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Motorcycle practical test explained

Once you have passed your motorcycle theory test, there are two practical tests. The first is a manoeuvres test which will last approximately 30 minutes. The second is the on road practical test.

What does the motorcycle manoeuvres test involve?

  • a slow driving exercise, where the candidate rides alongside the examiner at walking pace
  • a slalom and figure of eight exercise, riding around cones
  • walking and riding U-turn exercises, including use of the motorcycle stands
  • a curve, to be ridden in second or third gear, at a minimum speed of 30 kph (18.75 mph)
  • a combined avoidance and braking exercise at a minimum speed of 50 kph (31.25 mph)
  • an emergency stop at a minimum speed of 50 kph (31.25 mph)
  • Reporting for your practical test

The manoeuvres test is only available from the following test centres: Ballymena, Craigavon, Downpatrick, Londonderry (Newbuildings), Mallusk and Omagh.

What happens in the on-road motorcycle riding test?

Before you start your riding test on the road, 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 before moving away. Links to information on these are available below.

The examiner will check your licence and identification and if you wish, will tell you what the test is about and how long it will take (about 40 minutes). They will help you to fit the radio and earpiece and explain how they work.

You will be asked to do an angle start (move off from behind a parked car) and several normal starts (moving off from the side of the road). You may also be asked to move away on a hill, a hill start. You are to follow the road ahead unless directed otherwise on the radio. After the practical part of the test you will be asked a question on 'balance when carrying a passenger'.

Clothing requirements for a motorcycle test

You must wear:

  • a motorcycle helmet that meets the minimum British or European safety standards (this doesn't apply if you're Sikh and wearing a turban)
  • textile or leather motorcycle trousers or heavy denim trousers
  • motorcycle gloves

Your test will be cancelled and you'll lose your fee if you don't meet these standards.

Adverse weather conditions

The DVA do not conduct riding tests in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner.



In the event that your riding test is cancelled, another appointment will be arranged automatically at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. You will be contacted with a new appointment date as soon as possible.

Independent driving explained

Examiners give candidates step-by-step instructions during the test apart from a section where the candidate will be asked to drive independently. For all other parts of the test, candidates will still get step-by-step instructions.


  • traffic signs
  • a series of directions
  • a combination of both


Click on the link below for more detailed information about independent driving

What happens after the on-road test?

Whether you pass or fail the examiner will explain any faults marked on your driving test report (DL9). The debrief will give you a word picture of how you did during the test. It will include all the serious/dangerous faults and any repeated minor faults if you have failed.

You can have your instructor present during the feedback, so you should make sure they are on hand at the end of the test.

What happens if you pass?

If eligible your licence can be issued to you automatically, if not, you will be given a pass certificate and should send this and your licence with provisional entitlement to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) at the address below, as soon as possible. Your full licence will be posted to you.

Driver Licensing Division
Coleraine County Hall
Castlerock Road
BT51 3TA

What happens if you fail?

If you fail, the examiner will give you an explanation, as above, to help prepare you for your next test. Your driving test report form will show you where you made mistakes.

What is the difference between a moped (Category AM) and a motorcycle?

A moped must have an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, and a top speed of no more than 28mph (45km/h). If first used before 1 August 1977, it must be equipped with pedals.

A driving test for a light motorcycle (Category A1) must be taken on a solo machine with an engine capacity of at least 120 cc but no more than 125cc, with a power output up to 11 kilowatts (kW) (14.6 bhp). If you pass the test for the A1 class you can ride bikes up to these power limits and with a maximum engine capacity of 125 cc.

If your motorcycle is less than 75 cc it's not acceptable for the practical motorcycle test. If you pass your practical test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission, this will be recorded on your licence and your driving licence will be restricted to this category.

All motorcycles and mopeds must be fitted with either a side stand or main stand.

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