Motorcycle CBT, Theory and Mod 1/2: The Full UK Path Explained

The UK motorcycle licensing path has more stages than the car path, but each is short — and the rewards on the other side speak for themselves. This guide walks you through every stage from CBT to a full licence, with a focus on the theory test our Motorcycle Theory Test app covers.

The full UK motorcycle qualification path

Once you pass Mod 2, you receive a full motorcycle licence in your age-appropriate category (A1, A2 or A).

Step 1: CBT

Anyone over 16 can take a CBT. The day covers:

1. Introduction and eyesight check
2. Practical on-site training (gear changes, braking, emergency stop, slow control)
3. Practical on-site riding
4. Practical on-road training
5. Practical on-road riding (2-hour minimum)

If your instructor signs off your DL196 certificate, you can ride on L-plates for 2 years. CBT is not a pass/fail test — it’s training. But if you’re not safe, the instructor won’t issue the certificate.

Tip: CBT-only riding restricts you to a 125cc bike with L-plates, no motorways, no pillion passengers. To remove those restrictions, you need to pass the full theory + Mod 1 + Mod 2.

Step 2: Motorcycle theory test

The motorcycle theory test has the same format as the car test but a different question bank with motorcycle-specific content. Topics include:

• Safety and Your Motorcycle — pre-ride checks, tyres, chain tension, protective gear
• Motorcycle Handling — counter-steering, cornering, group riding, pillion passengers
• Motorcycle Loading — panniers, top boxes, pillion safety
• Vulnerable Road Users (you, mostly!) — how to be seen and stay safe

Did you know? Around 23% of car theory questions also appear in motorcycle theory (with adapted wording). If you already passed a car theory recently, the motorcycle test is more manageable than you might expect — but the motorcycle-specific sections still need fresh prep.

A study plan that works

Here’s a 3-week plan we recommend:

The official pass mark is 43/50 + 44/75 — but practise to a personal target of 47+/50 to give yourself a comfort margin on test day.

Step 3: Mod 1 (off-road)

Mod 1 happens at a Multi-Purpose Test Centre (MPTC) and takes about 20 minutes. You’ll perform:

1. Wheeling the bike — push it backwards into a parking bay
2. Slalom — figure-eight through cones
3. Slow ride — ride alongside the examiner at walking pace
4. U-turn — between two painted lines
5. Cornered avoidance manoeuvre at 50 km/h (around 30 mph)
6. Emergency stop at 50 km/h

You get a single shot at each. Drop the bike or put a foot down at the wrong moment and you’ll fail. Practise on a quiet car park before booking.

Step 4: Mod 2 (on-road)

The on-road test is around 40 minutes and covers normal road riding, with:

• Eyesight check
• Show-me / tell-me motorcycle safety questions
• A planned route covering varied speeds and junctions
• Independent riding section (~10 mins)

Pass marks are similar to the car practical: max 10 minor faults, zero serious or dangerous. Most candidates pass first time provided they’ve completed the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) training first.

Categories and age limits

Remember: You don’t have to climb the ladder — if you’re 24+, you can go straight to category A via Direct Access. But A1 then A2 is the route most learners take.

Ready to start?

The hardest part is always the first step. Book a CBT, then download our Motorcycle Theory Test app and start chipping away at the theory in 10-minute bursts on the bus.

Try a free motorcycle theory quiz right now to see where you stand.