Motorcycle theory test day: what to bring and what happens

Most motorcycle theory tests that go wrong on the day fail before the first question: the wrong document, a late arrival or a name that no longer matches the booking. This checklist follows the appointment in order.

The day before

• Find your UK photocard driving licence. It is the only document most candidates need.
• Check the confirmation email for the test centre address, date and time, and that the test type says motorcycle.
• Plan the journey so that you arrive early. Personal items are locked away during the test and DVSA asks candidates not to bring large bags, so if you ride there, think about where your helmet and kit will go.
• Do one last motorcycle mock test and then stop revising.

What you must bring

If you changed your name after booking, bring proof such as a marriage certificate or deed poll. Without the right documents the test is cancelled and the fee is not refunded. A lost licence has to be replaced first, which can take up to 15 days, so move the appointment rather than hoping it arrives.

You do not need your CBT certificate for the theory test. You will need it later, with the theory pass, for the practical modules.

At the test centre

You must arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Arrive late and the test is cancelled and you pay again. There is no waiting area for anyone who comes with you.

Before you go in, switch off your phone, smartwatch and any fitness tracker. Everything else goes into a locker or a clear box kept by staff: bags, coats, hats, earphones, watches, wallets, books and whatever is in your pockets.

Staff then check your identity against your licence photo and carry out a security check. They do not touch you, but they will ask you to show empty pockets, roll up your sleeves, pat yourself down and show your ears, and they pass a handheld metal detector around you. Cheating in a theory test is a criminal offence.

During the test

1. Instructions and one practice question.
2. 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes. Flag anything you are unsure of and return to it; you can change answers until you end the section.
3. A break of up to three minutes, if you want it.
4. An introduction video, then 14 hazard perception clips, each shown once.

Use the spare time in the first part. Riders who finish in 20 minutes and leave unflagged doubts behind give away marks they had time to recover. Read each question for words such as first, most and must not.

Afterwards

You get a letter with your result before you leave. A pass letter carries the certificate number you need to book the practical modules, and it is valid for two years. If you did not pass, the letter shows which part let you down; you can rebook straight away, for a date at least three working days later.

GOV.UK lists the current rules on what to take to the motorcycle theory test. For the marking in detail, read the motorcycle theory test format and pass marks.