So, you’ve got a dirt bike and the thrill of off-road riding is in your blood. But have you ever wondered, “Are Dirt Bikes Road Legal?” In the UK, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While dirt bikes are designed for off-road adventures, it is indeed possible to make them road legal with the right modifications and paperwork. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your dirt bike legally on UK roads, ensuring you can transition from trails to tarmac without any legal hiccups.
Step 1: Securing Your Certificate of Newness
The first crucial step in making your dirt bike road legal is obtaining a ‘Certificate of Newness’. This document confirms details about your bike and is essential for the registration process. You’ll need to contact your bike’s manufacturer directly to request this certificate. Here are the contact links for some of the major manufacturers to get you started:
Each manufacturer has its own fee for the Certificate of Newness, and processing times can vary. For instance, Yamaha charged around £45 and took approximately three weeks for delivery, while Kawasaki’s certificate cost a friend of mine £42 and arrived within a week. Remember, you cannot proceed to the next stage without this certificate in hand.
Step 2: The MOT Test – Navigating the “Daytime MOT”
With your Certificate of Newness secured, the next step is the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. However, this is where things can get a little nuanced. Many MOT testing stations are unfamiliar with the specifics of making a dirt bike road legal, leading to varying interpretations of what’s required for a “daytime MOT”.
Here are the key components you’ll need to ensure your dirt bike meets the basic MOT requirements:
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Road Legal Tyres: Your dirt bike must be fitted with tyres that are legal for road use. Look for tyres marked with an “E” number and ensure they do not state “not for road use”.
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Horn: A working horn is a mandatory requirement. If your dirt bike doesn’t have one, you can easily install a strap-on horn, available from online marketplaces like eBay for around £20.
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Rear Brake Light: While some MOT testing stations may insist on a rear brake light, it’s worth noting that for a daytime MOT, it might not always be strictly required. In my case, it wasn’t a prerequisite for the MOT, but I chose to install one afterwards for added safety using a total loss system*.
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Speedometer: Similarly, a speedometer may or may not be requested by the MOT tester. If it is, a temporary solution is to use a speedometer app on your phone and mount it securely to your bike for the test.
It’s highly recommended to call several MOT testing stations in your area to discuss their specific requirements for a daytime MOT on a dirt bike. This can save you time and potential headaches by finding a tester who is familiar with or lenient towards these conversions.
*For the total loss system setup, I opted for banjo brake switches, a budget-friendly rear number plate holder with an integrated light, and a compact 12v battery pack tucked under the seat. This system is independent of the bike’s main electrics, meaning you don’t need to worry about upgrading stators or complex wiring for the MOT.
Step 3: NOVA Declaration – Notifying HMRC
Once you have your MOT certificate and Certificate of Newness, the next critical step is to ensure your bike is registered on the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) database. Check your Certificate of Newness; if it doesn’t mention NOVA registration, you must register your bike yourself. This step is non-negotiable. Failure to register with NOVA can lead to significant legal issues down the line.
To complete the NOVA declaration, follow these steps:
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HMRC NOVA Portal: Visit the GOV.UK HMRC NOVA website. You will need to register or log in to access the portal.
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DeeperBlue’s NOVA Walkthrough: For a detailed visual guide, check out DeeperBlue’s step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube: DeeperBlue NOVA Walkthrough. This video breaks down the process, making it straightforward to follow.
Be prepared to upload digital copies of your bike’s purchase receipt (a simple handwritten receipt is acceptable if you bought privately) and your Certificate of Newness during the NOVA application process.
Step 4: V55/5 Form – Applying for Registration
With NOVA confirmation, a valid MOT, and your Certificate of Newness in hand, you are now ready to apply for vehicle registration using the V55/5 form.
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Order V55/5 Form: You can order the V55/5 form directly from the GOV.UK website: Order your V55/5 form here.
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DeeperBlue’s V55/5 Walkthrough: DeeperBlue also provides a helpful YouTube video guide for filling out the V55/5 form correctly: DeeperBlue V55/5 Walkthrough. This guide will help you navigate each section of the form effectively.
You will need to send the completed V55/5 form along with a £55 registration fee and payment for one year’s road tax. You can determine the correct tax amount for your bike by consulting the Vehicle Tax Rate Tables on the GOV.UK website. Payments should be made via cheque or postal order, sent along with all required documents.
Step 5: Completion and Hitting the Road
If you’ve followed all the steps correctly, you should soon receive your documents back in the mail, including your new motorbike log book (V5C). Congratulations, your dirt bike is now officially road legal!
The final steps are straightforward:
- Get a Number Plate: Have a legal number plate made up and securely attach it to your bike.
- Get Insurance: Arrange appropriate motorcycle insurance.
- Enjoy the Ride: With all the legalities sorted, you can now legally enjoy your dirt bike on both off-road trails and public roads.
Making a dirt bike road legal in the UK involves several steps, but by following this guide, you can navigate the process effectively. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to assist. A big thanks again to DeeperBlue for his invaluable video guides, which were a tremendous help throughout this process.
