop lamp was designed to be operated by both brake controls and isn’t.
Your bike must be fitted with a rear reflector and an “audible warning device”, typically an electrical horn, which must be loud enough to be heard by another road user.
Can I get insurance with Carole Nash if I have a daytime MOT?
Yes. Our policy states that you must have a valid MOT certificate and as long as you do not breach the daylight/visibility restriction of the VT32 advisory note you will be covered. This is true of all bikes include vintage and classic machines and off road bikes (which satisfy Department of Transport road laws and construction and use regulations).
You must of course ensure you satisfy any other legal obligations regarding the use and ownership of your bike. Your policy will also require you to take all reasonable steps to keep your vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition.”
Bear in mind though that if your bike was manufactured with lights and you remove them then some insurers may treat this as a modification and it could affect your premium. This is particularly true for modern and off road bikes adapted for road use.
Where can I get more information?
Directgov carries general details of the MOT regime here
VOSA’s manual for MOT testers of motorcycle can be viewed here
