Practical Motorcycle Tests

Syllabus

The declared syllabus from the Driving Standards Agency for the practical motorcycle test regardless of motorcycle capacity or group is as follows:

• The purpose of the test

• The practical test is designed to gauge whether you can ride safely. The test ensures that all riders reach a minimum standard.

• The order of the test

The eyesight test is first. If your eyesight isn't up to the standard the test won't continue. After the eyesight test the order is up to the examiner.

• Content of the test

        Apart from general riding, your test will include

• an eyesight test
• special exercises such as an emergency stop, walking with the motorcycle followed
  by a U turn, a hill start, an angled start

• Special exercises

        The first special exercise is usually the emergency stop. This normally comes after a short
        ride.  The examiner will be as helpful as possible and will

• ask you to pull up on the left
• explain any one of the special exercises and ask you to carry it out.

        Make sure that you understand. If you aren't sure about anything, ask! The examiner will explain
        again. You'll be required to demonstrate the other set exercises while riding over the test route.

• Other components

        Under European guidelines, from 1^st September 2003, candidates will be asked two questions,
        one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one
        driving fault being recorded.
        Examples of safety check questions for motorcycles:

        Identify where you would:

• check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has 
  sufficient oil.
• the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe
  level of hydraulic fluid.

        Tell me how you would check:

• the condition of the chain on this machine.
• your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and
  that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

        Show me how you would check:

• the operation of the Emergency Stop Switch
• the operation of the brakes on this machine.
• the steering for excessive free play.
• that the lights & brake lights and reflectors are clean and working.
• that the horn is working on this machine (off road only).

• Duration

        The test will last about 40 minutes.

• How the examiner will test you

        Before the test you'll be fitted with

• a radio receiver on a belt
• an earpiece designed to be worn under your helmet.

        When you're taking the test the examiner will follow you either on a motorcycle or in a car
        (except during the emergency stop exercise).

        At the end of the test your examiner will ask you a question about balance and carrying a pillion
        passenger on your machine.

For further information, visit the DSA website.

Motorcycle Category & Minimum Age to commence training

Booking A Practical Test

Unlike theory tests, practical tests must be booked directly using one of the following numbers:

For details of current test fees, visit the DSA website.

The easiest way to book a test is by telephone, using your credit card or debit card. The person who books the test must be the card-holder. If you book by this method the booking clerk will want to know the following details

• your theory test pass certificate number, where applicable
• your driver number shown on your licence
• the type of test you wish to book
• your personal details (name, address, day / evening telephone numbers)
• driving school code number (if known)
• your preferred date
• unacceptable days or periods
• if you can accept a test at short notice (consult your ADI beforehand, if necessary)
• disability or any special circumstances
• your credit / debit card number and its expiry date (and issue number, when using Switch)

You can book by calling 0870 010 1372 at any time between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

Saturday and weekday evening tests are available at some driving test centres. The fee for these are higher than for a driving test during normal working hours on weekdays. Evening tests are available during the summer months only.

If you wish to cancel your practical test appointment, you must give us at least ten clear working days notice, not counting the day DSA received your request and the day of the test. If you don't give enough notice you will lose your fee.

Postal Applications for a Practical Driving Test Appointment

If you are experiencing difficulties getting through to our National Booking Line, you can apply for a Practical Driving Test by postal application.

Application forms can be downloaded below:

Motorcycle - DL26 Practical Test Application Form 143Kb

DL26/I Advice for all categories on Booking and Attending for a Practical Driving Test

Postal applications can also also be obtained from any theory or practical driving test centre.