About the exam
DVSA Motorcycle Theory Exam structure
An independent Great Britain study guide for the current DVSA motorcycle theory test, covering the 50-question knowledge part and concepts behind the separate 14-clip hazard-perception part.
Issuer and path
DVSA Motorcycle Theory Test Study Guide is administered through Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Check official resources before booking, retesting, or relying on a stale requirement.
Motorcycle Multiple Choice
50 scored + 0 pretest
Fifty questions in 57 minutes, including a short written riding case study followed by five linked questions.
Hazard Perception
15 scored + 0 pretest
Fourteen video clips containing 15 scoring developing hazards, with up to five points available for each hazard.
Before booking or relying on a licence rule
Use current GOV.UK DVSA pages for Great Britain eligibility, documents, exemptions and bookings. Do not substitute Northern Ireland DVA, R-plate or 45 mph restricted-rider rules.
Official Outline Coverage Map
Coverage is mapped to official outline item counts so content depth can be checked without hard-coding a single exam.
| Topic | Official outline items | Your questions | Your flashcards | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licence Categories, Ages and Access Routes | 0 | 28 | 6 | Priority |
| CBT, Training and the Practical-Test Route | 0 | 28 | 6 | Priority |
| Learner Rules, Documents and Certificates | 0 | 28 | 6 | Priority |
| Helmet, Clothing, Visibility and Rider Fitness | 0 | 30 | 6 | Strong |
| Pillion Passengers, Loads and Towing | 0 | 30 | 6 | Strong |
| Checks, Maintenance and Roadworthiness | 0 | 35 | 6 | Strong |
| Controls, Balance and Steering | 0 | 35 | 6 | Strong |
| Braking, Grip and Stability | 0 | 35 | 6 | Priority |
| Observation, Signals and Safety Space | 0 | 35 | 6 | Strong |
| Junctions, Roundabouts and Crossings | 0 | 35 | 6 | Priority |
| Positioning, Filtering and Overtaking | 0 | 35 | 6 | Priority |
| Bends, Road Surfaces and Weather | 0 | 35 | 6 | Strong |
| Pedestrians, Cyclists and Horse Riders | 0 | 35 | 6 | Strong |
| Large, Public-Service and Emergency Vehicles | 0 | 35 | 6 | Strong |
| Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings | 0 | 28 | 6 | Strong |
| Speed, Motorways and Different Road Types | 0 | 27 | 6 | Priority |
| Impairment, Incidents, Security and Environment | 0 | 27 | 6 | Strong |
| Hazard Scanning and Prediction | 0 | 20 | 6 | Strong |
| Developing-Hazard Response and Click Timing | 0 | 20 | 6 | Priority |
| Hazards Across Varied Scenes and Conditions | 0 | 20 | 6 | Strong |
How to use this guide
How to prepare for the DVSA motorcycle theory test
Link each Great Britain rule to the rider's exposed position: read the road, protect grip and view, preserve space and act before risk escalates.
1. Confirm status and jurisdiction
Identify Great Britain, the licence category and whether the rider is a learner, CBT trainee or full licence holder.
2. Read what is changing
Scan road layout, surface, signs, other road users and hidden space for the earliest reliable clue.
3. Preserve grip, view and space
Choose speed and position that keep the motorcycle stable, visible and able to change plan smoothly.
4. Apply the safe legal action
Obey the current Great Britain rule, protect exposed road users and respond before the conflict becomes urgent.
Licence Categories, Ages and Access Routes
Great Britain AM, A1, A2 and A entitlements, direct and progressive access, minimum ages and motorcycle-specific theory requirements.
Key rules
Rule 1
AM, A1, A2 and A differ by vehicle limits, minimum age and the direct or progressive route used.
Exam cue: Identify the category sought, the entitlement already held and whether access is direct or progressive.
Rule 2
A full car licence does not normally remove the need to pass the motorcycle theory test.
Exam cue: Use current GOV.UK Great Britain rules for England, Scotland and Wales rather than Northern Ireland rules.
Rule 3
Progressive access can remove another theory requirement only when the qualifying lower-category entitlement and experience conditions are met.
Exam cue: Separate eligibility for theory from the age, machine and training rules for later practical tests.
Common traps
Treating every two-wheeled machine as the same licence category.
Prevention: Do not choose an answer merely because it is technically permitted; test whether it preserves visibility, grip, space and the safety of others.
Assuming car entitlement automatically covers motorcycle theory.
Prevention: Do not choose an answer merely because it is technically permitted; test whether it preserves visibility, grip, space and the safety of others.
Applying progressive access without the required lower entitlement or holding period.
Prevention: Do not choose an answer merely because it is technically permitted; test whether it preserves visibility, grip, space and the safety of others.
Memory anchors
AM to A
AM, A1, A2 and A differ by vehicle limits, minimum age and the direct or progressive route used.
Car Is Not Bike
A full car licence does not normally remove the need to pass the motorcycle theory test.
Progression Conditions
Progressive access can remove another theory requirement only when the qualifying lower-category entitlement and experience conditions are met.
Category First
Identify the category sought, the entitlement already held and whether access is direct or progressive.
GB Source
Use current GOV.UK Great Britain rules for England, Scotland and Wales rather than Northern Ireland rules.
Theory Versus Practical
Separate eligibility for theory from the age, machine and training rules for later practical tests.
Next best moves
Quick check-up
Use a short quiz to confirm the rule pattern is actually sticking.
Check-up Questions
What is the minimum age for a category AM moped licence in Great Britain?
Which machine falls within category A1?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Open another topic next
Official resources
Verify the details with the official sources
Use these links for eligibility, scheduling, handbook rules, and issuer updates. Our guide helps you study; official sources tell you what the testing partner currently requires.
Book your motorcycle theory test
DVSA Great Britain eligibility, same-test two-part rule, CBT timing, car-licence position, exemptions and retest waiting period.
Multiple-choice questions
Current 50-question, 57-minute format, written case study with five linked questions, review controls and optional break.
Hazard perception
Current 14-clip and 15-developing-hazard structure, five-point scoring, one-attempt rule and anti-pattern safeguard.
Pass mark and result
Current 43/50 and 44/75 pass marks, full-test retake rule, two-year certificate and practical-test deadline.
Revision and practice
DVSA's three core source families and the distinction between official practice questions and live questions.
The Highway Code
Official rules, guidance and territorial statement for England, Scotland and Wales.
Motorcycle licence requirements
Great Britain AM, A1, A2 and A access, learner limits, CBT, larger-motorcycle training and practical modules.
Compulsory basic training
Current CBT purpose, learner permissions, L or Welsh D plates, two-year validity and exemptions.
Bike categories, ages and licence requirements
Current category limits, minimum ages and direct or progressive access requirements.
Motorcycle practical tests
The separate module 1 off-road and module 2 on-road tests that written theory study does not simulate.
Highway Code rules for motorcyclists
Great Britain rules and guidance on helmets, eye protection, clothing, pillions, daylight riding and filtering.
Know your traffic signs
Department for Transport reference for signs, signals and road markings used with the Highway Code.
FAQ
Common DVSA Motorcycle Theory questions
Is this an official DVSA product?
No. It is an independent study resource aligned to current GOV.UK, DVSA and Department for Transport material. DVSA remains the authority for booking, test delivery, adjustments and results.
What must I pass?
You need at least 43 out of 50 in multiple choice and at least 44 out of 75 in hazard perception. Both parts are booked and taken as one test.
What happens if I pass only one part?
The overall test is failed and the full two-part test must be booked again. GOV.UK currently requires at least three working days before a retest.
How does the motorcycle case study work?
Within the 50 multiple-choice questions, a short written story describes a real-life riding situation and is followed by five questions. Answers can be flagged, reviewed and changed before the part ends.
Is the written case study the hazard-perception test?
No. The case study is part of multiple choice. Hazard perception uses 14 moving clips, allows only one attempt at each clip and scores how early developing hazards are recognised.
Does a full car licence remove the motorcycle theory requirement?
No, not normally. GOV.UK says a full car licence holder still needs the motorcycle theory test. Specific exemptions can apply to qualifying moped entitlements and progressive or staged motorcycle upgrades.
Can motorcycle theory be taken before CBT?
Yes. GOV.UK says motorcycle theory may be taken before or after CBT. However, a provisional rider normally needs valid CBT before riding unaccompanied on a public road.
What are the Great Britain learner limits after CBT?
An eligible rider aged 17 or over may normally ride up to 125cc and 11kW with L plates, or L or D plates in Wales. Learners may not use motorways, carry a pillion or tow a trailer.
Does this guide cover Northern Ireland R-plate rules?
No. The Great Britain Highway Code applies in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland uses DVA, its own Highway Code and separate learner and restricted-rider rules, including R plates.
Can written materials reproduce hazard perception?
No. They can teach scanning, clues and the transition from potential to developing hazard, but they cannot reproduce a moving scoring window. Use current clip-based practice too.
Why are there no official domain question counts?
DVSA publishes the overall format and core revision sources but not fixed topic weights. The future 601-item allocation in this module is an internal coverage plan, not an official blueprint.
Does passing theory award a full motorcycle licence?
No. Theory is one stage. The applicable entitlement, CBT or supervised training, machine category and both practical modules still have to be satisfied.