Practical Motorcycle Test
The final step to getting your full licence is the practical motorcycle test. You must pass the practical test to get your full moped or motorcycle licence. The practical test is essentially the same no matter which full licence you go for. It is the size of the motorcycle on which you take the test that differs. See the sections on this page to make sure you pass the first time:
- Types of Tests and Licences
- Booking Your Practical Test
- Preparing for your Practical Test
- What Happens At Your Practical Motorcycle Test
- Tips To Help You Pass
Types of Tests and Licences
Category P - Full Moped Licence
If you are going for your full moped licence then you can take the test on bike with automatic or manual transmission - a scooter or a moped. Either way, you will get your full moped licence if you pass the test and be allowed to ride both scooters and mopeds regardless of transmission type.
A full moped licence allows you to ride any motorcycle with:
- an engine capacity no greater than 50cc
- a max speed of 31 mph (50 kph)
- weight not exceeding 250kg
You can carry a passenger on the pillion, but only if there is an appropriate seat and foot rests for the passenger. It is not legal to ride a moped on motorways, even if you have a full moped entitlement.
If you already have a full motorcycle licence then you can ride a moped without restrictions - a moped is just a class of motorcycle with low power output.
Category A1 - Full Light Motorcycle Licence
If you are happy to stick to riding a 125cc motorbike, then you can do your practical motorcycle test on a motorbike with:
- An engine capacity between 75cc and 125cc
- A max speed of at least 63 mph (100 kph)
A full light motorcycle licence allows you to ride any motorbike with:
- An engine capacity not exceeding 125cc
- A max power output of 11 kW (14.6 bhp)
You can carry a pillion passenger and you can ride on motorways.
Category A2 and Category A - Standard Motorcycle Licence
If you are 17 or older but have not turned 21 yet or you are 21 or older but are not interested in getting your standard motorcycle licence via the Direct Access route, then you must do your practical motorcycle test on a motorcycle with:
- an engine between 120 cc and 125 cc
- a max speed of at least 63 mph (100 kph)
If you pass the practical motorcycle test you will receive a restricted standard motorcycle licence, also known as a category A2 motorcycle licence. This licence allows you to ride any motorcycle with a power output not exceeding 25 kW (33 bhp) and a power weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW / kg for two years. You will not need L plates anymore and you can carry a passenger on the pillion and can use the motorways.
After the two year restricted period your category A2 licence becomes a full category A motorcycle licence and you can ride any size motorcycle. Note that it does not matter if the two year restricted period comes to an end and you have not turned 21 yet - you still get your full category A entitlement.
The practical motorcycle test for a full category A standard motorcycle licence is done on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). You can only take this test via the Accelerated Access option or Direct Access Scheme.
Accelerated Access
If you got your standard motorcycle licence and are in the two year restricted bike size period (you have a category A2 restricted motorcycle licence) then the accelerated access option becomes available when you are 21 or older. With accelerated access you take your practical motorcycle test again, but on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). If you pass the practical motorcycle test you get your full category A entitlement and can ride any size bike from then on. If you fail the practical motorcycle test your category A2 licence remains valid.
Direct Access Scheme (DAS)
If you are 21 or older then you can get your full motorcycle licence via the Direct Access Scheme. You get your provisional licence and then do your CBT and motorcycle theory test just like everyone else, but do your practical motorcycle test on a bike with a power output of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp).
If you pass your practical motorcycle test via the Direct Access Scheme you are issued with a full category A standard motorcycle licence and can ride any size bike. The usual two year restricted motorcycle licence will not come into play.
Practicing for an Accelerated Access or Direct Access Scheme Test
You can practice for your Accelerated Access or DAS test on a bike that's larger than the size you are currently permitted to use by riding under the supervision of a qualified instructor who is in radio contact with you. You will need to have L plates, keep off motorways and wear some high visibility gear.
Automatic & Manual Transmission
You can take your practical motorcycle test on a motorbike with automatic transmission.
If you pass your moped practical test on automatic bike, then you can ride both automatics (scooters) and manual transmission mopeds.
However if you obtain your category A1, A2 or A full motorcycle licence by doing the practical motorcycle test on an automatic bike, then you are restricted to riding automatic motorcycles only.
If you have a full automatic motorcycle licence then you can ride a light motorcycle with manual transmission as a learner (bike up to 125cc with L plates, no passenger or motorways). You can then do the practical motorcycle test on a motorcycle with manual transmission to get a licence allowing you to ride manual motorcycles.
Booking Your Practical Motorcycle Test
Before you can do your practical motorcycle or moped test you must first pass the motorcycle theory test. To book your practical motorcycle test you need:
- The relevant provisional licence - a provisional moped licence, a provisional motorcycle licence or a full car driving licence with a provisional category A entitlement
- A valid DL196 certificate - from completing your compulsory basic training
- A valid motorcycle theory test pass certificate
If you got your full moped licence since 1 Dec 1990 by doing the motorcycle theory test and moped practical test then you do need a DL196 certificate.
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 a theory test pass certificate.
You do not need a DL196 certificate or a theory test pass certificate if you are upgrading from a lower category motorcycle licence to a higher category one e.g. if you are upgrading from a category A1 to a category A licence or if you are upgrading from an automatics only licence.
Before you book you must know which test centre you want to book your practical motorcycle test at Find your local DSA test centre
Cost & Times of the Practical Motorcycle Test
You must do your practical motorcycle test at a DSA test centre.
- The practical motorcycle test costs £58.00 for slots Monday to Friday before 16h30.
- Tests on Monday to Friday after 16h30 (in summer months only) and on weekends cost £68.00
Booking Online
You can book your practical test online on the DSA web site. You will need:
- Your licence number (shown on your provisional or full driving licence)
- Your motorcycle theory test pass certificate number
- A credit or debit card to pay the fee with
Book your motorcycle theory test (scroll to bottom of page that opens and select 'Click here to book a test')
If you are exempt from the motorcycle theory test then you cannot book your motorcycle practical test online, you will have to book by phone instead.
Booking By Phone
You can book your practical motorcycle test over the phone. Call the DSA on 0870 010 1372 between 08h00 and 18h00 Mon to Fri. You must pay the fee when you make your booking. To complete the booking you will need:
- Your licence number (shown on your provisional or full driving licence)
- Your motorcycle theory test pass certificate number
- A credit or debit card in your name to make the fee payment with
Make sure you know when you prefer to take your test and where your local DSA test centre is before you call.
Booking by Post
You can book a motorcycle practical test appointment via the mail. To do so you must pick up a DL26 form from a DSA test centre or, if you have a printer, you can download and print the DL26 form. You may also find the DSA test application info sheet useful.
Complete the form and mail it to your local DSA office together with your fee via cheque or postal order (don't send cash). You should get a reply within 2 weeks stating the date and time of your practical test.
Check, Change or Cancel a Booking
You must give the DSA ten full working days notice if you want to change or cancel your practical test slot. That's ten working days excluding the day you contact them and the day of your test. If you fail to give adequate notice you may loose your fee!
Check, change or cancel your motorcycle practical test online (make your choice from the menu on the right). You will need two of these three pieces of info: your licence number, your theory test pass number, your practical test appointment number.
Tip
- Expect a two to three month wait for a practical test slot when booking your. You don't want your CBT and theory test pass certificates to expire, so book your practical motorcycle test well in advance.
Preparing for your Practical Motorcycle Test
During your practical test the examiner will test your riding ability. The manoeuvres used to test you are described in the next section and I suggest that you practice them often. You must also prepare for two 'show me, tell me' questions. You can do this by memorising the questions and answers - given below in the next section. Finally you will be asked a question about carrying pillion passenger. You can find examples of these in the next section to help you prepare.
There are many training centres that will help you prepare for your practical test. Have a look in my Motorcycle Schools and Training directory listings for a training body near you. Also see Practicing for an Accelerated Access or Direct Access Scheme Test above.
What Happens At Your Practical Motorcycle Test
What to Bring to the Practical Test
You must have a motorcycle to perform your test on. The motorcycle must be:
- Suited to the type of practical test that you are doing - See the Types of Tests and Licences section above for the kind of bike that suits your test
- Insured - so you must have proof of insurance
- Licensed - the bike must have a valid road tax disc
- Fitted with L plates
- If the bike is more than 3 years old, you also need proof of MOT status
Note that if you are getting your licence with the help of a training company, then they will usually be able to provide you with an appropriate motorcycle for your practical test.
You must remember to take your:
- Relevant Licence
Provisional moped licence for the moped test
Provisional motorcycle licence or full driving licence with category A entitlement for a motorcycle test - You must take both your photo ID card and its paper counter part or you will not be allowed to take the practical test. If you have a paper only licence then you must take your passport along as well
- Practical motorcycle test appointment letter
- Motorcycle theory test pass certificate (if you are not exempt)
- DL 196 certificate (if you are not exempt)
- Motorcycle helmet
The practical motorcycle test was designed to test whether you can ride confidently and safely on the road.
Before the practical test starts the examiner will test your eyesight. You must be able to read a licence plate from 67 feet (20.5 metres) away. Don't forget your glasses or contacts if you usually require them. You will get two chances to read the number plate correctly. You must pass the eyesight test or the practical test will not continue. Follow this link for more details on the eyesight requirements
Safety Check Questions
The examiner will ask you two 'show me, tell me' questions (also called the Safety Check Questions). If you answer one or both of the questions incorrectly then a driving fault will be recorded on your test sheet. You can download and study the Safety Check Questions
Next the examiner will help you fit a one way radio which has an ear piece designed to fit beneath your helmet. The examiner will give you instructions via the radio while you are riding on the road.
Test Exercises
When you hit the road, the examiner will ride behind you on a motorcycle or in a car. Apart from assessing your general riding skills and adherence to traffic laws and sings, you will also need to complete a set of special exercises. The examiner will explain each exercise to you before you have to perform it.
The exercises you will have to perform are:
- An emergency stop - the examiner will be on foot for this one and will give you a signal to stop. You must apply both brakes and come to a halt as quickly as possible without locking your wheels
- Walking with the motorcycle - you must walk your motorcycle and show that you can use its stand properly
- A U turn - the U turn will be performed on the road, so proper observation is crucial. Don't put your foot down during the turn!
- A hill start - you must pull away smoothly
- An angled start - this is done from a parked position and the key is forward and backward observation
- Slow riding - this is to test your balance and handling of the bike at slow speeds
Tips to Help You Pass Your Practical Motorcycle Test
- Shake off the nerves and ride with confidence. The key is ride naturally, safely and alertly
- Rehearse the exercises so that you can perform them with confidence. It is also imperative to show adequate control over your motorcycle during the exercises
- Do not put a foot down whilst executing the U turn - ask for another chance of this happens, you might get lucky
- Make it clear that you are doing your observations (look over your shoulder). You must not fail to make essential rear observations when turning, doing U turns, changing lanes or approaching roundabouts
- Keep an eye out for hazards like pedestrians crossing the road etc
- Show sound judgement with your following distances and reactions to changes in traffic density
- Do not ride too slowly or take to long to move off during the test. You will be penalised if you ride at an overly cautious speed which doesn't match the flow of traffic. Riding in an anxious manner shows a lack of confidence in your own ability
- You must comply with all road signs and traffic procedures, so stay sharp. You must be aware what speed zone you are at all times, so don't miss a sign showing a change in speed limit. Failure to react will constitute a fail
- Make sure you turn off your indicator light! An indicator which just keeps going can get you into a dangerous situation by confusing other road users. The examiner will fail you if such a situation arises
The examiner does not expect you to ride 100% perfectly, but more then 15 minor faults or 1 major fault and it's a fail. A major fault is when you get yourself into a potentially dangerous situation. Note that repeatedly making the same minor mistake will also constitute a major mistake before the 15 minor mistake limit is reached.
Pillion Question
At the end of the practical motorcycle test you will also be asked at least one question about riding with a pillion passenger or a load:
- What must your motorcycle have to make it legal to carry a passenger?
The bike must have foot rests and a suitable seat for the passenger. The passenger must wear a proper motorcycle helmet which is British Standards Approved. - What should you tell your pillion passenger before you head off?
The passenger must straddle the bike facing forwards with their feet on the foot rests
They must hold firmly onto the grab rails or around the rider's body
The passenger must lean follow the rider's lead and lean with the bike when cornering, otherwise the bike will become unstable
The passenger must wear a legal motorcycle helmet at all times and be properly dressed for riding on a motorcycle
The passenger must only get on or off the motorcycle when instructed to do so by the rider
The passenger must not look around behind them or make signals to the rider or passing vehicles - What would you check and adjust on your motorcycle if you are carrying a passenger or additional load?
You may need to increase the tyre pressure according to the motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations
The preload setting of the rear shock may need to be increased
The headlight and mirrors will point higher with a passenger on the pillion, so they may need to be adjusted to compensate - How will a passenger on the pillion affect the motorcycle?
The motorbike's acceleration will be slower while the braking distance will increase
The passenger will push against the rider during braking, especially when braking strongly and this could affect the rider's stability
Balance around corners, in bends and at slow speeds will be affected due to the passenger's weight e.g. the bike may lean more heavily in a corner than the rider is use to
The whole practical motorcycle test has a duration of 35 to 40 minutes.
If you pass your Practical Motorcycle Test
At the end of your practical motorcycle test you are given your result.
- If you have a photo id card licence issued after 1 Mar 2004 then you can get your new full licence issued automatically. The instructor will take your current photo id licence and give you a certificate to prove that you passed the practical motorcycle test. The DVLA will then send you your new motorcycle licence in the mail after about 3 weeks.
- If you have a licence issued before 1 Mar 2004 then you will be given a practical test pass certificate. There are further instructions on the back of the pass certificate, but basically you must send your pass certificate and current licence to the DVLA together with a fee and they will then send you your new motorcycle licence. You have two years to send your pass certificate to the DVLA. Beware that if you fail to send your pass certificate to the DVLA in the two year window, then you will loose your motorcycle entitlement and will be back at square one requiring a new provisional licence!
For the first two years of any motorcycle licence that you obtain you are in a probation period. This means that you will loose your motorcycle entitlement if you get six or more penalty points on your licence in the first two years of having it. This would result in starting all over again.
Note
- A restricted full motorcycle licence (category A2) limits you to riding bikes with a maximum power output of 25 kW (33 bhp). This is a power output limit and not an engine capacity (cc) limit. Hence you may wish to buy a more powerful motorcycle and have a restrictor kit fitted by an authorised dealer. This will restrict your high cc motorcycle to the 25 kW power output limit. The kit can then be removed when the two year restriction period is over. This strategy has pros and cons. On the one hand it saves you having to buy a more powerful motorcycle when the two years are up which means you do not suffer the depreciation of your 'temporary' motorbike's value. On the other hand you may find that insurers give you hassles as they see bikes with restrictor kits as risky
- It is worth it to go for the restricted standard motorcycle licence (category A2 licence) instead of the light motorcycle licence (category A1 licence). The bike on which you take the practical motorcycle test is basically the same and the cost of the test is the same. The category A2 licence will become a full standard motorcycle licence after two years, giving you access to any motorcycle on the market. Even if you think you won't be interested in bigger bikes now, it's nice to keep your options open
- There is a new practical motorcycle test on its way in 2008! More details
If you fail your Practical Motorcycle Test
If you fail your practical motorcycle test then you can book the test again for another go. But you must wait for ten whole working days before you can book your next practical test appointment. Be sure to examine your riding test report which will show you the mistakes you made. Get the driving test report explanation
If you haven't done so already, consider getting help from a motorcycle training company. Find one in my motorcycle directory in the Motorcycle Schools and Training section.
There is no limit on the number of times that you can take the practical motorcycle test, but remember that there is a bout a three month waiting list at most test centres and your DL196 (CBT) and motorcycle theory test pass certificates expire after two years, so don't leave re booking your practical test too late.