UK Motorcycle Theory Test Road Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and who needs one?
- A fitness test for motorcyclists
- A mandatory training course that must be completed before riding on the road with a provisional licence (Correct answer)
- An optional advanced riding course
- A test that replaces the theory test
Correct answer: A mandatory training course that must be completed before riding on the road with a provisional licence
CBT is a one-day compulsory training course that all new motorcycle and moped riders must complete before riding on the road. It covers basic machine control, road riding, and safety. A CBT certificate is valid for 2 years and must be renewed if a full licence is not obtained.
Question 2: Under UK law, what must a motorcycle display to be legally ridden on public roads?
- Only a number plate
- A valid registration plate, valid insurance, valid MOT (if over 3 years old), and be taxed or declared SORN (Correct answer)
- Just insurance
- A motorcycle badge from the manufacturer
Correct answer: A valid registration plate, valid insurance, valid MOT (if over 3 years old), and be taxed or declared SORN
A motorcycle must display a valid registration plate, have valid third-party insurance (minimum), have a valid MOT certificate if over 3 years old, and be taxed (or declared SORN if not in use). Riding without any of these is a criminal offence.
Question 3: What are the rules about lane splitting on motorways in the UK?
- It is completely banned on motorways
- Filtering between lanes of slow-moving traffic on motorways is legal but must be done with extreme care (Correct answer)
- It is only legal above 50 mph
- Only police motorcycles may filter on motorways
Correct answer: Filtering between lanes of slow-moving traffic on motorways is legal but must be done with extreme care
Filtering on motorways is legal but requires extreme caution. Higher speed differentials between lanes make it more dangerous. Riders should keep speed differences low, watch for vehicles changing lanes, and be particularly cautious near slip roads where traffic movements are more erratic.
Question 4: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for all drivers and riders in England and Wales?
- Zero — no alcohol at all
- 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
- 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood (Correct answer)
- 100 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
Correct answer: 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
The legal blood alcohol limit in England and Wales is 80mg per 100ml of blood (35mcg per 100ml of breath). In Scotland, it is lower at 50mg per 100ml of blood. However, even small amounts of alcohol impair riding ability, and the safest approach is zero alcohol.
Question 5: What are the rules regarding motorcycle use on pavements and footpaths?
- Motorcycles can use pavements at low speed
- Riding on pavements or footpaths is illegal and carries a fixed penalty notice (Correct answer)
- Motorcycles can park on pavements anywhere
- Small motorcycles under 125cc can use pavements
Correct answer: Riding on pavements or footpaths is illegal and carries a fixed penalty notice
Riding a motorcycle on a pavement or footpath is illegal under the Highway Act 1835 and the Road Traffic Act 1988. This includes riding across a pavement to access private land unless a proper vehicle crossover exists. The offence carries a fixed penalty notice.
Question 6: What must a motorcyclist do at a red traffic light?
- They can proceed if the road is clear
- They must stop behind the stop line and wait for the light to turn green (Correct answer)
- They can filter to the front and pass through the red light
- Red lights only apply to cars, not motorcycles
Correct answer: They must stop behind the stop line and wait for the light to turn green
Motorcyclists must stop at red traffic lights just like all other road users. Many junctions have an Advanced Stop Line (ASL) with a motorcycle symbol, allowing motorcyclists to stop ahead of other traffic. Running a red light is a serious offence carrying 3 penalty points and a £100 fine.
UK Motorcycle Theory Test Road Rules 2
What is a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and who needs one?