Passing the Motorcycle Tests

The Motorcycle Tests

There are 2 tests that you must pass to obtain your motorcycle licence, a Theory test and a 2-part Practical test. You must pass your Theory test before taking your Practical test. Both parts of the Practical test must be passed on the same category of motorcycle.

Motorcycle Theory Test including Hazard Perception

This test is similar to the car theory test and is split into 2 parts.

The first is a multiple-choice test where you will be asked 50 questions based upon the Highway Code and the DSA’s Learning to Ride books. The pass-mark for this part is 43 out of 50, and you have 57 minutes to complete the test.

The 2nd part is the Hazard Perception test, which consists of 14 video clips showing a number of hazards, of which 15 develop to the point at which you would need to change speed and/or direction (one per clip with one clip containing 2). During this test you will need to click a mouse at the point at which the hazard develops. You are scored based on when you click, getting 5 for clicking when the hazard first develops, down to 1 at the last point at which you could still react and avoid the hazard. You will need to score 44 out of a maximum of 75 to pass this part of the test.

See here for more information or to book your Theory Test.

The “Mod-1” motorcycle test is designed to test your ability to control your motorcycle and consists of a number of exercises performed in a controlled environment away from the public highway. It takes around 15-20 minutes and comprises the following exercises:

• Pushing the machine and using the stand(s)
• Riding a slalom and figure of eight
• Slow riding (walking pace)
• U-turn
• Cornering and controlled stop
• Emergency stop (from 50kph or 32mph)
• Hazard avoidance – swerve and stop (from 50kph or 32mph)

The “Mod-2” motorcycle test is designed to test your ability to ride your motorcycle on the public highways in accordance with the Highway Code. It includes an eyesight check (reading a number plate from 20m) and some simple questions on ensuring your motorcycle is roadworthy and how your balance might be affected by varying loads. The test lasts for around 40 minutes including around 35 minutes riding on the road. During the ride you will be in radio contact with your examiner who will follow you either on a motorcycle or in a car. The ride will include around 10 minutes of “independent riding”, which involves following road-signs towards a stated destination as opposed to being told which junctions to take.

At each stage you will need to present your documents – i.e. both parts of your driving licence and if you have an old paper-style licence some photo-ID such as a passport; CBT certificate (DL196) and all previous test certificates.

A note on twist-and-go automatics.

As with the full car licence, if you take your test on an automatic twist-and-go motorcycle/scooter, then your licence will be restricted to automatic motorcycles/scooters only. Bear in mind many training schools that offer scooter-tuition use 100cc scooters and taking your test on one of those would mean an A1 automatic-only licence which would be rather restrictive (no 650cc Bergman super-scooters for you!).

Preparing for your Tests

Passing the Motorcycle tests is like passing any other test. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to pass first time. Choosing your instructor and riding school carefully is very important in ensuring you have the best chance of passing.

Most people prepare for their Theory test without any outside help, relying on self-study of the Highway Code and using various online mock-test to help them. This seems to work well for some people, but there is nothing like someone helping you prepare, which is what we offer!

Preparing for your Practical test on a category A2 or A motorcycle will necessitate engaging the services of a qualified instructor, as your provisional entitlement to ride these categories is restricted to when you are being supervised. You could prepare for your test on an A1 (125cc) motorcycle, but you would still need access to an A2/A motorcycle and a means to get this to the test station for your test (going down this route would also mean you would be taking your test on an unfamiliar bike, which is unlikely to be successful!).

When I qualified as a motorcycle instructor, I spent a fair amount of time looking at how various training schools in the area operated. I didn't initially want to set up my own training school as the overheads involved in doing so are very high and I like the flexibility of being independent. I wanted to find schools that put their trainees first and that had an ethos of delivering excellent training. After working for a couple of local schools I decided that they didn't really offer the ongoing support I feel a new rider needs as they start the journey to becoming confident, competent motorcyclists. I felt there was a gap in the market for a training school that offered more - that provided support for the community of riders it was creating. With that in mind, Tracy and I set about researching options for opening our own school. After a very long search, we found some suitable premises and piled our savings in to getting it set up just the way we wanted. The result is Inner Circle Training, a very different type of motorcycle training school. Come over an read what all the fuss is about at InnerCircleTraining.co.uk.

Please call me on 07774-761059 or email me and we can discuss your requirements and work out a package of training to get you through the tests and onto 2 wheels!