Motorcycle theory test vs car theory test: what is different
Updated •4 min read
The UK motorcycle theory test uses the same structure and pass marks as the car test: 50 multiple-choice questions, then 14 hazard perception clips. The differences are the ages, the study books and the way some questions are presented depends on your test date.
The two tests side by side
| Car theory test | Motorcycle theory test | |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple-choice questions | 50 in 57 minutes | 50 in 57 minutes |
| Hazard perception clips | 14 | 14 |
| Pass mark, questions | 43 out of 50 | 43 out of 50 |
| Pass mark, hazard perception | 44 out of 75 | 44 out of 75 |
| Fee | £23 | £23 |
| Pass certificate number lasts | 2 years | 2 years |
| Wait before a resit | At least 3 working days | At least 3 working days |
Sources: car multiple-choice, motorcycle multiple-choice, car pass mark, motorcycle pass mark, hazard perception and book your theory test for the fee.
You book and take both parts as a single test, and you must pass both parts to pass (gov.uk: motorcycle theory test).
Case study or video questions: it depends on your test date
gov.uk's motorcycle page describes two formats, split at 29 October 2026 (gov.uk: motorcycle multiple-choice questions):
- Test before 29 October 2026: some questions are given as a case study. A short story about a real-life situation you could meet when riding, with 5 questions based on it.
- Test on or after 29 October 2026: three of the questions are about a short, silent video of a normal riding situation, such as riding through a town centre or on a country road. You can watch it as many times as you like.
So the format you revise for depends on your date. The car test page already describes three video-based questions. Our guide on video clip questions explains how they work for cars.
Ages and the CBT
gov.uk says you need a provisional motorcycle licence to book. You can take the test from your (gov.uk: motorcycle theory test):
- 16th birthday, if you are learning to ride a moped of no more than 50cc;
- 17th birthday, if you are learning to ride a motorcycle.
You can take the theory test before or after compulsory basic training (CBT). For the car test, the age rules are in our guide to when you can take your theory test.
Who needs it
gov.uk says you usually need to have passed a motorcycle theory test before you take the motorcycle test. Having a car licence does not exempt you: you have to pass a motorcycle theory test before the motorcycle test. You do not need it if you passed a moped test after 1 July 1996 and want to take the test on a category A1 small motorcycle, or upgrade under the progressive access (staged access) rules. The reverse also holds, as our guide on whether you need to take the theory test explains.
What to study
The motorcycle test questions are based on three books, according to gov.uk (gov.uk: motorcycle revision and practice):
- The Highway Code;
- Know your traffic signs;
- Riding - the essential skills.
The car test uses the first two plus Driving - the essential skills. gov.uk also lists the Official DVSA Theory Test for Motorcyclists book, traffic sign flashcards, and the official DVSA kit and apps. It offers a free practice test, whose questions are not used in the real test but are based on the same topics.
What theorytest.ai covers
theorytest.ai is a UK car theory test practice app for learner drivers, and its practice questions are for the car test. Riders should use the official free practice test and DVSA products for rider-specific material. Car learners can start with the free theorytest.ai diagnostic. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.
Frequently asked questions
Is the motorcycle theory test harder than the car test?
gov.uk gives both tests the same format and pass marks: 43 out of 50, and 44 out of 75 for hazard perception.
Will my motorcycle theory test have case studies or video questions?
That depends on your test date. gov.uk says tests before 29 October 2026 use case studies, and tests on or after it use three video questions.
Do I need CBT before the theory test?
No. gov.uk says you can take the motorcycle theory test before or after compulsory basic training.
How long does a motorcycle theory pass last?
2 years. You need to pass both modules of the motorcycle test in that time, or take the theory test again.