Motorbike practical test

In April 2009 the UK practical motorcycle test changed to become two modules ^[1]. To pass the practical motorcycle test candidates need to pass its two separate modules within two years of passing their motorcycle theory test. The first module will test candidates doing set manoeuvres on the motorcycle in a safe off-road area. The second module is the on-road test.

Module one

Candidates must provide all of the following valid documents:

• their driving licence with the correct provisional entitlement - both the photocard and counterpart document or a valid UK passport to support a paper licence
• their compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate (DL196)
• their motorcycle theory test certificate

Candidates are exempt from providing CBT and theory test certificates if they:

• hold a full moped licence gained by passing a moped test after 1 December 1990, and wish to upgrade to a full motorcycle licence
• already hold a full motorcycle licence and wish to upgrade it

Module one includes the following specified manoeuvres and generally takes around 20 minutes to complete:

• wheeling the machine and using the stand
• doing a slalom and figure of eight
• cornering, hazard avoidance and controlled stop
• U-turn
• a slow ride
• the emergency stop

There is a minimum speed requirement of 50 kilometres per hour (approximately 32 miles per hour) for the hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises.

At the end of module one, the examiner gives the candidate their result and the candidate can ask for feedback on how they did. If they passed, they will receive their module one pass certificate.

Module two

For module two candidates must produce their module one pass certificate, and all the documents that they had to present at the module one test.

Module two is the on-road module and typically takes around 40 minutes. This module includes the eyesight test, the safety and balance questions and the road riding element that will cover a variety of road and traffic conditions.

Candidates will be asked to carry out normal stops, an angle start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle) and, where possible, a hill start. The examiner will normally follow the candidate on a motorcycle, using a radio to give you directions.

At the end of module two, the examiner will tell the candidate whether they have passed or failed and the candidate can ask for feedback on how they did. If the candidate passes, the examiner will explain how to change the provisional licence into a full licence.

Independent riding

From 4 October 2010 the practical test will include a 10 minute section of ‘independent riding’. During the independent riding section, candidates will have to ride by either following:

• a series of directions
• traffic signs
• a combination of both

To help candidates understand where they're going, the examiner may show them a route diagram. It will not matter if candidates do not remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way. If candidates ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them. If the candidate goes off the independent driving route it won’t affect the result of their test unless they commit a driving fault. If the candidate goes off the route or takes a wrong turning, the examiner will help them to get back on the route and continue with the independent riding section.

References

1. ^ History of motorcycle testing : Driving Standards Agency

External links

• Motorcycle practical test explained : Directgov – Motoring
• Minimum test vehicle requirements for mopeds and motorcycles : Directgov – Motoring
• Vehicle safety questions for motorcycle tests
• Vehicle Motorbike practical test
• Blog covering all aspects of the UK Motorcycle Test