The motorcycle theory test
The motorcycle theory test checks that you know the rules of the road and can spot hazards the way a rider needs to. It is a separate test from the car theory test, so passing one does not count for the other.
The format looks like the car test, but the questions are written for riders. Expect topics such as protective clothing, bike checks, riding in bad weather and how other drivers fail to see motorcyclists.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can describe the two parts of the motorcycle theory test.
- You can explain how the video questions work for tests from 5 November 2026.
- You can explain how hazard perception is scored.
- You can name rider-specific topics you need to revise.
- You can say when the theory test fits into your licence route.
What you need to know and understand
- The test has two parts, multiple-choice questions and hazard perception, booked and taken together. You must pass both.
- There are 50 multiple-choice questions and you have 57 minutes.
- For tests on or after 5 November 2026, three questions are based on a short silent video of a normal riding situation. You can replay it as often as you like.
- Tests before that date used a written case study with 5 questions instead.
- Hazard perception has 14 video clips with 15 developing hazards. Each hazard can score up to 5 points.
- You can take it from 16 for a moped and from 17 for a motorcycle, and before or after CBT.
- If you hold a car licence, you still need to pass the motorcycle theory test before the motorcycle test.
- If you fail, the earliest you can rebook is 3 working days away.
How it differs from the car theory test
The structure is the same, but the content looks at the road from the saddle. Many questions cover things a car driver rarely thinks about: helmet and visor standards, being visible, road surfaces like painted lines and loose gravel, the effect of wind on a bike, braking with front and rear brakes, and carrying a pillion or luggage.
Hazard perception clips are filmed from a rider's point of view. You still click when you see a hazard starting to develop, such as a car edging out of a side road, but think about what is a real danger to a rider.
Topics worth extra revision
- Protective clothing, helmets and eye protection
- Pre-ride checks: tyres, chain, brakes, lights and controls
- Riding in rain, wind, ice and on poor surfaces
- Junction dangers and making yourself seen
- Rules for learners: L plates, no pillion and no motorways
- Filtering through slow traffic safely
Getting the timing right
You need a provisional licence with motorcycle entitlement to book. Your pass lets you take Module 1 and Module 2, so check how long it stays valid and plan your practical tests within that time. If you passed a moped test after 1 July 1996, you may not need the theory test to take the A1 test or to upgrade by progressive access.
Northern Ireland theory tests are run by the DVA, so check NI booking and rules separately.
Common mistakes
- Revising only with car theory material. The motorcycle question bank has its own rider topics.
- Clicking non-stop in hazard perception. A pattern of constant clicking can score zero for that clip.
- Rushing the video questions. You can replay the clip, so watch it more than once before answering.
- Booking the practical tests before the theory result is in. You need the theory pass first.
Test yourself: The motorcycle theory test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Motorcycle and moped theory test (gov.uk); Motorcycle theory test: multiple-choice questions (gov.uk); Motorcycle theory test: hazard perception test (gov.uk). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.