The Theory Test

AND IN THEORY... What to expect, and how to pass your theory test

Maybe you are old enough that you didn’t need to take a theory test to earn

your driving licence. Well, if that’s the case you’ll need to get used to a different kind of test on the way to your full motorbike licence. If you did take a theory test while learning to drive, you’ll know you can’t just wing it and hope to pass.

Like the theory test for car drivers, the motorbike theory test is in two parts. You’ll need to pass both before moving on to the practical. The theory test costs £23, and unlike Module 2 of the practical test there’s no evening or weekend surcharge to pay.

You’ll need to have your provisional licence with you, so don’t forget to take it to the test centre or you won’t be able to take the test. You won’t be allowed to take personal belongings such as smartphones with you into the test for obvious reasons, but there are lockers where you can leave them.

THE MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST

You will need to answer 50 questions in 57 minutes (you can finish more quickly if you race through the test). You don’t have to get every one right, but the minimum score to pass is 43 out of 50 (or 86%).

Questions will cover the rules of the road, including specific questions about motorbikes. To pass, you’ll need a thorough knowledge of The Highway Code. As the Code was updated at the start of 2022, bin any dog-eared copy you may have on a bookshelf and get hold of the new edition (it costs £4.99 from www. safedrivingforlife.info). You should also make sure you are very familiar with Know Your Traffic Signs and Riding – The Essential Skills.

THE HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST

After a three-minute break, it will be time for the hazard perception test.

You’ll watch 14 video clips showing everyday road scenes, each one lasting around a minute. They all contain at least one developing hazard (something that would cause you to take action, such as changing speed or direction). The hazard could be something like a car parked at the roadside with its righthand indicator flashing. One of the videos will contain two developing hazards.

There are up to five points for each hazard. You click the

“LIKE THE THEORY TEST FOR CAR DRIVERS, THE MOTORBIKE THEORY TEST IS IN TWO PARTS. YOU’LL NEED TO PASS BOTH BEFORE MOVING ON TO THE PRACTICAL”“

mouse as soon as you spot it, the quicker you click the higher the score. However, you won’t score anything if you keep on clicking randomly.

There’s just one chance to spot each hazard, as you can’t choose to watch any of the videos again. You must score at least 44 out of 75 to pass. You will find out on the day if you have failed or made the grade.

HOW TO PASS...

1 Don’t assume it’s easy. You may have years of driving experience, but your theory knowledge could be rusty and there are specific motorbike questions. 2 Read The Highway Code. Make sure you have the latest edition, and read it thoroughly again and again. 3 Get an app. You’ll find smartphone apps to help you practise for both parts of the theory test. Look for one that’s DVSAlicensed. 4 Practice makes perfect. Take a free mock test at safe drivingforlife.info