In this free motorcycle theory test you have 50 questions to answer, each question has four possible answers, just choose the one you think is correct.
You have 57 minutes to complete the test, the clock will appear in the bottom right hand corner of your screen.
You need to score at least 43 to pass. Good luck!
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#1. Before overtaking a large vehicle, you should keep well back. Why is this?
When following a large vehicle, keep well back. If you’re too close, you won’t be able to see the road ahead and the driver of the long vehicle might not be able to see you in their mirrors.
#2. You're on a motorway at night, with other vehicles just ahead of you. Which lights should you have on?
If you’re driving behind other traffic on the motorway at night, use dipped headlights. Main-beam headlights will dazzle the other drivers. Your headlights’ dipped beam should fall short of the vehicle in front.
#3. When mustn't you stop on a clearway?
Clearways are in place so that traffic can flow without the obstruction of parked vehicles. Just one parked vehicle can cause an obstruction for all other traffic. You mustn’t stop where a clearway is in force, not even to pick up or set down passengers.
#4. You see this amber traffic light ahead. Which light, or lights, will come on next?
At junctions controlled by traffic lights, you must stop behind the white line until the lights change to green. A red light, an amber light, and red and amber lights showing together all mean stop.
#5. You're on a road with passing places. It's only wide enough for one vehicle. A car is coming towards you. What should you do?
If you meet another vehicle on a narrow road and the passing place is on your left, pull into it. If the passing place is on your right, wait opposite it.
#6. When can you travel on the hard shoulder of a motorway?
Normally, you should only use the hard shoulder for emergencies and breakdowns. On smart motorways, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane, but only when speed-limit signs are shown directly above it. This technology has been introduced to ease traffic congestion.
#7. You have a faulty oil seal on a shock absorber. Why is this a serious problem?
As well as making your motorcycle difficult to control, the leaking oil could find its way onto your tyres and brakes. This could result in a loss of control, putting you and other road users in danger.
#8. You're carrying a pillion passenger. What should you do when you're following other traffic?
The extra weight of a passenger may increase your stopping distance. Allow for this when following another vehicle by increasing the separation distance.
#9. In good conditions, what's the typical stopping distance at 70 mph?
Note that this is the typical stopping distance. It will take at least this distance to think, brake and stop in good conditions. In poor conditions, it will take much longer.
#10. What can cause your tyres to lose their grip on the road surface and skid?
You can cause your motorcycle to skid by heavy braking, as well as excessive acceleration, swerving or changing direction too sharply, and leaning over too far.
#11. A slow-moving lorry showing this sign is travelling in the middle lane of a three-lane motorway. How should you pass it?
This sign is found on slow-moving or stationary works vehicles. If you wish to overtake, do so on the left, as indicated. Be aware that there might be workmen in the area.
#12. You see a pedestrian with a dog wearing a yellow or burgundy coat. What does this indicate?
Dogs trained to help deaf people have a yellow or burgundy coat. If you see one, you should take extra care, as the pedestrian may not be aware of vehicles approaching.
#13. What safeguard could you take against fire risk to your motorcycle?
The fuel in your motorcycle can be a dangerous fire hazard. Don’t use a naked flame if you can smell fuel, and don’t smoke when refuelling.
#14. What can cause excessive or uneven tyre wear?
If you see that parts of the tread on your tyres are wearing before others, it may indicate a brake, steering or suspension fault. Regular servicing will help to detect faults at an early stage and this will avoid the risk of minor faults becoming serious or even dangerous.
#15. What does it mean when there are double red lines running along the edge of a road?
Double red lines indicate that you’re on a Red Route and in a no-stopping area. Red Routes also have single red lines, with signs showing the times that restrictions are in force. There are also parking and loading boxes, which have signs explaining the restrictions that apply.
#16. What does this sign mean?
Some lanes are set aside for certain types of vehicle. Signs and road markings show the authorised vehicles in words or pictures. There’s usually also a sign showing the times that the lane is in operation. Some lanes might only be in operation for a short time. Check the sign and only use the lane if you’re allowed to do so.
#17. Where would you find these flashing red lights?
These signals can be found at level crossings, some airfields, bridges and emergency access sites. You must stop if the red lights are flashing. At level crossings, if the lights continue to flash after a train has passed, continue to wait because another train is coming.
#18. Why will a motorcyclist look round over their right shoulder just before turning right?
When you see a motorcyclist take a glance over their shoulder, they’re probably about to change direction. Recognising a clue like this helps you to anticipate their next action. This can improve road safety for you and others.
#19. You're travelling behind a bus that pulls up at a bus stop. What should you do?
There might be pedestrians crossing from in front of the bus. Look out for them if you intend to pass. Consider how many people are waiting to get on the bus – check the queue if you can. The bus might move off straight away if no-one is waiting to get on.
#20. The road is wet. Why might a motorcyclist steer round drain covers on a bend?
Other drivers or riders may have to change course due to the size or characteristics of their vehicle. Understanding this will help you to anticipate their actions. Motorcyclists and cyclists will be checking the road ahead for uneven or slippery surfaces, especially in wet weather. They may need to move across their lane to avoid surface hazards such as potholes and drain covers.
#21. Riding with the side stand down could cause you to crash. When is this most likely to happen?
Cornering with the side stand down could lead to a serious crash. Many motorcycles have a device that stops the engine if you try to ride off with the side stand down, but don’t rely on this.
#22. Why would you change into a lower gear after passing this sign?*
This sign gives you an early warning that the road ahead will slope downhill. Prepare to alter your speed and gear. Looking at the sign from left to right will show you whether the road slopes uphill or downhill.
#23. What does the term ‘lifesaver’ mean?
There are areas behind and to either side of you that aren’t visible in your mirrors. These are known as blind spots. Just before turning or changing direction, you should look around to check that there’s nothing hazardous in the blind spot. This check is known as a ‘lifesaver’.
#24. What does this blue sign mean?*
Blue signs tell you what to do, and this one tells you that there is a compulsory left turn ahead.
#25. What requirement must you meet if you want to carry a pillion passenger on your motorcycle?
Before you can carry a pillion passenger, the law requires you to have a full licence for the category of motorcycle you’re using.
#26. When should you use the engine cut-out switch?
Most motorcycles are fitted with an engine cut-out switch. This is designed to stop the engine in an emergency and so reduce the risk of electrical sparks starting a fire.
#27. What can you wear to make it easier for other road users to see you?
Many incidents and collisions involving motorcyclists occur because other road users don’t see them. Be aware that you’re vulnerable and make yourself as visible as possible by wearing fluorescent clothing and a light or brightly coloured helmet.
#28. What does this sign mean?
Buses and cycles can travel in this lane. In this example, they’ll flow in the same direction as other traffic. If it’s busy, they may be passing you on the left, so watch out for them. Times on the sign will show the lane’s hours of operation; if no times are shown, or there’s no sign at all, this means the lane is in operation 24 hours a day. In some areas, other vehicles, such as taxis and motorcycles, are allowed to use bus lanes. The sign will show if this is the case.
#29. You're approaching this cyclist. What should you do?
Keep well back and give the cyclist time and room to turn safely. Don’t intimidate them by getting too close or trying to squeeze past.
#30. You're turning right at a crossroads. An oncoming driver is also turning right. What's the advantage of turning behind the oncoming vehicle?
When turning right at a crossroads where oncoming traffic is also turning right, it’s generally safer to turn behind the approaching vehicle. This allows you a clear view of approaching traffic and is called ‘turning offside to offside’. However, some junctions, usually controlled by traffic-light filters – are marked for vehicles to turn nearside to nearside.
#31. What must you have when you apply to renew your vehicle tax?
You can renew your vehicle tax online, at post offices and vehicle registration offices, or by phone. When applying, make sure you have all the relevant valid documents, including a valid MOT test certificate where applicable.
#32. What should you do when driving or riding along a motorway?
Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.
#33. You're on a country road. What should you expect to see coming towards you on your side of the road?
On a quiet country road, always be aware that there may be a hazard just around the next bend, such as a slow-moving vehicle or pedestrians. There might not be a pavement and people may be walking on your side of the road.
#34. A casualty isn't breathing normally and needs CPR. At what rate should you press down and release on the centre of their chest?
If a casualty isn’t breathing normally, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be needed to maintain circulation. Place two hands on the centre of the chest and press down hard and fast – around 5–6 centimetres and about twice a second.
#35. What does this sign mean?
The ‘max speed’ plate advises the maximum safe speed for negotiating the hazard shown on the warning sign. Drivers should slow down, as the hazard can be deceiving; for example, a bend may be much sharper than it initially appears.
#36. You're travelling on a motorway in England. You must stop when signalled to do so by which of these?
You’ll find traffic officers on England’s motorways. They work in partnership with the police, helping to keep traffic moving and helping to make your journey as safe as possible. It’s an offence not to comply with the directions given by a traffic officer.
#37. You arrive at the scene of a motorcycle crash. No other vehicle is involved. The rider is unconscious and lying in the middle of the road. What's the first thing you should do at the scene?
The motorcyclist is in an extremely vulnerable position, exposed to further danger from traffic. Approaching vehicles need advance warning in order to slow down and safely take avoiding action or stop. Don’t put yourself or anyone else at risk. Use the hazard warning lights on your vehicle to alert other road users to the danger.
#38. What may you need to adjust when you're carrying a heavy load on your motorcycle?
Carrying extra weight, such as luggage or a pillion passenger, can affect the feel and handling of your motorcycle. If possible, some items may need to be adjusted to help overcome this. These adjustments include the aim of the headlights, the suspension settings, the tyre pressures and the mirrors.
#39. Your motorcycle insurance policy has an excess of £100. What does this mean?
This is a method used by insurance companies to keep annual premiums down. Generally, the higher the excess you choose to pay, the lower the annual premium you’ll be charged.
#40. You've had a breakdown on the hard shoulder of a motorway. When the problem has been fixed, how should you rejoin the main carriageway?
Signal your intention and build up sufficient speed on the hard shoulder so that you can filter into a safe gap in the traffic. Don’t push your way in, causing other traffic to alter speed or direction.
#41. Why should you ride with dipped headlights on in the daytime?
Make yourself as visible as possible, from the side as well as from the front and rear. Having your headlights on, even in good daylight, can help make you more conspicuous.
#42. When may you stop on a motorway?
You shouldn’t normally stop on a motorway, but there may be occasions when you need to do so. If you’re unfortunate enough to break down, make every effort to pull up on the hard shoulder.
#43. What does this sign mean?
Obey the ‘give way’ signs. Trams are unable to steer around you if you misjudge when it’s safe to enter the junction.
#44. How often should you check your brake lights are working?
Routine checks, particularly before a long journey, can help to save trouble and expense. Check the operation of all lights, including the brake lights, each time you use the vehicle.
#45. Why are traffic-calming measures put in place?
Traffic-calming measures are used to make the roads safer for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians and children. They can be designed as chicanes, road humps or other obstacles that encourage drivers and riders to slow down.
#46. Your motorcycle is insured third-party only. What does this cover?
Third-party insurance is usually cheaper than comprehensive insurance. It covers injuries to other people and damage to their property, but it doesn’t cover any damage to your own motorcycle or property. Nor does it provide cover if your motorcycle is stolen.
#47. What does this sign mean?
The priority through the junction is shown by the broader line. You need to be aware of the hazard posed by traffic crossing or pulling out onto a major road.
#48. When should you wear full protective clothing while riding a motorcycle?
Protective clothing is designed to protect you from the cold and wet. It also gives you some protection from injury, so it’s important that you always wear protective clothing when you ride.
#49. What must you do when you see this sign?
‘Stop’ signs are situated at junctions where visibility is restricted or where there’s heavy traffic. They must be obeyed: you must stop.
#50. You're on a two-lane dual carriageway. Why would you stay in the right-hand lane?*
You should normally always drive on the left except when overtaking. If there are a number of slower vehicles ahead you may remain in the right-hand lane until you pass them all. You should always be ready to move back to the left however, to allow anyone to overtake you if they wish to do so.
