2. Motorcycle test
Guidance for driving examiners carrying out motorcycle tests.
Modular test
The motorcycle test is in two modules.
Candidates have two years from the date they passed their multiple choice and hazard perception test to complete both Module 1 and Module 2 of the motorcycle test.
Candidates must use the same subcategory of machine for both modules of the test.
Candidates must always have a valid theory test certificate before taking their first motorcycle practical test.
Unless candidates take the progressive access route, they must have a valid theory test certificate before taking any further practical motorcycle tests.
A confirmation letter issued by DVSA is acceptable if the candidate has lost their theory test pass certificate.
To avoid a test being terminated unnecessarily and with time permitting, examiners should contact the Examiner Hotline to verify a Theory Test pass.
If Deployment can provide the required information, then the test can be conducted.
If a candidate has not passed both modules within the two-year period they are required to re-take and pass the theory test and to re-take and pass Module 1 of their motorcycle test before they may take Module 2.
The two-year period will then recommence from the date of the new theory test.
Candidates must present a valid CBT certificate when they take both Module 1 and Module 2 of the motorcycle test, candidates who hold full motorcycle entitlement do not require a CBT certificate and are exempt from this requirement.
If a candidate’s CBT certificate expires, they may retake it at any time.
If the CBT certificate is presented, the certificate number should be entered on the Candidate Declaration page of the digital test report.
Note: A valid Northern Ireland CBT certificate is acceptable.
Motorcycle minimum test vehicles (MTV)
The driving test regulations require a candidate to provide a suitable motorcycle for the purposes of the test.
This means that the motorcycle must be roadworthy, taxed, insured and of such construction or design as to enable the examiner to properly conduct the appropriate test.
The motorcycle must be reasonably representative of type.
Speedometers must be in either mph or mph/kph. Vehicles which have been changed mechanically from km/h to mph are acceptable for test; the face of the speedometer must show mph or mph/km/h, external overlays are not acceptable.
The introduction of modular testing requires candidates to use the same sub-category of motorcycle for both modules of the practical test.
The requirements for motorcycle minimum test vehicles (MTV) are as follows:
Category AM: two wheeled moped, no more than 50cc and below 4kW with a maximum design speed of no more than 28 mph (45km/h). (Since June 2003, all type approved mopeds have met this rule). All two wheeled AM machines can be used on test unless there’s clear evidence that they don’t meet the requirements.
Category A1: a two wheeled motorcycle without a sidecar, between 120cc and 125cc capacity with an engine power no more than 11 kilowatts (kW) - 14.6 brake horsepower (bhp) and be capable of at least 55 mph (90km/h). All machines between 120 and 125 cc can be used on test unless there’s clear evidence that they don’t meet the requirements.
Category A2: solo motorcycle at least 245cc capacity with an engine power between 20kW (27bhp) and 35kW (46.6bhp) and have a power to weight ratio of no more than 0.2kW per kilogram. If fitted with a restrictor kit, it must not be derived from a motorcycle of more than double its power.
Category A: solo motorcycle at least 595cc capacity and have an engine power of at least 50kW (67 bhp) and a minimum kerb weight of 180kg.
Electric motorcycles may be used on test providing they meet the MTV power requirements for the relevant subcategory, this is measured by their continuous power rating and quoted in kW.
Normally only disabled riders may use a motor-tricycle or motorcycle and side car for their test.
However, some 3-wheeled machines are classed as mopeds or motorcycles.
These are machines which have the overall characteristics of a solo motorcycle and where the distance measured between the centre of the area of contact with the road surface of any two wheels is less than 460 millimetres they are classed as motorcycles.
Providing they meet all other MTV requirements these motorcycles can be used by any rider for their practical motorcycle tests or CBT training.
Where three wheeled motorcycles are fitted with a device or locking mechanism to prevent them from leaning or tilting this must be in the unlocked position for both Mod1 and Mod2.
For category A2 & A DVSA will accept evidence from manufacturers or official importers that a specific model of motorcycle meets these requirements and will publish this information where it applies to a number of machines of a specific type.
Examiners should refer to the most recent version of the official motorcycle MTV list - this can be found on SharePoint.
For machines not on this list or where an individual machine has been restricted to comply with the minimum test vehicle requirements it will be accepted for test providing certified proof of compliance or restriction is available for the examiner.
This must be a certificate or on headed paper from an official source such as a main dealer, official importer, or recognised specialist in restricting vehicles. Dyno certificates alone are not acceptable.
Restricted A2 machines
Proof of the restriction must be on headed notepaper, showing the registration number, from a main dealer, an official importer, or a recognised specialist.
Any switchable engine control unit (ECU) or variable power restriction device must be clearly visible showing the power it’s set to (an ECU under the seat is acceptable if it is easily accessible).
Interchangeable carburettor heads, exhaust manifold restrictors or a hidden ECU are not suitable methods of restricting a bike that can be switched between two categories but may be used as a permanent certified restriction.
A dyno test certificate will not be accepted in isolation as proof.
Examiner journals
Examiners will receive their daily journal on the digital test report.
Further details of the candidate can be accessed by selecting their name.
Digital test report
The digital test report is specific to the candidate and the test category.
The digital journal contains further information relating to the candidate and can be accessed by selecting the candidate’s name on the journal.
This must be selected if there is a yellow exclamation marker next to the candidate’s name, so the examiner is aware of any relevant information prior to the test.
The motorcycle test is in two modules and a candidate must use the same sub-category of machine for both modules.
It is therefore very important that examiners ensure the licence sub-category that is on the digital test report and the pass certificate match the motorcycle presented for test.
The appropriate category AM, A1, A2 or A must be inserted on the digital test report.
If the candidate has used a machine fitted with automatic or semi-automatic transmission the relevant box on the digital test report should be marked.
The appropriate category A, A1, A2 or AM should be entered on the DVSA12 Module 1 pass certificate.
Licence and entitlement checks
Check the candidate’s ID in line with the instructions in Chapter One.
Provisional driving licences just show category A start and finish dates, encompassing all motorcycle subcategories. Therefore, it is acceptable if a candidate attends for a category A1 or A2 test when their provisional driving licence shows category A.
Examiners must check a candidate’s entitlement carefully. This is particularly important for Module 2 when the examiner must check that the sub-category of machine on the Module 1 pass certificate is the same as the vehicle presented for the Module 2 test.
Motorcycle examiners must check the candidate’s age from their driver number to make sure they are old enough to ride the machine presented for the test.
The age restrictions are:
- A1: at least 17 years old
- A2: at least 19 years old
- A: at least 24 years old*
*Unless the rider has held an A2 licence for at least 2 years, in which case they must be at least 21 years old.
Following disqualification from riding under the Road Traffic Act, or revocation under the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995, all riders are required to complete CBT to validate their new provisional driving licence when it is issued. This applies in all cases, including those where the person previously held full motorcycle entitlement. A DL196 issued prior to the disqualification period is invalidated by the disqualification.
If a rider has previously been disqualified, the examiner will need to contact the examiner hotline to check the date of issue of the licence. Providing the DL196 is issued after the re-issue of the licence, the test can be undertaken. If the DL196 is dated before the date of issue of the licence, the test cannot be taken.
Riders who have had their licence revoked under the New Drivers Act will not have a revocation shown on their licence. These riders are still required to re-take CBT and present a valid CBT certificate (DL196) at the test.
If having made all appropriate checks a candidate’s entitlement cannot be established, the test will not be able to proceed.
Upgrading an entitlement
Candidates who hold a full motorcycle entitlement, gained by passing both theory and practical tests, who wish to upgrade their entitlement before the two-year progressive access period is up will have to complete both modules on the larger category machine.
They will have six months from the date of passing Module 1 to pass Module 2.
These candidates are not required to re-take their CBT certificate, but they must have a valid theory test pass certificate.
A valid theory test pass certificate is not required if the candidate is just upgrading to remove restriction code 78 (restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission) on the same category of machine.
Candidates who are following the progressive access route (from 2015 onwards) will not require a CBT or theory test pass certificate.
They will have six months from the date of passing Module 1 to pass Module 2.
Module 1 preliminaries
This Module begins with the normal identity and entitlement checks. The candidate is required to sign the insurance and residency declarations and confirm their email address for the end of test summary.
The candidate must produce the following valid documents:
- a photocard driving licence or a paper licence and current passport
- DL 196 CBT certificate (unless exempt)
- theory test pass certificate (unless exempt)
Photocopies or scanned images of documents are not acceptable, except the theory test pass certificate. This will be a duplicate copy issued by DVSA as a pdf, this can be printed or presented electronically, but the examiner must see the accompanying email from DVSA.
The candidate is required to sign the insurance and residency declarations and confirm their email address for the end of test summary.
Candidates must wear clothing that meets these minimum standards:
- a securely fastened motorcycle helmet that meets British or EU safety standards
- motorcycle boots that provide support and ankle protection, or sturdy trainers/shoes
- heavy denim trousers or textile or leather motorcycle trousers
- a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath or textile or leather motorcycle jacket
- motorcycle gloves
If a candidate’s clothing doesn’t meet these standards, if it’s possible, they should be given an opportunity to borrow something that is suitable; otherwise, the test should be cancelled.
An exemption exists for followers of the Sikh religion if they are wearing a turban instead of a safety helmet.
The eyesight test is not carried out as part of the Module 1 test, it is carried out during Module 2.
Definitions of recorded faults on digital test report – Mod 1
- use of stand
- manual handling
- slalom / Figure of 8
- slow control
- ‘U’ turn exercise
- precautions
- move off
- safety
- control
- controlled stop
- emergency stop – record the speed of each attempt
- avoidance – record the speed of each attempt
- ETA
- physical
- verbal
Module 1 test requirements
Number of rider errors
To pass module 1, candidates must commit no more than five rider faults with no serious or dangerous faults.
Start procedure
At the completion of the document and identity checks, the candidate will be asked to ride the machine to the starting position.
Irrespective of where the machine is parked, the test begins when the candidate first handles the machine.
The candidate should be asked to ride front first into either the left or right-hand bay marked by green cones as shown on a diagram. The candidate may choose either bay.
General riding
Candidates who are unable to start their machines by normal means and who ask if they may push start them, should be allowed to do so.
Candidates should be asked to behave as if they were riding on the public road, which should include any necessary safety checks throughout the time they are on the manoeuvring area.
The examiner should clearly explain the exercises to the candidate, making full use of the manoeuvring board to describe the requirements and giving precise directions as to the course to be followed. It should be explained to the candidate that they should not touch any of the marker cones during the exercises.
At sites where both left and right circuits are available, examiners should ensure both circuits are used equally over a period of time.
If the candidate demonstrates a dangerous standard of riding, the examiner should assess if it is safe to continue with the test. If the test is terminated, the examiner must ensure the test report fully supports the decision to terminate the test.
Each exercise must be assessed on completion, taking into account safety and control. No more than one fault can be recorded for each exercise.
On and off stand
Candidates are required to demonstrate they can take the machine on, and off the stand safely, retaining balance and control of the machine. Candidates may choose to use either the side stand or the centre stand. A machine with no stand is not suitable for the test.
The next manoeuvre (wheeling the machine) takes place before the machine is placed back on the stand.
Wheeling the machine
Candidates are required to demonstrate they can wheel the machine safely and under control from one marked bay to another without the use of the engine. They should demonstrate effective observation during the exercise.
The candidate will be asked to wheel the machine, starting backwards, either from the left bay to the right or vice versa. They may choose to wheel the machine backwards in an arc from one bay to the other. Alternatively, they may elect to wheel the machine backwards out of the first bay before pushing it forwards and then backwards into the opposing bay.
Different techniques may be employed when wheeling the machine backwards, i.e. the candidate may hold the bar grip with one hand and place the other on the saddle or rear of the machine, they may also elect to hold the handlebars with both hands. Either technique is acceptable providing they retain safe control over the machine. Examiners should take the size of the machine and the ability of the rider into account when assessing any faults.
Paddling or sitting astride the machine to move it is not allowed other than by candidates with special needs, i.e. limited mobility, restricted leg movement. If a non-disabled candidate attempts to paddle the machine, the examiner should take control of the situation and point out that the machine should be pushed.
Slalom/figure of eight
Candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to ride the machine slowly and under control whilst turning in a restricted area; they should maintain balance throughout the exercise.
Effective rear observation should be taken before starting the exercise. When beginning the slalom exercise, candidates may elect to ride to either side of the first marker cone. The examiner should assess the actions of the candidate in the normal way. If, for instance, the candidate loses control of the machine and puts a foot down to avoid falling, then obviously a serious fault has been committed. If on the other hand, the rider dabs a foot down with a slight loss of balance and then completes the exercise without further loss of control, the fault should be assessed as a rider fault.
If the candidate misses out a cone as a result of a loss of control, then a serious fault should be assessed. If the cone is missed but the candidate’s control of the machine is correct, then the examiner may elect to allow the candidate to repeat the exercise.
Candidates sometimes ride around the yellow cone (which forms the last of the slalom exercise) as they carry out the figure of eight. This in itself is not a fault unless it is a result of poor control.
The slalom exercise will normally lead straight into the figure of eight exercise. Whilst a general awareness should be demonstrated by the candidate, there is no specific requirement for full direct rear observation before starting this manoeuvre. If the candidate stops at the end of the slalom exercise and then starts the figure of eight exercise safely, no fault should be assessed.
Slow ride
The candidate is required to demonstrate the ability to ride in a straight line without losing control of the machine. The candidate should take effective rear observation before starting the exercise.
The examiner should ask the candidate to ride slowly as if in slow-moving traffic to the blue stopping cones. A significant loss of control, for example, a total loss of balance resulting in foot down to prevent dropping the motorcycle, would be assessed as a serious or dangerous fault depending on the circumstances. Slight loss of control, such as a wobble or weave, may be assessed as not worthy or a rider fault depending on the degree.
U-turn
The candidate is required to demonstrate low-speed balance, control, and effective observation before and whilst riding a U-turn within a defined restricted space.
The candidate should be asked to ride a U-turn between the two marked lines, as if they were riding on a public road. The candidate should take effective rear observation. Touching but not crossing the lines should be regarded as a rider fault, crossing the lines would be assessed as a serious fault. A significant loss of control would be assessed as a serious or dangerous fault depending on the circumstances. If not already positioned correctly, the four blue cones that form the controlled stopping box should be re-positioned at this stage.
Cornering and controlled stop
The candidate is required to demonstrate their ability to control the machine safely as they negotiate the bend and then brake to a controlled stop in the designated stopping area. There is no minimum speed requirement for this exercise; candidates should be asked to aim to reach a speed of between 30 - 50km/h (20 - 30mph) as they pass the speed measuring equipment before braking to a controlled stop.
The candidate should stop with the front wheel spindle inside the marker cones; stopping with the spindle in line with the cones is acceptable. Stopping well short of the cones, overshooting the stopping area completely with the front wheel spindle clearly outside the cones, would result in a serious fault being assessed. Normal assessment should apply if the candidate loses control of the machine or skids.
The candidate should then be asked to turn their machine around, taking as much space as necessary so they are in position to begin the next exercise. Examiners should be ready to move the cones out of the way if this makes the turn more convenient. The first two cones (nearest the speed measuring device) should be stacked on the second two cones ready for the subsequent exercises.
Emergency stop
The minimum speed requirement for this exercise is 50km/h (about 32mph). Candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to stop as quickly and safely as possible whilst retaining control of their machine.
The examiner should stand in a safe position near the controlled stopping box where they can observe correct use of both brakes. As soon as the front wheel has passed the speed measuring device, the examiner should give the signal to stop with their right arm. Both brakes should be used effectively; however, late or no use of the rear brake could be assessed as a rider fault if the machine stops quickly and under control. Very late or ineffective use of the front brake is not acceptable even if the machine is fitted with linked brakes.
A greater stopping distance should be allowed in wet conditions.
Candidates who reach 47km/h or less will be asked to repeat the exercise providing they have not committed a serious or dangerous fault and providing their riding does not indicate it would be unsafe to continue. A rider fault will be assessed as the candidate has not achieved the minimum speed.
Candidates who fail to reach the minimum speed requirement but who achieve 48 or 49 km/h will not be asked to repeat the exercise; a rider fault will be assessed in addition to any other control or observation faults and should be recorded under ‘emergency stop’. No more than one fault can be recorded for this exercise. The examiner should record the speed of each attempt at the emergency stop exercise on the digital test report. If the candidate commits a serious or dangerous fault during the emergency stop exercise and fails to achieve the minimum speed requirement, the exercise should not be repeated. If the candidate fails to achieve the required minimum speed at both attempts, a serious fault should be recorded under the appropriate heading in item.
Candidates who do not pass the emergency stop exercise will not be permitted to carry out the avoidance exercise; the test will be ended at that point; the result of the test will be shown as a fail - not safe to continue (test activity code 4).
Avoidance exercise / controlled stop
The minimum speed requirement for this exercise is 50km/h (about 32mph).
Candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to control the machine safely whilst steering to avoid a stationary obstacle, bringing the machine to a controlled stop.
Having briefed the candidate on the exercise, examiners should stand in a safe position, away from the direction the candidate is steering towards, near the blue controlled stopping box.
Candidates who reach 47km/h or less will be asked to repeat the exercise, providing they have not committed a serious or dangerous fault and their riding does not indicate it would be unsafe to continue. A rider fault will be assessed as the candidate has not achieved the minimum speed.
Candidates who fail to reach the minimum speed requirement but who achieve 48 or 49 km/h will not be asked to repeat the exercise; a rider fault will be assessed in addition to any other control or observation faults and should be recorded under “Avoidance”. No more than one fault can be recorded for this exercise. The examiner should record the speed of each attempt at the avoidance exercise on the digital test report.
If the candidate commits a serious or dangerous fault during the avoidance exercise and fails to achieve the minimum speed requirement, the exercise should not be repeated. The examiner’s assessment should be recorded normally.
If the candidate misses the speed measuring device or fails to ride through the two blue avoidance exercise cones, the examiner should ascertain if the candidate fully understands the exercise.
If the examiner is confident a lack of understanding caused the candidate to miss the avoidance cones or the speed measuring device, then it should not be classed as an attempt and the candidate should be allowed to repeat the exercise. If the candidate didn’t carry out the avoidance exercise and in the examiner’s opinion this was not attributable to a lack of understanding, then this will be classed as an attempt, and the speed should be recorded as zero on the digital test report.
If the candidate commits a serious or dangerous fault during the avoidance exercise and fails to achieve the minimum speed requirement, the exercise should not be repeated. If the candidate fails to achieve the required minimum speed at both attempts, a serious fault should be recorded under the appropriate heading.
Having carried out the avoidance manoeuvre, the candidate completes the exercise by coming to a controlled stop between the two blue marker cones (the two furthest from the speed measuring device). One of the key competencies for the avoidance exercise is for the candidate to be able to return to their original riding line. Candidates should either have passed between the two blue cones or be in line to pass between them to be considered to have completed the exercise satisfactorily. Accuracy when stopping is not required for this exercise; however, overshooting the stopping area to a significant degree would result in a serious fault being assessed. Stopping just short of the cones is acceptable, providing the candidate does so under control. Normal assessment should apply if the candidate loses control of the machine or skids.
Module 1 pass certificate - DVSA 12
Module 1 pass certificates are numbered differently to differentiate them from Module 2 pass certificates.
As with all pass certificates, they must be completed in black ink in block capitals. The following points should assist in completing the pass certificate:
- Candidate’s name: entered normally.
- Candidate’s driver number: enter from licence.
- Theory test pass certificate number: enter from candidate’s theory test certificate.
- Date of theory test pass: enter from candidate’s theory test certificate.
- Exempt: Yes / No; ‘Yes’ if candidate is exempt from theory test as a result of holding a full licence in category A or P. ‘No’ if candidate requires valid theory test. Strike out as appropriate.
- Category: Enter category - aligned to the right.
- Automatic: ‘Yes’ / ‘No’ - strike out as appropriate.
- Extended: ‘Yes’ / ‘No’ - strike out as appropriate.
- Restriction code: Enter appropriate code if required.
- Date: Enter in DD/MM/YYYY format.
- At: Enter test centre location in text.
- Examiner’s signature, Examiner’s name: Enter as normal.
- Candidate’s signature: Candidate is required to sign Module 1 pass certificate.
Lost motorcycle Module 1 pass certificates (DVSA12)
If a candidate loses their Module 1 certificate (DVSA12), they will be able to take a Module 2 test so long as they inform the DVSA in advance, so we are able to add the relevant information regarding the module 1 pass to the examiner’s journal.
When a candidate loses their DVSA12 (Module 1) pass certificate, they should contact the customer service centre to report the loss.
The customer service representative will confirm the details of the Module 1 pass with the RSIS team in Newcastle or contact the driving examiner / LDTM from the test centre where the Module 1 test was taken so a search can be made.
A message will be placed in the ‘special needs’ field, which will appear on the examiner’s journal. The message will include confirmation that the candidate has passed their motorcycle Module 1, the pass certificate number, the motorcycle category on which the candidate took the Module 1 test, and the theory test pass date.
Message example: ‘Candidate passed Mod 1 test. Cert 1234567, Cat A DAS, TT passed 21.02.11’
If a candidate presents for a motorcycle Module 2 test without their pass certificate, but information of the pass has been provided on the examiner’s journal, they should be taken on test.
Customers who arrive without the correct documents or no information contained in the ‘special needs’ box won’t be allowed to take the test.
In circumstances where the DVSA was informed of the loss before the short notice period (3 clear working days) but no information was entered onto the journal, a free retest may be considered, and the candidate should contact the customer service unit. - If the candidate informs us within the short notice period and we are unable to add the information to the journal, no free retest will be granted
Module 2 test requirements
Module 2 is the on-road test and consists of:
- eyesight test
- safety questions
- balance question
- a minimum of 30 minutes on-road riding, which includes 10 minutes of independent riding (the target time for module 2 is 33 - 35 minutes)
- 2 normal stops
- angled start
- hill start (if available) or designated stop if not available
Definitions of recorded faults on digital test report – Module 2
Record completion of:
- angle start, normal stop, hill start / designated stop
- ETA – verbal
- ECO – control / planning: not part of pass/fail criteria:
- control: Starting/moving off, accelerator use, gears
- planning: Hazard awareness, planning and anticipation, engine braking
- safety/balance questions: incorrect answer and/or demonstration of safety check questions
- move away:
- safety: Failure to take effective observation before moving off, including correct use of signals
- control: Inability to move off smoothly, straight ahead, at an angle, or on a gradient
- control:
- throttle: Uncontrolled or harsh use
- clutch: Uncontrolled use
- gears: failure to engage appropriate gear for road and traffic conditions. Coasting in neutral or with clutch lever pulled in
- front brake: Late and/or harsh use
- rear brake: Late and/or harsh use
- steering Balance / slow control: erratic steering, overshooting the correct turning point when turning right or left, or hitting the kerb. Loss of balance including putting a foot down to regain control of the machine
- ancillary controls: failure to use ancillary controls when necessary
- precautions: failure to take proper precautions before starting the engine
- rear observation: failure to make effective use of the mirrors well before:
- signalling
- change direction
- change speed
- signals:
- necessary: signal omitted
- correctly: incorrect or misleading signal. Failure to cancel direction indicators
- properly timed: signal incorrectly timed so it is either misleading or too late to be of value
- clearance/obstructions: not allowing adequate clearance when passing parked vehicles and other obstructions
- response to signs / signals: Failure to comply with or late reaction to:
- traffic signs: Inappropriate response
- road markings: for example, double white lines, box junctions, lane direction arrows
- traffic lights: including failure to move off on green when correct and safe to do so
- traffic controllers: signals given by a police officer, traffic warden, school crossing warden, or other persons directing traffic
- other road users: failure to take appropriate action on signals given by other road users
- use of speed: driving too fast for road, traffic, and weather conditions
- following distance: keep a proper and safe distance from the vehicle in front when moving. Leave a reasonable gap from the vehicle in front when stopping in lines of traffic
- progress:
- appropriate speed: Driving too slowly for road and traffic conditions
- undue hesitation: Being over-cautious by stopping or waiting when it is safe and normal to proceed
- junctions:
- approach speed: approaching junctions at a proper speed, either too fast or too slow, for whatever reason
- observations: not taking effective observation before emerging
- turning right: late or incorrect positioning before turning right, including failing to move forward into the correct position to turn right at traffic lights
- turning left: positioning too close or too far from the kerb before turning left
- cutting corners: cutting right-hand corners, particularly where the view is limited
- judgement:
- overtaking / filtering: attempting to overtake unsafely or cutting in after overtaking. Unsafe filtering / riding to close to vehicles/ crossing solid white line / unable to cut back in safely
- meeting: failure to show proper judgement when meeting approaching traffic
- crossing traffic: turning right across the path of oncoming traffic
- positioning:
- normal riding: incorrect positioning during normal riding, including cutting across the normal road position when going ahead at roundabouts without lane markings
- lane discipline: failure to maintain proper lane discipline at roundabouts with lane markings when going ahead and when continuing to ride ahead in designated lanes
- pedestrian crossings: failure to give precedence to pedestrians on a pedestrian crossing. Non-compliance with lights at Pedestrian Controlled crossings
- position/normal stops: not made in a safe position.
- awareness/planning: failure to judge what other road users are going to do and react accordingly
- bends: entering a bend too fast and running wide / crossing the centre line / braking harshly in the bend / to slow
Module 2 preliminaries
Module 2 begins with the normal identity and entitlement checks. The candidate must produce the following valid documents:
- photocard driving licence or a paper licence and current passport
- DL196 CBT certificate (if applicable)
- module 1 pass certificate
Photocopies or scanned images of documents are not acceptable, except for the theory test pass certificate which may be a duplicate copy issued by DVSA as a pdf and may be presented electronically.
A Module 1 pass certificate issued in Northern Ireland is acceptable, but the candidate must have their theory test pass certificate to show to the examiner. This is because the date of the theory test pass is not recorded on module 1 pass certificates issued in Northern Ireland.
Examiners must check:
- the date of the theory test passed (either from the Module 1 pass certificate or the theory test pass certificate). This must be dated on or before the date of passing Module 1
- the sub-category of machine used for Module 1 and ensure it matches the machine presented for Module 2
- the age of the candidate to ensure they are old enough to ride the category of machine used for the test
The candidate is required to sign the insurance and residency declarations and confirm their email address for the end of the test summary.
Candidates must wear clothing that meets these minimum standards:
- a securely fastened motorcycle helmet that meets British or EU safety standards
- motorcycle boots that provide support and ankle protection, or sturdy trainers/shoes
- heavy denim trousers or textile or leather motorcycle trousers
- a heavy denim jacket with several layers’ underneath or textile or leather motorcycle jacket
- motorcycle gloves
If a candidate’s clothing doesn’t meet these standards, they should be given an opportunity to borrow something suitable if possible; otherwise, the test should be cancelled.
An exemption exists for followers of the Sikh religion if they are wearing a turban instead of a safety helmet.
The candidate should be fitted with a Bluetooth radio at this point.
General competence to drive
Number of rider errors
To pass Module 2, candidates must commit no more than 10 rider faults with no serious or dangerous faults.
Road riding
If the candidate is a very slow rider, to the extent that the test is likely to result in failure, the examiner should not persist on a route with dual carriageways and roads with fast moving traffic, as that could be hazardous for both riders. The route should be altered to cause the least danger.
All progress, or lack of it, must be commensurate with the size of machine and the road and traffic conditions. A rider should not necessarily be expected to ride at the speed limit, although riding well below it in good road and traffic situations would not be acceptable.
A candidate should not be encouraged to make better progress or to filter along a line of other vehicles. However, if a candidate chooses to filter and does so safely, it should not be regarded as a fault.
Positioning and rear observation
The candidate should take up the correct position on the road when riding straight ahead and when taking corners. Before changing direction, slowing or stopping they should take rear observation.
In difficult traffic situations where this might be hazardous, it is acceptable for them to use the mirror(s). The need to glance behind does not apply in the case of a candidate with a disability, which prevents them from taking direct rear observation; instead, observation should be made by use of suitably positioned mirrors.
Rear observation is a combination of looking behind and mirror checks, which ensures the rider is always fully aware of what is happening behind. The candidate should use judgement in deciding when to look behind.
Obviously when they are looking behind, they are not looking ahead. This could be hazardous if, for example, they are close to the vehicle in front or if they are overtaking at speed - it is often safer for them to keep their eyes on what is happening ahead.
Equally there are situations when it is potentially dangerous not to look behind, such as turning right from a major road into a minor road. In congested urban situations a candidate is expected to use the lifesaver as a last check into the blind spot before committing themselves to a manoeuvre.
Hill start
If the route includes an uphill section, the candidate should be asked to pull up at a suitable place on the gradient, and then asked to move off and continue on the same route. If a suitable hill start is not available, a designated stop must be conducted.
Motorcycle clothing – general guidance
DVSA don’t want to prevent motorcycle riders taking their tests. However, both examiners and motorcycle trainers have a part to play in ensuring new riders understand the risks they face and do what they can to reduce these by wearing adequate protective gear. Examiners should use their experience and expertise to make an informed decision about the type of clothing the candidate is wearing, and whether it offers so little protection as to create a wholly unacceptable risk of injury if they fell from their machine.
Please bear in mind that some new riders can’t afford expensive clothing and may have tried their best to ensure they are adequately protected.
As a general guide the following is an indication of the type of clothing that riders should wear:
- motorcycle boots
- boots that provide support and ankle protection
- sturdy trainers/shoes
- textile or leather motorcycle trousers
- jeans/denim trousers
- heavy denim jacket
- textile or leather motorcycle jacket
- motorcycle gloves
The following is an indication of the type of clothing that isn’t acceptable:
- lightweight flimsy training shoes, sandals, canvas basketball trainers
- any clothing which leaves areas of exposed skin such as T-shirts or shorts
- shell suits or lightweight tracksuits
- distressed or ripped jeans
- lightweight fleece or hoody
- no gloves
Examiners should bear in mind the test should continue unless there’s clearly an unacceptable risk to the candidate. If the test has to be terminated the activity code to use is 21 - Vehicle/gear not suitable or no vehicle for test.
Candidates shouldn’t assume that their clothing offers appropriate protection simply because their test has gone ahead. It is always for the rider to ensure, for their own safety, that they wear suitable protective clothing and equipment.
Motorcycle Safety and Balance Questions
The candidate should be asked 2 machine safety check questions and one balance question relating to the carrying of a pillion passenger.
To ensure uniformity the safety questions must be selected from the bank of questions listed at Annex two. The balance question should be straightforward and not complex. A sample of questions is given below:
What problems could arise from carrying a pillion passenger?
How should a passenger be carried on the pillion seat?
How would the balance of the machine be affected if you carried a pillion passenger?
As a general rule the safety questions should be used in rotation. However, examiners will need to exercise common sense and discretion at times, for example if a particular machine does not lend itself to a question. The questions used (and the answers given) should be recorded on the digital test report if they affect the outcome of the test.
Although some checks may involve the candidate in identifying how fluid levels would be checked, pupils must not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check the fluid levels.
Assessment
One or more questions answered incorrectly will result in one riding fault being recorded. However, examiners should not pursue questions unduly in an attempt to elicit the precise responses listed; they should bear in mind that these are basic safety checks, and that in-depth knowledge is not required for the answers to be acceptable.
If an Examiner has to take action to avoid danger to the candidate or another road user, an ETA will be recorded and a serious/dangerous fault recorded under the appropriate heading on the digital test report.
Radio equipment
After the usual pre-test preliminaries (e.g. licence and identification check) the examiner should help the candidate with the fitting of the radio and earpiece.
They should then accompany the candidate to the machine, explaining how the test will be conducted and how the radio equipment works. The examiner should make note of any non-standard controls on the candidate’s machine, but the machine or its controls should not be handled.
After the eyesight test, a sound check should be made to ensure that the candidate can hear the examiner’s instructions clearly. At the start of a motorcycle test examiners should explain to candidates that, should the radio fail during the test or they cannot hear the instructions for any other reason they should just pull up. They should not be instructed to ride along tapping the side of their helmet. Examiners should also explain that before the start of the independent section of the ride they will pull the candidate up and explain what is required.
Maximum use should be made of all available test routes to minimise annoyance to local residents.
Indicators
Motorcycles are not required by law to be fitted with direction indicators, but if they are fitted the law requires them to be in good and efficient working order at all times when the machine is in use on the road. Indicators on some small capacity machines tend to dim when the machine is travelling slowly or is stationary. This is due to machine design and tests should not be terminated on this account.
Motorcycle braking systems and ABS
It is important that examiners recognise the braking system of the machine presented for test, as this may influence the assessment in relation to front/rear brake use in normal riding and particularly for the emergency stop exercise.
Assessment
Examiners should accept for normal riding on machines with combined brakes fitted that the rear brake might be used more (or solely used) at slow speeds than with a conventional braking system.
When assessing the emergency stop the examiner must keep in mind that the most effective way to stop the machine quickly is still to use the front brake in conjunction with rear. However late or no use of the rear brake could be assessed as a rider fault if the machine stops quickly and under control. Very late or ineffective use of the front brake is not acceptable.
ABS - Anti-lock braking system
ABS is fitted to most motorcycles. Examiners should not enquire if a motorcycle presented for a test is fitted with ABS. Some ABS systems require the clutch to be pulled in and the front/rear brake to be applied at the same time to brake in an emergency situation; therefore, a fault should not be recorded purely for using this technique with a motorcycle fitted with ABS on the emergency stop exercise.
On the emergency stop exercise, under severe braking, tyre or other noise may be heard, this does not necessarily mean the wheels have locked and are skidding. Examiners should bear these points in mind when assessing the candidate’s control during this exercise.
Further advice regarding ABS is given in the DVSA publication “The Official DVSA Guide to Riding – the essential skills”.
Automatic transmission and E-Clutch systems
Candidates may take their test on a machine fitted with automatic transmission that meets the requirements. However, on passing their test, they will be restricted to riding automatic machines in the relevant sub-category.
Motorcycles fitted with an E-clutch system are only suitable for the manual test. These motorcycles cannot be used to obtain an automatic transmission licence. The candidate must ride the motorcycle in full manual mode throughout the entire test.
If the candidate appears to be using the bike during the test in automatic mode, the examiner will ask the rider to stop and check the gearbox setting.
If the candidate continues to use the automatic gearbox following a warning the examiner may stop and void the test.
Note: Riders with a registered physical disability may use the e-clutch as an adaptation.
Radio and examiner bike breakdown
If the radio equipment fails, every effort should be made to complete the test, and subsequent tests, by giving instructions on route as in the case of non-hearing candidates. Exceptionally it may be necessary to cancel alternate tests because of the time element. If the DTC does not carry spare radios, then examiners should contact their LDTM as soon as possible to arrange for spare Bluetooth equipment to be made available. Note: Examiners are permitted to carry out a Direct Access test without being in radio contact with the candidate.
If the examiner’s motorcycle breaks down, the test, and subsequent tests, should be cancelled unless the fault can be rectified quickly, or an alternative properly insured vehicle is available for use.
Reporting motorcycle related incidents
Off road includes incidents occurring during Module 1 testing, approved training bodies (ATB) activities on a motorcycle manoeuvring area (MMA) and compulsory basic training (CBT) and direct access scheme (DAS) activity at an ATB site. On road includes incidents occurring during Module 2 testing, any motorcycle incident involving a member of staff on DVSA business, CBT training during element E and DAS training.
The procedure can be found on the DVSA SharePoint site.
Safety, security, and care of DVSA motorcycles
Examiners must wear a class 3 fluorescent jacket (with sleeves) during the test.
Motorcycle examiners responsible for an official motorcycle should ensure at all times that when the machine is left unattended, the steering is locked, and the key kept in a safe place. If the machine is left unattended for longer periods, then additionally the locking ‘U’ bolt or padlock and chain must be used. Whenever possible, the machine should be kept undercover overnight.
If the motorcycle is taken home, the examiner should:
- store it in a safe location, preferably in a locked garage.
- if that is not possible, the bike must be kept off the road and secured by a suitable motorcycle lock and chain. A cover would also be beneficial to protect the bike from the elements and deter potential theft
- before periods of annual leave, a discussion should take place between the examiner and the LDTM to establish the most suitable place to store the motorcycle during the leave period. This could be at the test centre
Examiners with responsibility for cleaning an official motorcycle are allocated one period per month in which to do so. They should arrange with the LDTM and Deployment to have this period made available at a convenient time.
Category B1 & motor tricycles
Category B1 vehicles and motor tricycles are normally not suitable for test except in the case of a motor tricycle if the candidate has a notifiable disability.
Mopeds
The left / right bend (circuit ride), emergency stop exercise and the avoidance exercise should be carried out at a minimum speed of 30kph (18.75mph). Candidates who reach 27km/h or less will be asked to repeat the exercise providing they have not committed a serious or dangerous fault and providing their riding does not indicate it would be unsafe to continue. A rider fault will be assessed as the candidate has not achieved the minimum speed.
Candidates who fail to reach the minimum speed requirement but who achieve 28 or 29 km/h will not be asked to repeat the exercise; a rider fault will be assessed in addition to any other control or observation faults and should be recorded under ‘Emergency Stop’ or ‘Avoidance’. No more than one fault can be recorded for these exercises. The examiner should record the speed of each attempt at the avoidance exercise on the digital test report.
The first blue cone (adjacent to the red cone) that candidates are required to steer around during the avoidance exercise should be stepped in one metre. This narrows the space between the blue marker cones which represent the avoidance channel.
All other aspects of the test remain the same as for Category A tests.
Modified/unusual machines
If a candidate attends for test on an unusual motorcycle (i.e. a grey import) or they claim the motorcycle has been modified, the DVSA list of motorcycles suitable for test should be referred to. If the motorcycle is not listed examiners may be able to decide either from their own knowledge or any documentary evidence produced which category the motorcycle falls into.
In cases where the category cannot be decided then advice should be sought from the Technical Support Team. In all cases the category of the motorcycle must be decided prior to the start of the ride and the candidate should be informed of the decision.
Any modifications should be entered on the digital test report.
The DVSA list of motorcycles suitable for test can be found in the DT1 SharePoint site and it is also published on gov.uk.
Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Certain machines with the characteristics of conventional pedal cycles, but with a small measure of assistance from an electric motor, are excluded from the motor vehicle category in the Road Traffic Act. Riders of these cycles are therefore not subject to the driver licensing and testing regulations and, if candidates present themselves for test with one, they should be advised accordingly.
The machines are:
- bicycles with a kerbside weight not exceeding 40kg and an electric motor with a continuous rated output not exceeding 0.2 kilowatts
- tandem bicycles and tricycles with a kerbside weight not exceeding 60kg and an electric motor with a continuous rated output not exceeding 0.25 kilowatts
The machines are required to be fitted with pedals by means of which they can be propelled, an electric motor which cannot propel the vehicle when it is travelling at more than 15 mph, and a plate showing the manufacturer’s name and the continuous rated output of the electric motor.
Extended test
Candidates who are required to take an extended test will have to pass an ordinary length Module 1 and an extended Module 2 test. Both journals will show extended test.
The on-road riding time for an extended test must be at least 60 minutes; examiners should aim to spend at least 70 minutes on road to ensure this is met.