Preparing for the test
Before you start looking at the motorcycle theory test, make sure you have got your provisional motorcycle licence, you will not be able to book your test without it.
The test is divided into two parts. A multiple choice section and a hazard perception section must be completed for you to pass the test. You book and take both at the same time and you must pass both parts to pass the theory test.
You must be over the age of 16 to take your theory test for a moped (<50cc).
For a motorcycle, you have to be over the age of 17. The rules for which bikes you can ride vary with your age, so make sure you have checked here to see if you are allowed to drive the motorcycle of your choice.
Even if you already have a car licence, you have to take and pass the motorcycle theory test before you can progress to the practical motorcycle test.
If you have a licence issued outside of Great Britain, you might not have to take the test again. You can check here.
What does the motorcycle theory test contain?
Part One – Multiple-Choice
The first part of the motorcycle theory test is a series of multiple choice questions. There are 50 questions to answer and you have 57 minutes to answer them. Before you begin, the invigilators will show you how the test works and you will be given the chance to take some practice questions to accustom you to the testing machine.
The questions are all multiple choice. You will be given several possible answers and you must choose the correct one. Some are basic facts, others are presented as case studies. For example, you will read a short story and have to answer a series of questions based on that story. Another is an example of a real life situation you could find yourself in, you must answer the questions to show how you would respond appropriately.
If you are stuck on a question, you can flag it and come back to it later. Your answers are not final until you press the “submit answers” button at the end of the test – you can go back and change any of your answers until that point.
You do not need to use all 57 minutes allowed, if you have finished your test you can have a quick break of up to 3 minutes and move straight on to the hazard perception test.
The pass threshold is 43 correct answers out of 50 possible.
Part 2 – Hazard Perception
Before the test begins, there will be a short video to show you how the test will proceed. Once you’re accustomed to the format, you will be shown 14 short videos that feature “everyday road scenes”.
In these clips, there are developing hazards that you have to spot. Most videos have only one, but one of the videos has two, so be aware that you will have to spot a complex and hazardous situation and respond appropriately. A developing hazard is something you have to react to, for example a car door opening into the road, or the car in front putting on their indicator.
You can take practice tests online if you need the practice. For each developing, you will be marked out of 5. The time you take to respond changes how many points you get. If you get it wrong, you will not be penalised but you will not get any points. Each clip only plays once and you cannot go back and revise your answers (just like being on the road – there is no re-do).
Results
The pass mark for the multiple choice questions is 43 out of 50. For the hazard perception test, you have to score 44 out of 75. When you have completed the test, the test centre will show you your results immediately, including what you got wrong. If you have passed, you will be sent your pass certificate in the post. Keep hold of this, you will need it to book your practical test. The certificate lasts for 2 years.
If you failed the tests, you can take it again in 3 working days.