About the Motorcycle Theory Test
Contents
- 1 Free Motorcycle Theory Test
- 2 Motorcycle Theory Test Practice
- 3 Motorcycle Theory Test Questions by Topic
- 4 About the Motorcycle Theory Test
- 5 Motorcycle Theory Test Booking
- 6 Multiple-choice Test
- 7 Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test
- 8 Pass/Fail
- 9 After the Motorcycle Theory Test
The motorcycle theory test contains two primary elements:
- A multiple-choice exam – You have to answer at least 43 out of 50 questions correctly in this section to pass. It will be carried out on a touch-screen computer.
- A video-clip-based hazard perception test – You will be asked to identify road hazards shown in 14 video clips, using a mouse.
The practical test also consists of two primary elements:
- A set of off-road exercises
- An observed ride based on the road – This also includes an eyesight test and several questions on vehicle safety checks and carrying a pillion passenger.
It is only after you have passed your motorcycle theory test that you will be able to book a practical test. This must be done within two years of passing your motorcycle theory test. The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DSA) are responsible for administering these tests.
Motorcycle Theory Test Booking
The motorcycle theory test currently costs £23.
You’re able to book your theory test via:
- Telephone
- Post
- Online
Test sessions are usually available during the day and in the evenings from Monday to Saturday. Remember, if you have to cancel your motorcycle theory test appointment, you must provide at least a three working day notice. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your theory test fee.
You must also inform the DVSA of any hearing difficulties, dyslexia, or light-sensitive epilepsy. In Northern Ireland driving tests follow the same layout, but are instead administered by the DVA (Driver and Vehicle Agency).
What you should take with you
At the theory test centre, you will be required to present:
- Photocard driving licence – If this is of an older style, you will also require a passport copy.
Failure to bring this will result in the forfeiture of both your test and fee.
Please make sure you arrive on time for your motorcycle theory test. Don’t forget to set a reminder on your mobile device and/or calendar to ensure you don’t forget.
Multiple-choice Test
In order to pass the multiple-choice exam section of the motorcycle theory test (questions and answers), you will need to answer at least 43 out of 50 of the questions correctly within the 57 minutes you have for the exam. Please note that when you are booking your test, if you are a candidate with special requirements, you are able to apply for extra time.
Like the driving theory test, each question will have four possible answers with one being correct. You will touch the screen beside the answer you wish to choose in order to select the answer you think is correct. There will be a practice question prior to the beginning of the test so you can practice this.
Some questions will be presented as a case study. These questions will be based on a real-life scenario that you may experience whilst riding. There will be 5 questions per case study.
If you have selected the wrong answer, you can touch the screen again in order to change your selection. Marking a question with a flag will allow you to revisit the question at a later stage. The system will prompt you to revisit any unanswered questions.
You will be given a three-minute break after the multiple-choice test before advancing to the motorcycle hazard perception test.
How to prepare for the multiple-choice test
The 50 questions that make up the multiple-choice part of the motorcycle theory test will be similar to those that are included in the mock tests on this website. Consider signing up for an account and practice these theory mock tests to prepare for the multiple-choice section of the theory test. We also have mock tests covering the 14 motorcycle theory test categories. These are:
- Alertness
- Attitude
- Documents
- Hazard Awareness
- Incidents, Accidents and Emergencies
- Motorcycle Handling
- Motorcycle Loading
- Motorway Rules
- Other Types of Vehicle
- Road and Traffic Signs
- Rules of the Road
- Safety and Your Motorcycle
- Safety Margins
- Vulnerable Road Users
This should be very useful as a practice for the multiple-choice part of the test and should be sufficient preparation for you to pass.
Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test
The motorcycle hazard perception test will consist of 14 videos, each about a minute in length, that demonstrate road situations that involve other users of the road. As soon as you notice a developing hazard i.e something that forces you to change your speed or direction, click your mouse. You will be scored higher the earlier you spot and respond to a potential danger. A red flag will appear at the bottom of your screen every time the mouse is clicked.
There will be 15 scorable hazards in total, consisting of:
- 13 clips containing one scorable hazard
- 1 clip containing two scorable hazards
You can score a maximum of five marks for each hazard. Note that unlike the multiple-choice part of the test, you won’t be able to return to a hazard in order to change your response. No points will be lost if you identify a non-scorable hazard.
If you click the mouse repeatedly or in a systematic way in the hope of getting maximum points, you may be penalised and receive no points for that particular video clip.
The pass mark for the motorcycle hazard perception test is 44 out of 75. This is the same as the pass mark for the hazard perception test for car drivers.
What is a developing hazard?
To understand what a developing hazard is, imagine a situation where a car is parked on the side of the road. Since the car is stationary, it can only be described as a potential hazard rather than a developing hazard since it’s not doing anything to force you to change speed or direction. Clicking the mouse at this point during the hazard perception test won’t score you any points, although there is no harm in clicking as you won’t lose any points either.
If the car then starts to indicate and the driver begins to pull out onto the road, causing you to slow down, this is now a developing hazard and you should click the mouse at this point to demonstrate that you have identified the hazard.
How to prepare for the motorcycle hazard perception test
The video clips in the motorcycle hazard perception test will be computer-generated (CGI). Before 2015, the video clips consisted of real-life scenarios showing everyday road scenes. However, the concept is still the same. To prepare for this part of the test, we have put together a large database of hazard perception test videos with dozens of CGI and real-life video clips for you to practice with. You will receive a score and an explanation for each practice clip.
You can also practice hazard perception when you’re on the road, even as a passenger. To do so, observe and scan the road ahead to identify any potential hazards. It’s also a good idea to talk to your instructor about hazard perception.
Pass/Fail
After taking both parts of the motorcycle theory test, you will receive your results along with some feedback within 10 minutes or so. In order to pass the theory test as a whole, you must pass both sections. Failing one part and passing the other would still result in an overall fail. If you have failed, try not to worry too much.
When you pass your motorcycle theory test, you will receive a pass certificate which will be valid for 2 years. Failure to book and complete your practical test within this time period will mean that you will have to retake your theory test.
After the Motorcycle Theory Test
Compulsory Basic Training
Before you sit your practical motorcycle test, you must complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course and be in the possession of a valid CBT certificate of completion (DVL196). CBT training can only be carried out by DVSA-approved organisations. The course consists of classroom and practical skills training.
Note: If you’re upgrading from one A category to another, for example from A1 to A, you needn’t apply for compulsory basic training.
Motorcycle Test
The motorcycle practical test consists of two separate modules. You can only take the second module after passing the first module. Module one consists of several off-road exercises whilst module two is an observed ride of a public road.
Module One
- This module costs £15.50.
- This is conducted at an MPTC (Multipurpose Test Centre).
- You will be required to complete a series of off-road exercises around a circuit that is enclosed with coloured cones.
- You will also be asked two safety check questions pertaining to your bike, and a question about a carrying passenger.
- You’ll also be required to pass a simple eyesight test.
Module Two
- This module costs £75, or £88.50 on weekday evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
- You will be assessed on your ability to ride on the road and your interaction with other users of the road.
- You will be followed by the examiner around the test route and will receive instructions from the examiner through a radio receiver.
- You’ll be required to continue to ride ahead unless you are asked to turn by the examiner or traffic signs. Therefore, if you receive no instruction at a roundabout, take the exit that is straight ahead.
