Full Motorcycle License.
What you need to know
The practical motorcycle test is split into two separate modules - the off-road module and the on-road module. To get a full motorcycle licence you need to pass both modules. Find out what happens during both modules of the test. Module one is the off-road module. It generally takes around 20 minutes to complete.
What happens during module one?
Module one includes the following manoeuvres:
- Wheeling the moped or motorcycle and using the stand
- Doing a slalom and figure of eight
- A slow ride
- U-turn
- Cornering and controlled stop
- Cornering and the emergency stop
- Cornering and hazard avoidance
There is a minimum speed requirement of around 32 miles per hour (50 kilometres per hour) for the hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. There is no minimum speed requirement for the first cornering and controlled stop exercise.
At the end of module one.
At the end of module one, the examiner will give you the result and feedback. If you pass, you'll get your module one pass certificate.
Module two: on-road riding.
Module two is the on-road module and typically takes around 40 minutes.
You must bring your module one pass certificate to module two, along with all the documents you had to bring to the module one test.
What happens during module two?
This module includes the:
- Eyesight test
- Safety and balance questions
- Road riding element
- Independent riding section
The eyesight test.
The examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a parked vehicle to test your eyesight. If you fail the test, your riding test won't continue.
Road riding element.
You'll ride in a variety of road and traffic conditions. You'll be asked to carry out:
- Normal stops
- An angle start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle)
- A hill start (where possible)
The examiner will give you directions using a radio. They will normally follow you on a motorcycle.
Independent riding section of the riding test.
Your riding test will include around ten minutes of independent riding. This is designed to assess your ability to ride safely while making decisions independently.
At the end of module two.
At the end of module two, the examiner will give you the result and feedback. If you pass, the examiner will explain to you how to change your provisional licence into a full licence.
Your riding test result.
At the end of each module the examiner will tell you whether or not you have passed.
The different types of faults that can be marked.
There are three types of faults that can be marked:
- a dangerous fault - involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
- a serious fault - could potentially be dangerous
- a rider fault - not potentially dangerous, but if you make the same fault throughout your test it could become a serious fault
The pass mark for module one.
You can make up to five rider faults and still pass module one. If you make six or more rider faults, you won't pass the module.
If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won't pass module one.
The pass mark for module two.
You can make up to ten rider faults and still pass module two. If you make 11 or more rider faults, you won't pass the module.
If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won't pass module two.
New rules for mopeds and motorcycles from 19 January 2013.
The rules about the moped or motorcycle you use for your riding test are changing.
Rules for mopeds.
The moped you use for your test must:
- Be a solo machine be no more than 50cc
- Have a top speed of no more than 28mph
- Have a speedometer measuring speed in mph display L plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear
- Be insured, taxed and roadworthy and have no engine warning lights showing
Rules for all motorcycles.
The motorcycle you use for your test must:
- Have a speedometer measuring speed in mph
- Display L plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear
- Be insured, taxed and roadworthy and have no engine warning lights showing
- Be suitable for the test you’re taking
Download ‘List of motorcycles for test from 19 January 2013’ (PDF, 13KB)
Automatic and semi-automatic motorcycles.
If you pass your test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission you’ll only get a full licence for those types of motorcycle.
Age restrictions.
There are new age restrictions on the category of motorcycle you can use to take your test. The table below shows what sub-category you’ll need to use for module 2 if you’ve already passed module 1 before 19 January 2013.
[Table to go here]
Your licence is only valid for the sub-category of motorcycle you pass your module 2 test on.
Motorcycle sub-categories.
There are 3 sub-categories of motorcycles you can use for your test. The sub-category of motorcycle you use affects the sub-categories you can ride after passing your test.
You must use the same sub-category of motorcycle for both modules of the test.
Sub-category A1 (light motorcycle).
Sub-category A1 motorcycles used for tests must:
- Be a solo motorcycle
- Be between 120cc and 125cc
- Be no more than 11kW engine power
- Be capable of at least 55mph
Sub-category A2 (standard motorcycle).
Sub-category A2 motorcycles used for tests must:
- Be a solo motorcycle be at least 395cc
- Be between 25kW and 35kW engine power
- Have a power to weight ratio no more than 0.2kW/kg
If the engine power of the motorcycle has been restricted to fit sub-category A2, the normal unrestricted power can’t be more than double its new restricted power.
If you have an A2 restricted motorcycle, you must bring proof of the restriction to your test, or it will be cancelled. It must be on headed notepaper from a main dealer, official importer or recognised specialist, and must show the motorcycle’s registration number.
A dyno test certificate will not be accepted as proof of the restriction.
Example.
If the original unrestricted power of your motorcycle was 60kW, you can’t restrict it to less than 30kW.
Category A (unrestricted).
Category A unrestricted motorcycles used for tests must:
- Be a solo motorcycle
- Be at least 595cc
- Be at least 40kW engine power
Rules for motorcycles with sidecars.
You can only use a motorcycle with a sidecar for your test if you have certain disabilities.
The rules for a motorcycle with a sidecar are the same as for a solo motorcycle, but:
- Categories A and A1 can’t have a power to weight ratio of more than 0.16kW/kg
- Passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the test
If you pass your test in a motorcycle with sidecar your licence will only be for motorcycles with sidecars.
Motorcycles with variable power modes.
It must be clear what power mode any switchable engine control unit (ECU) or variable power device is set to. If you are using one of these, your motorcycle cannot have:
- Interchangeable carburrettor heads
- An exhaust manifold restrictor
- A hidden ECU