Photo: Dan Wright / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
Motorcyclists are easy to miss, especially at junctions, where the Highway Code warns they “could be approaching faster than you think”. Rules 211 to 213 tell drivers in Great Britain to look for them before emerging, give them at least as much room as a car when overtaking, and expect sudden changes of direction. Rules 83 to 88 and Annex 2 explain how riders are trained and equipped, which helps you predict what they will do.
Key rules for drivers
- Rule 211: always look for motorcyclists before you emerge from a junction. Watch for riders on your inside when turning right across slow or stopped traffic.
- Rule 212: give motorcyclists at least as much room as a car when overtaking, and more in bad weather, high winds and at night.
- Rule 212: a rider looking over their shoulder may be about to pull out, turn or change direction. Give them time and space.
- Rule 213: riders may swerve suddenly to avoid potholes, drain covers, or wet, oily or icy patches. Give plenty of room.
Why drivers miss motorcycles at junctions
Rule 86 notes that drivers may not see a motorcyclist, or may misjudge their distance or speed, especially at junctions. A narrow bike is easily hidden by a windscreen pillar, a parked van or a hedge.
How to check properly before emerging
- Slow early so you have time to look.
- Look right, left and right again, moving your head to see round the pillars.
- Look twice at any gap. A bike may be inside it.
- If a vehicle is coming, assume a motorcycle could be overtaking it.
- Only emerge when you are sure the road is clear.
More junction technique: road junctions and turning right.
Filtering, queues and blind spots
Rule 88 tells riders they may filter through slow traffic, taking care and keeping speed low. So in a queue:
- check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or pulling out of a queue
- expect a rider passing on either side in slow traffic
- when turning right across stopped traffic, watch for a rider coming up the outside of the queue
- if an oncoming driver stops and leaves you a gap to turn through, remember they cannot see a rider filtering along the inside of their queue. Edge forward only until you can see, and wait if you cannot
Lane changes done properly: mirror, signal, manoeuvre.
What riders must do (Rules 83 to 88)
| Rule | Rider requirement | Why it helps you predict them |
|---|---|---|
| 83 | Riders and passengers must wear a helmet that meets the regulations (Sikhs wearing a turban are exempt) | Head checks are a clue: a rider turning their head may be about to move |
| 84 | Eye protectors are advised and MUST meet the regulations; ear protection, strong boots, gloves and protective clothing are also advised | A rider with ear protection and a visor may not hear your horn or see you as well as you think |
| 85 | One pillion passenger at most, astride, feet on footrests. Provisional licence holders must not carry a passenger | An L plate rider will not have a pillion passenger |
| 86 | Make yourself visible; dipped headlights can help, even in daylight | A headlight in your mirror may be a bike, not a car |
| 87 | Reflective clothing or strips in the dark | At night you may see only reflective strips and a single light |
| 88 | Check behind and to the sides before manoeuvring; filter with care | Expect riders between lanes in slow traffic |
Learner riders and L plates (Annex 2)
- CBT first: a provisional motorcycle licence holder must complete Compulsory Basic Training before riding on the road.
- After CBT: they can ride a motorcycle up to 125 cc and 11 kW on L plates (D plates in Wales) for up to two years.
- No passengers or trailers until they pass their test.
- No motorways: provisional motorcycle licence holders are listed in Rule 253 as not allowed on motorways.
- Mopeds: riders can be 16, on a provisional moped licence with CBT.
| Category | What it covers | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds, top design speed 45 km/h (28 mph) | 16 |
| A1 | Up to 125 cc and 11 kW | 17 |
| A2 | Up to 35 kW | 19 |
| A | Any motorcycle | 21 (progressive access) or 24 (direct access) |
An L plate rider is inexperienced and may be riding unaccompanied after CBT. Give them extra room and patience.
Common questions
How much room should I give a motorcyclist when overtaking?
At least as much as you would give a car, and more in bad weather, high winds and at night (Rule 212).
Can motorcyclists filter through traffic?
The Highway Code tells riders to take care and keep speed low when filtering in slow traffic (Rule 88), so expect it.
Can a learner motorcyclist carry a passenger?
No. Not until they pass their test.
Can learner motorcyclists use the motorway?
No. Rule 253 bars holders of provisional motorcycle licences from motorways.
Why do motorcyclists move around in the lane?
To avoid potholes, drain covers and slippery patches (Rule 213), and to be seen. Leave room for sudden changes of direction.
Is this in the theory test?
Yes, mainly in vulnerable road users. See the vulnerable road users topic.
Related: Highway Code rules for cyclists, road users requiring extra care and UK licence categories. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Rules for motorcyclists (83 to 88)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Road users requiring extra care (204 to 225)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Motorways (253 to 274)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 2. Motorcycle licence requirements” (gov.uk)