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B3 Rider Training's instructors answer
your questions about motorcycle training:
The Theory Test
Compulsory Basic Training
Information about Licences and what you can ride
How do I know if I have a provisional licence?
What should I bring for a course?
When do I have to take the theory test?
You do not need to take the theory test to
ride a moped or motorcycle on L plates, but you must take it and pass it before the practical test. If you wish to train with B3 Rider Training, you must pass before the start of training, even if you
hold a full licence in another group.
The theory test pass certificate has a life
of 2 years, after which it will be necessary to take the test again before taking a practical driving test.
How can I find out about the theory test?
The theory test can be taken at over 145
centres throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Sessions are available on weekdays, evenings and on Saturdays. You can find out where your local centre is from:
- Your Approved Driving Instructor
- A DSA or DVTA driving test centre
- The telephone information line 0870 0101 372
The test paper is available in 20 languages including the following:
- English
- Welsh (in Wales)
- Hindi
- Urdu
- Gujerati
- Punjabi
- Bengali
- Chinese
How can I book and pay for the theory test?
The quickest way to make a test appointment
is to ring DSA's national telephone number on 0870 010 1372 and pay by credit or debit card. Application forms are also accepted by post with cheque or postal order payment. Application forms are
available from theory test and practical test centres, Approved Driving Instructors or on request from DSA's national number 0870 010 1372.
The cost of the theory test is £21.
Application forms for the theory test should
be sent to the address shown on the form i.e.
How can I revise for the theory test?
The DSA recommend that you study the books
from which the questions are taken:
- The Highway Code
- Know Your Traffic Signs
- Official Motorcycle Manual
The DSA also publish CD-ROMs containing the
official question bank and using screen layouts which look similar to those used in the actual test.
The books and CD-ROMs are titled as 'The
Official Theory Test' for the appropriate vehicle category.
The CD-ROM is available by mail order - telephone 0870 010 1372
More detailed information on the theory test is available here 
What is CBT all about?
As a new rider, you are required by law to complete Compulsory Basic
Training (CBT) before you can ride on L plates. The Driving Standards Agency syllabus will introduce you to safety equipment and ridering gear, basic machine control, the concepts behind road safety. A
qualified instructor will accompany you on a minimum of a two hour road ride. Having reached a safe and proficient level of riding, you will
receive a CBT certificate (DL196). This certificate is valid for two years, and allows you to ride displaying L plates unaccompanied on the
roadFrom 1st January 1997, all learner motorcyclists must complete CBT before riding on the road. This includes riders who hold a full car licence dated before 1 December 1990, who were previously exempt
under transitional rulesFrom 1st February 2001, car drivers who qualify after 1 February 2001 will be required to complete CBT before riding a
mopedIf you are still riding on a provisional licence without a CBT certificate, you MUST stop riding and take CBT to validate your licence
Note: you do not need to take CBT if you have passed a full moped test, or if you live and ride on specified offshore islands.
I already have a CBT certificate from my year on a moped. Is it
valid for my new 125?
- Yes, so long as it has not expired
I thought my CBT certificate was valid for three years?
- They used to be, but the rules have changed. CBT certificates
issued after February 1 2001 have a two year life from the date of issue
- Old and some current stocks of CBT certificates are not
marked with an expiry date - it will be up to you to remember when they expire
What can I ride as a learner rider?
- If you are 16 years old, you can ride a moped. If you are 17 or
older, you can ride a motorcycle or scooter not exceeding 125cc and 11kW (14.6hp)
Can I ride a 50cc scooter on a car licence?
- Yes, so long as you hold a full car or motorcycle licence - these provide full moped entitlement.
Note: CBT is required before riding on the road if you passed your car test after 1 February 2001.
- Yes, so long as you hold a provisional driving licence (this provides automatic provisional moped entitlement)
What is a moped?
- A moped is a machine which:
- has an engine under 50cc
- has a maximum design speed not exceeding 30 mph
- doesn't weigh more than 250 kg
- can be moved by pedals if registered BEFORE 1 August 1977
- Any scooter which meets the above criteria is a moped
How do I know if I have a provisional motorcycle licence?
- A provisional motorcycle licence can be any of the following:
- a provisional driving licence with motorcycle entitlement
- a full car licence - this automatically provides provisional motorcycle entitlement
- a full moped licence - this automatically provides
provisional motorcycle entitlement if you're aged 17 or over
Note: if you have applied for a provisional CAR licence, don't forget that the motorcycle entitlement needs to be applied for separately.
What can I ride on a provisional motorcycle licence?
- A provisional motorcycle licence entitles you to ride a solo
motorcycle up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11kW
- learners who wish to ride a side-car can do so with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg
- You must not
- ride on motorways
- carry a pillion passenger
- ride without L plates (or D plates in Wales - however
note that if you cross into England you must display L plates!)
Note: the two year limit on motorcycle entitlement on a provisional licence has been scrapped as of 1 February 2001
What is the Light Motorcycle licence?
- If you pass your test on a motorcycle of between 75 and 125cc,
with a top speed of less than 100kph, you'll obtain a full light motorcycle licence of category A1, allowing you to ride a motorcycle of up to 125cc with a power output upto 11kW (14.6hp).
Note: all our 125 motorcycles are capable of more than 100kph, and thus eligible for the standard category A motorcycle licence.
What can I take my test on - I'm under 21?
If you are 17 but under 21, you must take your test on a
motorcycle not exceeding 125cc and 11kW (14.6hp), sometimes known as Restricted Access. On passing you'll obtain a full standard category A motorcycle licence, subject to
a two year qualifying period where you may only ride motorcycles with a power output not exceeding 25kW (33hp) with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.15kW/kg. After
two years, you may ride any motorcycle without taking any further test
What can I take my test on - I'm 21 or over?
If you are 21 or over, you have the option of taking your test on
a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35kW (46.6hp), known as Direct Access. On passing you'll obtain a full standard category A motorcycle licence, and may ride any
motorcycle without needing to serve the two year qualifying period
Note: Groups A and A1 are the new "Euro" groups - if you hold an older style licence, the groups indicated will be different.
I want to learn to ride with a sidecar attached
- If you wish to learn to ride with a sidecar, you can practice on a
combination with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.At age 21 learners may, only within Direct Access or Accelerated Access, practice on a larger combination.The test
MUST be taken on a SOLO bike. Only physically disabled riders will be exempt from this requirement.On obtaining a standard group A licence, you will restricted to a combination
with the above power to weight ratio for 2 years, unless your test was conducted on a Direct Access machine, in which case there are no restrictions.
How can I get more information about licences?
More detailed information on the theory test is available here
What do I need to bring on a course?
- you must bring your driving licence, and if you are starting a
125 or DAS course your theory test pass certificate and CBT certificate
- if you need to wear glasses to pass the DSA eyesight test, bring them - you must wear them whilst riding
What should I wear?
- we provide safety helmets, gloves and waterproofs, but you
must wear a stout warm jacket, stout trousers (ie jeans) and sturdy footwear
- we recommend that you bring your own gloves for comfort - we do supply gloves if needed
What do I have to have to ride my own bike on the road?
- Safety Helmet - the helmet must be approved (kitemarked or to
European standard ECE2205), worn on the head and securely fastened under the chin
- CBT and L Plates if riding on a provisional licence - L Plates
must be displayed vertically, on the centre line or offset to the offside front and rear
- Insurance
- MOT - vehicles over 3 years old need a valid MOT certificate,
which lasts for one year. Don't forget that the MOT is just a check that the vehicle is roadworthy on the day it was tested. A current MOT on a second hand vehicle is no guarantee that it is
roadworthy.
- Roadworthy machine - it is a legal requirement that your vehicle
be roadworthy, which basically means everything fitted should work, including items like the lights and the horn. Tyres in particular wear out, the legal minimum for a motorcycle tyre is
1mm depth in a continuous and unbroken band over 75 % of tread and all the way around the tyre. Mopeds must have visible tread over the entire tread area.
- Road fund licence - all vehicles used (or KEPT) on a public road
must be taxed. The tax disc must be current and displayed clearly on the front nearside. If they are to be kept off-road, don't forget to complete and return the new, compulsory SORN notification.
What can I do when I have passed my test?
- Apart from the restrictions mentioned above, on passing your test in any category you may:
- ride on motorways (except when riding a motorcycle under 50cc)
- carry a pillion passenger
- ride without L plates
- ride abroad
- The DSA recommends that you take further training - B3 Rider
Training can offer you a full range of post test training including a course leading to a nationally recognised advanced riding qualification from The Edge
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More Information about the theory test (from the DSA website)
The Theory Test for Car Drivers and Motorcyclists was introduced in
July 1996. It is designed to improve the safety of newly qualified riders by making them think carefully about the right attitudes needed to ride safely on today's busy roads.
Areas of assessment include
- driver attitude
- traffic signs and regulations
- effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue on driver behaviour
- safety and environmental aspects of vehicles.
To pass the exam you must answer at least 30 out of 35 multiple
-choice questions correctly. To help you study and prepare for your theory test the Driving Standards Agency produce the Official Theory
Test for Motorcyclists containing the questions and answers. This is updated annually.
The theory test also includes a Hazard Perception test. You will be
shown a video clip with various hazards appearing. The sooner you spot the hazard and respond by touching the screen to identify it, the
more points you will score. Clicking the screen at random will penalise your score.
A CD-Rom containing all the questions in the question bank is also
available.
The core material for the theory test questions are taken from the
following DSA publications
- The Highway Code
- The Motorcycle Manual
- Know Your Traffic Signs
It is important that you study - not only to pass the test - but also to
become a safe rider. More information is available on this site by visiting our Publications section.
When you take the theory test, you'll be asked some specific
questions regarding the category of vehicle being tested, as well as questions that apply to all road users.
Weekday, evening and Saturday test sessions are available.
Arrangements can be made for candidates with special needs. You must tell Booking Section Staff about your special needs when you book your test.
The touch screen theory test has been specially designed to make the
test more accessible to the general public. It is particularly helpful to people with special needs. All that you need to do is touch the screen to indicate which answer(s) you think are correct.
DSA THEORY TEST - Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I sit my theory test?
Since January 2000, theory tests have been delivered using a touch
screen computer. Candidates sit at individual booths. Questions appear on a computer screen and candidates select their answers simply by touching the screen. Hazard perception videos will also be
shown and the candidate should identify the hazard by touching the screen.
How much does the test cost?
The cost is £21.
How long does it take to get my result?
Candidates receive their test results, and feedback information, within
30 minutes of finishing the test.
Do I get feedback on what I got wrong?
Yes. Candidates are given feedback about any topic areas in which
they answered questions incorrectly, and the number of questions they got wrong.
Can I take a paper-based test?
No, however, if you have special needs that mean that you have
particular difficulties in using a touch screen, tell the booking office when you book your test as special arrangements may be made in some cases.
Do I need to be able to use computers?
No. The touch screen system has been carefully designed to make
sure it is easy to use. Candidates can also work through a practice session for up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before actually
starting their test. If anybody has any difficulties in using the new system, staff at the test centre will be on hand to help.
How long do I get to take the test?
Candidates have 40 minutes to answer 35 test questions. However,
people with special needs can apply for additional time, (up to 80 minutes)when they are booking their test. An extra 20 mins will be allowed for completion of the Hazard Perception Test.
How many questions are there?
There are 35 questions
What is the pass mark?
Candidates have to answer 30 questions correctly out of 35 to pass.
The Hazard Perception Test minimum pass mark based on a timed reaction to spot the hazard is 44.
How long is my theory test Pass certificate valid for?
The Theory Test Pass certificate is only valid for two years, if you haven't passed your practical test within two years you'll have to retake your theory test.
How do I answer questions?
One question at a time is shown on screen. Underneath the question
the answer options are set out. To select an answer you touch the button on the screen beside the answer you want.
Can I change an answer after I have selected one?
Yes. This is simple to do by touching the screen again. You are given the chance to practise this before starting the test
Can I skip questions I am not sure about, and go back to them later?
Yes. You can mark questions with a flag to help you go back to them quickly. The system also prompts you to go back to questions that you have not answered fully.
Can other candidates see my results on the screen?
No. Candidates sit in a private booth. In any case, there are so many different forms of the test that candidates in adjacent booths are probably sitting different tests.
What happens if the computer system breaks down?
If there is a short interruption to the test, candidates are usually able to continue with the test. The answers that have been given up to that
point will not normally be lost. If there is a longer interruption, candidates are offered a new test free of charge.
Who is the theory test contractor?
Following a rigorous competitive tendering exercise a contract to
deliver the theory test was awarded to Prometric Thomson Learning Ltd. This company is a world leader in computer based testing.
Does everyone have to take the theory test?
UK licence holders
Most candidates in the UK who are learning to drive or ride will have to
sit a theory test for that category. However, there are some exceptions:
- upgrading within the same category i.e. B to B+E
- if you hold a full B1 entitlement because you have a full motorcycle
licence issued before 1 February 2001 you are exempt from the car (B) theory test
- if you passed a theory test and then a practical moped test, then you
won't have to take the theory test again to upgrade to a motorcycle licence.
Foreign Licence Holders
If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the European Economic
Area it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent GB licence. There is a booklet (the D100) which you can get from most post offices, this booklet explains the exchange licence regulations. You
can also contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (Tel: 0870 240 0009) who will tell you if you can or cannot exchange your driving
licence. If you cannot exchange your licence you will need to take and pass a theory test before you can book a practical driving test.
Any particular enquiries about whether a theory test is required should
be addressed to:
Theory Test Unit
Driving Standards Agency
Stanley House
56 Talbot Street
Nottingham
NG1 5GU
Tel: 0115 901 2644/2645/2646
Can I take my practical test first?
No. You have to take and pass your theory test before a booking for
the practical test is accepted.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Can I take the test in a language other than English?
Yes. At no extra cost, car and motorcycle candidates can listen through a headset to the test being read out in one of 20 languages
other than English. These are: Welsh, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujerati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish and Urdu.
The test is not available in my language. Can I bring a translator with
me to translate the test?
Yes. Translators are permitted if the voiceover service is not offered in the language in which you want to take the test. The translator must
be approved by DSA and arrangements for using translators must be made at the time of booking your test. You must arrange for their services yourself, and are responsible for paying the fee.
Tests with translators can only be accommodated at the following theory test centres:
Aldershot, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Cardiff, Derby, Edinburgh,
Glasgow, Ipswich, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Palmers Green and Preston.
Can people with special needs use the system?
The system provides facilities for candidates with special needs. These include being able to listen to the test read in English or 20
other languages through a headset or, for deaf candidates, being able to watch the test being signed in British Sign language.
I am colour blind. Can I still use the system?
Yes. The system has been carefully designed so that candidates who are colour blind can use it.
I am dyslexic. Can I use the system?
The system has the option for dyslexic candidates to listen to the test
being read in English through a headset. People with dyslexia can also apply to have up to double the standard time of 40 minutes.
I have hearing difficulties. Can I use the system?
A video of the test in British Sign Language is available on screen for candidates who are deaf or have other hearing difficulties.
I have light-sensitive epilepsy. How can I take a theory test?
Special arrangements can be made through the booking office to enable you to take your theory test. The actual arrangements will depend on your exact needs, but may involve using a flicker-free
screen like those used in a laptop.
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