Motorcycle Theory Test Guide

50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes (43 to pass) and 14 hazard perception clips with 15 developing hazards (44/75 to pass). Same fee as the car theory: £23 via gov.uk.

You must pass both parts at the same sitting. Pass and the certificate is valid for two years — book Modules 1 and 2 inside that window or you'll need to retake the theory.

Lifesaver checks: the over-shoulder glance before changing direction. PPE: helmet standards (UNECE 22.06 from 2024), jacket and glove abrasion ratings, hi-vis legality. Group riding: staggered formation, marker system at junctions.

Vulnerability in traffic: SMIDSY ('sorry mate, I didn't see you'), positioning to be seen, white-line slip in the wet, diesel spills at roundabouts.

Your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate lets you ride a 125cc bike with L plates for two years, but only after you've completed the on-road element. CBT is not a substitute for theory — you still need to pass theory before Module 1.

If you let your CBT expire without passing your full test, you must retake the whole CBT. Theory passes are also two years and must be in date when you sit Modules 1 and 2.

Week 1: read the Highway Code with focus on chapters covering motorcyclists, junctions, roundabouts and overtaking. Week 2: one mock per day, reviewing every wrong answer. Week 3: drill weak areas (most riders struggle with motorway rules and other-vehicle questions). Week 4: timed full mocks under exam conditions.

Theory pass opens the door to Module 1, the off-road manoeuvres test at a Multi-Purpose Test Centre (MPTC). It includes the slalom, figure-of-eight, slow ride, U-turn, controlled stop, hazard avoidance (the 'swerve test') and an emergency stop. The hazard avoidance is taken at 50 km/h (31 mph) for an A2 or full A licence — fail this and you can't progress.

Module 2 is the on-road ride: 30–40 minutes including independent riding using sat nav or signs, plus questions on safety and pillion passengers. Both modules use a radio earpiece so the examiner can give directions while you're moving.

AM (16+): mopeds up to 50cc and 28 mph. A1 (17+): light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW. A2 (19+): bikes up to 35kW (47 bhp), restricted from a higher-powered bike. A (24+ direct, or 21+ via two years on A2): full unrestricted licence.

The route most riders take: CBT at 17, ride a 125 with L plates while studying for theory, then take A2 at 19 or A at 24. Direct Access (DAS) at 24+ skips the A2 step but requires a 'big bike' Module 1 and 2 on a 595cc+ machine.

Theory questions often test PPE. Helmets must meet UNECE 22.06 (or 22.05 for older stock). Gloves and jacket should carry CE EN 13594 and EN 17092 ratings. Hi-vis isn't legally required in the UK but examiners and the IAM strongly recommend it for visibility — most SMIDSY collisions happen in good daylight, not at night.

In wet weather, double your stopping distance. White lines, manhole covers, painted markings and diesel spills become slippery — brake on the un-painted tarmac wherever possible. In cold weather watch for shaded patches that may still be icy after sunny stretches have thawed.

Rule 83 — Helmets. On every journey the rider and any pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped MUST wear a protective helmet that complies with the Regulations and is fastened securely. The only exemption is a follower of the Sikh religion wearing a turban. Riders and passengers of motor tricycles and quadricycles (quadbikes) should also wear a helmet. Check your visor is clean and in good condition before every ride. (Laws RTA 1988 sects 16 & 17 & MC(PH)R reg 4.)

Rule 84 — Eye and other protection. It is also advisable to wear eye protectors that comply with the Regulations. Scratched or poorly fitting eye protectors limit your view, especially in bright sunshine and at night. Consider ear protection, and wear strong boots, gloves and suitable clothing to help protect you in a collision. (Laws RTA sect 18 & MC(EP)R reg 4.)

Rule 85 — Pillion passengers. You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger, who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat with both feet on the footrests, facing forward. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motorcycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger at all. (Laws RTA 1988 sect 23, MV(DL)R 1999 reg 16(6) & CUR 1986 reg 102.)

Rule 86 — Daylight riding. Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear. Wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, can also make you more conspicuous — but remember that other drivers may still not have seen you, or may have misjudged your speed and distance, especially at junctions.

Rule 87 — Riding in the dark. Wear reflective clothing or strips so headlamps from other vehicles pick you up from a longer distance. See Highway Code rules 113–116 for lighting requirements.

Rule 88 — Manoeuvring. Be aware of what is behind and to the sides before manoeuvring: look behind you and use mirrors if fitted. In traffic queues watch for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and for vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes. Position yourself so that drivers in front can see you in their mirrors, and keep your speed low when filtering in slow-moving traffic. Remember: Observation – Signal – Manoeuvre.

Provisional licence and CBT. With a provisional motorcycle licence you MUST satisfactorily complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. You can then ride a motorcycle up to 125 cc with a power output not exceeding 11 kW on the public road, with L plates (D plates, L plates, or both in Wales), for up to two years. Under direct access you can practise on a larger machine provided you meet the minimum age, are accompanied at all times by a qualified approved trainer on another motorcycle and in radio contact, wear fluorescent or reflective safety clothing, and display red L plates (D plates in Wales). To obtain a full licence you MUST pass a motorcycle theory test and then a practical test. (Law MV(DL)R regs 16 & 68.)

A1 licence (17+). Tested on a motorcycle without sidecar of 120–125 cc. Pass and you may ride a motorcycle up to 125 cc with power output up to 11 kW, or a motor tricycle with power not exceeding 15 kW.

A2 licence (19+). Tested on a motorcycle without sidecar of at least 395 cc with a power output of at least 25 kW but not exceeding 35 kW. Pass and you may ride any motorcycle not exceeding 35 kW and with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg.

Full A licence. Test taken on a motorcycle without sidecar of at least 595 cc and at least 40 kW. This gives full access to all motorcycles and motor tricycles. You can take it via progressive access from age 21 (if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years — no further theory or CBT needed) or via direct access from age 24 (CBT, theory test and practical test all required). Passing the practical on a bike of at least 40 kW (53.6 bhp) gives immediate access to all sizes of motorcycle.

Trailers and pillions on a provisional. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you have passed your test. See Highway Code rule 253 for vehicles prohibited from motorways. (Law MV(DL)R reg 16.)

Moped licence. A moped MUST have an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, weigh no more than 250 kg and be designed for a maximum speed not exceeding 28 mph (45 km/h). To learn on a moped you MUST be 16 or over, hold a provisional moped licence and complete CBT. You MUST then pass the motorcycle theory test followed by the moped practical test for a full moped licence. If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 you can ride a moped without L plates (D plates in Wales), although CBT is recommended. If you passed your car test on or after that date you MUST complete CBT before riding a moped on the road. (Laws RTA 1988 sects 97(e) & 101 & MV(DL)R regs 38(4) & 43.)