The practical motorcycle test will be about 57 minutes in length and will consist of an eyesight test, vehicle safety questions, a test of driving ability, a test of specific manoeuvres and a question about riding with a passenger.
At the test centre you must present a valid certificate DL196 (CBT Certificate) unless the test is being conducted on one of the exempted islands, a valid Motorcycle Theory Test Certificate and a valid Module 1 Test Certificate. A rider who is upgrading a full moped licence obtained by passing a two part test since December 1990 is exempt.
Vehicle safety check questions and eyesight test
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SAFETY CHECK QUESTIONS
After the usual pre-test preliminaries e.g. licence and identification check the examiner will help the candidate with the fitting of the radio and earpiece. While accompanying the candidate to the machine the examiner will explain how the test will be conducted and how the radio equipment works. The law requires anyone riding a motorcycle, scooter or moped, with or without sidecar, to wear protective headgear securely fastened. The test cannot therefore be conducted unless the candidate is wearing properly secured protective headgear.
Note: An exemption to this requirement exists for followers of the Sikh religion, if they are wearing a turban.
Before you actually start your practical riding test you will be asked to read a number plate to prove you can meet the eyesight requirements. You will also be asked two machine safety check questions and a question on ‘balance when carrying a passenger’ before moving away.
At the end of the test when the practical test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.
If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March, 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically. If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test. If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.
