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THE DAY OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE TEST

The Motorcycle Theory Test

After days, weeks or months of your motorcycle training, your instructor says you are now ready to take your test. the first test you will need to take is the Motorcycle Theory Test, this will gauge your knowledge and understanding of riding theory. A sound knowledge of the theory is essential to a better understanding of practical riding skills. Before taking your practical motorcycle test, you will have to take and pass the theory test. It is adviced that during your motorcycle training courses you study the theory side of your test, some motorcycle training schools provide assistance in training for your theory and hazard perception test.

Before 1st February 2001 if you held a full car licence, and you were riding on the provisional motorcycle entitlement that this provided, then you didn't have to take the theory test. But, as from 1st February 2001, all riders have to take the written theory test, even if they hold an existing full car licence. A test appointment will normally be available for you within about two weeks, and the test is available on weekdays, evenings and Saturdays.

When you attend your theory test you'll have to show photographic evidence of your identity as well as your driving licence. The photographic evidence of your identity must show both your photograph and your signature. The only acceptable documents for this purpose are a

The 40-minute motorcycle test consists of multiple choice questions. Most questions ask you to identify the correct answer from a choice of four or five possible options. There will also be some multiple response questions that will ask you to select several answers from 5 or more options. Some questions will contain pictures of road signs or road situations. To pass the test you will need to answer at least 30 out of 35 questions correctly. You will take the test using a computer screen and you will select your answers by simply touching the area of the screen that shows the answer of your choice. There will be staff available to help if required. The screens are easy to read and only one question will appear on the screen at the time. You will be able to move forwards or backwards through the questions at any time to look at the questions again to complete or to alter your answer. The system will inform you if you have not completed your answer fully. At the end of the test your answers will be calculated and you will be given your test result.

It is recommended that you buy a book which contains all the questions and answers, which are in the same format as in the actual test, even if your instructor provided you with theory test guidance during your motorcycle training, you can never be too prepared. There are now over 1000 questions that the test centre has in its question bank. Candidates with special needs will have additional time and assistance - e.g. hearing the written text through a headset. If you fail on your first attempt, don't worry - about 50% of candidates fail their first theory test. There will be no limit on the number of times the theory test can be taken and there is no minimum time period imposed between attempts at the test, other than booking dates being full.

The Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test

Hazard perception is part of the Theory test, again, your instructor may have provided you with help and support for your Hazard Perception Test during your Motorcycle Training. The Hazard perception measures the ability of a rider (or driver) to make an early identification of situations where some form of avoidance action might be necessary, such as changing speed or direction. It involves techniques such as

Research has shown that the more experienced riders (and drivers) scan the road better and recognise much earlier the clues that show a hazardous situation is developing and therefore start to take action before the danger occurs. The DSA have now extended the Motorcycle Theory Test by adding a Hazard Perception Test. It's taken at the same time as the Theory Test and takes about an extra 15 minutes.

During the test candidates are shown a number of video clips filmed from the motorcyclist's point of view. Each clip contains one or more potential and developing hazards. The candidate will be asked to indicate as soon as they see a hazard developing which may result in the motorcyclist taking some action, such as changing speed or direction. The sooner a response is made the higher the score.

The pass mark at the time of writing (September 2003) is 44 out of a possible 75.

The Practical Motorcycle Test

To apply for your practical motorcycle test you will fill out an application form, DL26, which is available from any DSA Area Office or any driving test centre. Send the completed form and the fee to your local DSA Area Office. If you don't know where that is you can find out from the DSA Head Office on 0115 901 2595. Within 2 weeks you should receive your appointment card which will tell you the date and time of your test and the address of the test centre.

When you go you must take

The first thing you'll have to do is take an eyesight test. Your Instructor may have already performed this test during your motorcycle training to ensure your eyesight meets the minimum requirements beofre taking your actual test. The eyesight test involves reading a number plate in good daylight at a distance of about 67 feet ( 20.5 metres ). If you can't the examiner will measure the exact distance and repeat the test. If you still fail then the test won't continue.

You will then be asked two motorcycle safety check questions , one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. If one or both questions are answered incorrectly this will result in a fault being recorded. Then you will be fitted with a radio receiver and an earpiece designed to be worn under your helmet. When you're taking the test the examiner will follow you on a motorcycle. You will be given directions clearly and in good time and you will be asked to carry out set exercises.

You will pass if you show that you can

Your examiner will watch you and will be looking to see if you

You should not be over-cautious. For example, you must not ride too slowly as you could be holding up other traffic and you must not stop and wait when it's safe and normal to proceed. The excersise your examiner may ask you to perform as follows (You should have performed all of the following during your motorcycle training)

Emergency Stop
The examiner will tell you the signal he will use and then ask you to ride around a short circuit. As soon as you see the signal you must

Walking with your Motorcycle
Your examiner will ask you to put your machine on its stand. He will then ask you to take it off its stand and walk with it with the engine off.

U-turn
You will be asked to perform a U-turn and stop on the other side of the road, without putting a foot down on the road. Rear observation into the blind area is vital just before you carry out the manoeuvre.

Angle start
You will be asked to stop just behind a parked vehicle. You will then be asked to move off again. Before you do, make it obvious that you look behind you AND in front to see there's no danger from approaching traffic.

Slow riding
The examiner will ask you to ride at walking speed for a short distance. He will be checking for your control, balance and observation.

Hill start
You may be asked to stop on an uphill gradient and then move off again. The examiner will want to see a smoothly accelerating hill start.