Motorcycle Theory Test

The motorcycle theory test has been developed to test your knowledge of riding theory, in particular the rules of the road and best driving practice. Good preparation is key, so read the following sections on this page:

Essentials of the Theory Test
Booking Your Theory Test
Preparing for Your Theory Test
What Happens At The Theory Test
Theory Test Tips

Essentials of the Motorbike Theory Test

You must have a provisional moped or motorcycle licence to book your motorcycle theory test. The test is run by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and you can do the test at one of almost 200 DSA Theory Test Centres around the UK. The motorbike theory test is comprised of two parts, the first being 35 multiple choice questions and the second a hazard perception test. You must pass the theory test before you can do your moped or motorcycle practical test.

Exemptions

If you got your full moped licence on or after 1 Jul 1996, and you did the motorcycle theory test as part of getting your moped licence, then you do not need to redo the motorcycle theory test when upgrading to another category of motorcycle licence.

You do not need to redo the motorbike theory test if you are upgrading from a lower category motorcycle licence to a higher one e.g. from a Category A1 motorcycle licence to a Category A motorcycle licence.

Note that the car theory test and the motorcycle theory test are two distinct tests. Hence you must do the motorcycle theory test to qualify for doing your motorcycle practical test, even if you have already done a car theory test as part of getting your full car driving licence.

If you got your full moped licence by doing your CBT to validate the moped entitlement on your car driving licence, then you must still do the motorcycle theory test to qualify for the practical motorcycle test (since you've gotten your full moped licence without doing a motorcycle theory test).

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Booking Your Motorcycle Theory Test

You must have a provisional moped or motorcycle licence, or a full car licence with category P or A entitlement to book your motorcycle theory test. See my Provisional Motorcycle Licence section if you need any information on getting a provisional motorcycle licence.

You can book your test by phone, online or via the post. You must pay for your theory test at the time of booking. The motorbike theory test costs £21.50 (regardless of when you take or how many times you have done it before).

There are test slots available from 09h00 to 17h00 Mon to Fri and 09h00 to 12h00 on Saturdays.

Booking by Phone

You can call the DSA to book your theory test on this number 0870 010 1372. When you call you will need to give your driving licence number (stated on your provisional or full driving licence). You will also need a credit or debit card in your name to pay the fee.

Book Online

You can book your motorcycle theory test online on the DSA website. You will need to enter your driving licence number and you will have to pay the fee online with your credit or debit card. Book your motorcycle theory test online

Book by Post

You can book your motorbike theory test in the mail. This is a good option if you do not have a credit or debit card in your own name, although you can also pay by card if you book via mail.

You can pick up an theory test application form at DSA test centres or from most motorcycle training companies and instructors. You can also order a theory test application form by calling the DSA on 0780010 1372 or, if you have a printer, download and print the motorcycle theory test application form

You will need to driving licence number to complete the form. You must mail your booking together with the fee via a cheque or postal order, don't send cash!

Find your nearest DSA theory test centre

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Preparing for Your Theory Test

With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, the DSA will send you a CD ROM which explains the process of taking the theory test.

Multiple Choice Preparation

The multiple choice questions are based on the Highway Code and road safety topics. The DSA have a list of about 1000 questions from which 35 are chosen for your test. To prepare for the multiple choice part of the theory test, there are four books known as the source material which I recommend that you get your hands on:

You can do practice motorcycle theory tests online by visiting these links:

Hazard Perception Preparation

The hazard perception test is a screen based test in which you watch road scenes unfold and have to click whenever you spot a riding hazard. You've got a better chance of success if you practice the hazard perception test. You can buy interactive hazard test practice software packages and DVD's cheaply online:

Software DVD's

You can also practice hazard perception online:

View this video on the hazard perception test
Practice a hazard perception test online

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What Happens At The Motorcycle Theory Test

You must bring your licence with you for inspection at the theory test centre. You must take both the photo card and paper counterpart. If you have an old school paper licence with no photo, then you must also take some form of photo ID, like your passport. You aren't allowed to take any belongings into the test room, but there are lockers provided. Mobiles must be switched off.

Multiple Choice Questions

The test is done on a computer touch screen. You get 15 minutes practice time to get used to the screen before the real test starts. When the test starts the questions are shown one at a time and you enter your answer by touching your choice on the screen. You can scroll back and forth between the questions and change your answer if you wish. You have 40 minutes to answer the 35 questions.

Hazard Perception Test

The hazard perception test is also done on the computer touch screen. Road scenes are shown and you have to click when you see any potential hazards develop. The quicker you notice the hazard the higher your score. Each candidate will be tested on 14 film clips chosen at random from a series of 200.

Overall the motorbike theory test will take about one hour. You will get the motorcycle theory test result on at the end of the test.

Motorcycle Theory Test Pass Certificate

If you pass your theory test you will be given a pass certificate which is valid for two years. You must have a valid theory test pass certificate to book your practical moped or motorcycle test. If your motorcycle theory test certificate expires before you obtain your full moped or motorcycle licence, then you will have to redo the theory test before you can book your practical test.

If you fail

In the very unlikely event that you fail the motorcycle theory test, study the feedback given on your letter and identify why you failed. If you want to book another theory test you can do so from the day after your test onwards, but you cannot take the test again for another three clear working days.

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Tips

Don't book your motorcycle theory test until you are well prepared and feel confident of achieving a pass. Being well prepared will save you time and money
Most motorcycle training centres e.g. where you do your CBT offer courses to help you prepare for your theory test. You can't go wrong getting some help from expert trainers
You can do your compulsory basic training and theory test in any order, but you must have a provisional moped or motorcycle licence to do either
You must give three full working days notice if you wish to cancel your postpone your motorcycle theory test, otherwise you will loose your fee. You can cancel or postpone by phone or online
From 3 Sep 2007 the DSA will increase the number of multiple choice questions from 35 to 50. You'll have to get 43 questions right to pass. The fee will also go up to £28.50

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