Motorbike licences - what bike can you ride? | RAC Drive (2024)

Where can I take the test and what do I need to take with me?

When you book your practical test one of the steps you will be taken through will prompt you to type in your postcode and will show you the nearest test centres to you.

On the day of the test, you must take:

  • Your UK photocard driving licence
  • Your theory test pass certificate
  • A moped or motorbike
  • Your compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate - unless you’re taking the test to upgrade your full motorcycle licence
  • Your module 1 test pass certificate - if you’re taking your module 2 test

Your test will be cancelled and you won’t get your money back if you don’t take the right things with you.

On the day of your test, you must wear:

  • A motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards (unless you’re Sikh and wearing a turban)
  • Motorcycle boots or other sturdy footwear that supports and protects your ankles
  • Textile or leather motorcycle trousers or heavy denim trousers
  • A textile or leather motorcycle jacket or a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath
  • Motorcycle gloves

How do I book the test and how much does it cost?

You can book the riding tests separately or at the same time, however, you must pass module one before attempting module two.

To book visit the Government's portal on practical test booking.

  • Module one costs: £15.50
  • Module two costs: £88.50

How many lessons should I have before taking the test?

There is no minimum legal requirement for the number of lessons you have to have before taking the motorbike practical tests.

However, it is recommended to have a couple of days tuition prior to attempting your full A licence if you are an inexperienced rider taking the direct access route.

How do I change, check, or rebook my test?

Change the date of a test.

Check the details of your test.

What are the pass marks?

Both modules have separate passing criteria.

Module 1

You’ll find out if you’ve passed module 1 at the end of the test.

During the module your examiner will note:

  • Dangerous faults - these involve actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
  • Serious faults - these are potentially dangerous
  • Riding faults - these aren’t potentially dangerous, but could become serious if you keep making the same mistake

You will fail module one if your examiner observes:

  • One dangerous fault (a ‘major’)
  • More than five riding faults (‘minors’)

If you pass

The examiner will tell you what faults you made, if any and give you a pass certificate, which you will need to take to the module 2 test.

If you’re upgrading your licence through ‘progressive access’, you must pass module 2 within six months of passing module one otherwise you will have to pass module 1 again.

If you fail

You’ll have to book another module 1 test and pay again. You have to choose a date at least three working days away.

If you’ve already booked the module 2 test you might need to change the date, since you must pass module 1 before you can take module 2.

You’ll lose your fee if you don’t give 3 full days’ notice to cancel your module 2 test. Sundays and public holidays don’t count as working days.

Module 2

You’ll be told if you’ve passed module 2 at the end of the test.

During the module your examiner will note:

  • Dangerous faults - these involve actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
  • Serious faults - these are potentially dangerous
  • Riding faults - these aren’t potentially dangerous, but could become serious if you keep making the same mistake

You will fail module one if your examiner observes:

  • One serious or dangerous fault (a ‘major’)
  • More than 10 riding faults (‘minors’)

If you pass

The examiner will tell you what faults you made, if any, give you a pass certificate and ask if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically - if you do, you will have to give the examiner your provisional licence.

If you fail

You'll have to book another module 2 test and pay again. You have to choose a date at least 10 working days after your first attempt.

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10 motorbike test tips

Passing the practical motorcycle test requires plenty of practice with your instructor and the mastering of several techniques that you’ll be assessed on during the 40-50 minute ride.

A good riding school will prepare you fully for this, but there are still tips to remember that will help.

Here we run through 10 things that will help you pass your motorcycle test.

Motorbike licences - what bike can you ride? | RAC Drive (2024)
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