Motorcycle Theory Test

ABOUT THE THEORY TEST

On 14 November 2002 the Theory Test changed to include Hazard Perception testing. This was done because new riders take much longer to recognise hazardous situations than more experienced road users and many riding test candidates have poor scanning and anticipation skills. These skills are vital for safe riding. By introducing hazard perception to the test, it is hoped to encourage more riders to develop these life skills while they are still learning. There are now two separate parts to the test.

THE MULTIPLE CHOICE PART

This part consists of 35 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of riding topics. By touching the screen, you select an answer, or answers, from the selection shown. To pass you must answer 30 or more questions correctly in 40 minutes. You have the option of working through a practice session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual test.

THE HAZARD PERCEPTION PART

After a break of up to three minutes, the hazard perception part will start. You will be shown a tutorial video first. This uses sample footage with a sound track (headphones supplied), which will explain how to complete this part of the test. You may repeat the tutorial once more if you wish. The test consists of 14 video clips, each lasting about one minute. The clips feature various types of hazards, such as vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions. You should respond by pressing a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in the rider having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The earlier the developing hazard is spotted, and a response made, the higher the score. Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 scoreable hazards. The pass mark for this part of the test has been introduced at 38 out of 75 for motorcycle riders. Candidates are given their results as soon as they have finished both parts of the test and have returned to the waiting room.

You need to pass both parts of the test at the same sitting to pass your theory test. If you fail one part you will need to re-take both parts at your retest.

CANDIDATES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Candidates who have special needs, which are not met by any of the facilities listed below, may apply to have longer than the standard time of 40 minutes to take the multiple-choice part. Such requests should be made when booking the test.

Facilities for people with special needs include:

Candidates may use a headset to listen to the test being read in one of a number of other languages. This is to help those who do not understand or read English, or who wish to take the test in their first language. These languages are Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kirdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portugese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu and Welsh.

Candidates may use a headset to listen to the test being read in English. This is to help those with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.

An on-screen video of the test being signed in British Sign Language is available to candidates who are deaf and have other hearing difficulties.

BENEFITS OF BOOKING YOUR TRAINING WITH MOTAG

When booking a practical course and theory, we can help prepare you for the theory test with free loan items to aid your revision: - CD Rom - Video - Book. All we ask is that you return these items as soon as you have passed your test and no charge will be made.

Call FREE on 0800 652 0677 for more information or bookings.

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