Theory Test

Once you have successfully completed your CBT course and your ready to take the next step you have to pass your motorcycle theory test. It is advised to do this prior to booking any practical training as DSA test availability can be busy.

You can book your Theory test on-line using DSA (Driver Standards Agency) website, do be careful and make sure you do log onto the official website and your test should cost no more than £31.

Book your theory test here.

What your theory test involves.

•    multiple choice
•    hazard perception

You need to pass both elements before you can take your practical test. If you fail either section you will have to redo BOTH to pass the next time.

The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle. A motorcycle theory test contains specific questions that don’t appear in any other test.

There is only one version of the hazard perception test. Everyone takes the same test, but the pass mark is different for different vehicle categories.

Part one – multiple choice

Before you start the test for real you are given a chance to practice so you can get a feel for how the screen works etc – this is your chance to settle your nerves and relax so make the most of it. But you should also practice several times before you take the test.

The test takes 57 minutes and you will be asked 50 questions. You need to get 43 or more correct to pass this element (86% for the mathematicians among you).

As each question appears on the screen you will see several answer options – you select one by touching the screen.

Note – for some questions you need to select more than 1 answer. If you don’t know the answer to a question or want to come back to it you can flag the question and return to it later. But don’t forget you do only have 57 minutes for the whole test.

Once you’ve finished the multiple choice element you can have a three minute break before the hazard perception test.

Part two – hazard perception

Before you go into this element of your actual test you will be shown a short video about how it works.

As with the multiple choice element this part is also done on a computer, this time using a mouse.

You’ll be shown a series of video clips each of which contains a developing hazard, which gets more obvious as the clip progresses. Watch carefully though – one of the clips contains 2 hazards.

Your job is to identify the hazard(s) and the earlier you do it the higher you score. Click the mouse as soon as you see a hazard developing that could result in you having to take some action, e.g. changing speed or direction. The maximum you can score for each developing hazard is five points.

Because this test is trying to judge your awareness you will not be able to review your answers – you won’t get a second chance on the road so you don’t here!

To succeed in this part you need to achieve a score of 44 or more out of 75, (that’s 59%).

You can also practice this part of the test by clicking to the left.

At the end of the hazard perception part of the test you’ll be asked a number of customer survey questions. You don’t have to answer them if you don’t want to and they don’t affect the result of the test.

When you have finished the test and have left the examination room you won’t be allowed back in. Then you’ll be given your result.

DON’T FORGET – you need to take BOTH parts of your drivers licence with you – If you have an old style paper licence you will also need your passport. No ID – no test!

Once you have the theory test under your belt you can go on to take the practical element of the test.

If you have passed a two part moped test or a lower category motorcycle test since 1st July 1996 you need not take the theory test. The Theory Test Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years.

Click Here To Practice The Theory Test.