Motorcycle

UK motorcycle theory test

Last updated

The UK motorcycle theory test has the same overall shape as the car test — 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes (pass mark 43 out of 50) plus a 14-clip hazard perception test (pass mark 44 out of 75) — but uses a case-study structure for some of the multiple-choice questions. The fee is £23. Minimum age is 17 for a motorcycle (16 for a moped up to 50 cc).

Some of the questions will be based on a case study. The case study … is the basis for 5 questions.
GOV.UK — motorcycle theory test: multiple-choice questions

Structure and pass marks

UK motorcycle theory test — at a glance (source: gov.uk)
Questions50 multiple-choice (5 based on a case study)
Time allowed57 minutes
Multiple-choice pass mark43 out of 50
Hazard perception clips14 (15 scored developing hazards)
Hazard perception pass mark44 out of 75
Both sections required?Yes — pass both in the same sitting
Test fee£23
Certificate validity2 years

The case study section

Five of the 50 multiple-choice questions are linked to a single short case-study scenario — typically a rider in a real-world situation. You answer 5 questions based on that scenario, drawing on Highway Code rules, hazard awareness and safety margins specific to motorcycling.

New for 2026: CPR and AED questions

Motorcycle theory tests now include new questions about CPR and using a public-access defibrillator (AED) — added to car and motorcycle tests first. Candidates were told to start familiarising themselves with the content from autumn 2025; the questions began appearing in tests from 2026. No additional cost or time, and the pass mark is unchanged.

Minimum age and licence categories

  • Moped (up to 50 cc): age 16, with a provisional category P or AM entitlement.
  • Motorcycle (A1, A2 or A): age 17 for A1, 19 for A2 (or A2 with 2 years on A1), 24 for direct-access A (or 21 with 2 years on A2).
  • A valid UK provisional driving licence with the relevant motorcycle entitlement.

Sources

Motorcycle theory test — FAQs

What is the pass mark for the UK driving theory test?

For the car theory test you need at least 43 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section and 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception test. Both parts must be passed in the same sitting.

Source: gov.uk — pass mark and result

How many questions are on the UK car theory test?

The car theory test has 50 multiple-choice questions with a 57-minute time limit, followed by a hazard perception test of 14 video clips containing 15 scored developing hazards.

Source: gov.uk — multiple-choice questions

How do I book the UK theory test?

Book only through the official GOV.UK service at gov.uk/book-theory-test — that is the only valid booking route for DVSA tests. You need a UK provisional driving licence number, an email address and a credit or debit card. Third-party sites that charge to book are unofficial.

Source: gov.uk — book your theory test

Is the theory test fee the same for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses?

The car and motorcycle theory test is £23. The lorry and bus (LGV/PCV) test is structured differently — £26 for the multiple-choice part plus £11 for the hazard perception part, taken as separate bookings.

Source: gov.uk — driving test costs

Are CPR and defibrillator (AED) questions in the theory test now?

Yes. DVSA announced on 13 August 2025 that car and motorcycle theory tests include new CPR questions and — for the first time — questions about using a defibrillator. Candidates were told to start familiarising themselves with the content from autumn 2025, and the questions began appearing in tests from 2026. There is no additional cost, test time, or change to the pass mark.

Source: gov.uk — new theory test questions on cardiac arrest

Are case-study questions still on the theory test?

The old written case study was retired on 28 September 2020 and replaced by a video-based question. You watch one short silent driving video and answer 3 multiple-choice questions about it. You can replay the video as many times as you like during the test.

Source: gov.uk — theory test changes 28 September 2020