UK Motorcycle Theory Test Rules of the Road 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the speed limit for motorcycles in a built-up area, unless signs indicate otherwise?
- 20 mph
- 30 mph (Correct answer)
- 40 mph
- 50 mph
Correct answer: 30 mph
The default speed limit in a built-up area (defined by the presence of street lighting) is 30 mph for all motor vehicles including motorcycles, unless lower limit signs are posted.
Question 2: When is it legal to use the horn on a motorcycle in the UK?
- To greet another motorcyclist
- Only to warn other road users of your presence when they may not otherwise be aware — not in stationary traffic or between 11:30pm and 7am in built-up areas (Correct answer)
- Freely in any situation the rider considers appropriate
- As a substitute for signalling
Correct answer: Only to warn other road users of your presence when they may not otherwise be aware — not in stationary traffic or between 11:30pm and 7am in built-up areas
Highway Code Rule 112 restricts horn use to warning of presence; it is prohibited between 11:30pm and 7am in built-up areas and while stationary (except if another vehicle poses a danger).
Question 3: A motorcyclist overtaking on a country road must ensure:
- The speed limit is not exceeded during the manoeuvre
- There is sufficient clear road ahead to complete the overtake safely and return to the left before any oncoming hazard — the whole manoeuvre including return must be safe (Correct answer)
- They signal before and after overtaking
- The vehicle ahead is travelling below 40 mph
Correct answer: There is sufficient clear road ahead to complete the overtake safely and return to the left before any oncoming hazard — the whole manoeuvre including return must be safe
A safe overtake requires enough visible clear road for the entire manoeuvre: moving out, passing, returning — including a safety margin for any unseen hazard at the limit of visibility.
Question 4: Pillion passengers on a motorcycle must have their own:
- Licence and insurance only
- Approved safety helmet; additional requirements may apply to footrests and the bike's approval for carrying a passenger (Correct answer)
- Leather jacket meeting a specified standard
- Motorcycle licence endorsement
Correct answer: Approved safety helmet; additional requirements may apply to footrests and the bike's approval for carrying a passenger
All passengers must wear an approved helmet; the motorcycle must be legally approved to carry a passenger (have a seat and footrests); passengers do not need their own licence.
Question 5: Which lane may motorcyclists use on a motorway in normal conditions?
- Only lane 1 (nearside)
- Any lane — motorcycles can legally use all lanes including the overtaking lanes (Correct answer)
- Only lane 1 and 2
- Only when lane 1 is closed
Correct answer: Any lane — motorcycles can legally use all lanes including the overtaking lanes
Motorcycles can use all motorway lanes including the right-hand overtaking lanes; they must observe the same lane discipline rules as cars, returning to the left lane after overtaking.
Question 6: When can a motorcyclist legally use hazard warning lights while moving?
- Whenever they choose to draw attention to themselves
- Only on a motorway or dual carriageway to warn following traffic of a hazard ahead — not as a general-purpose signal (Correct answer)
- During all town centre journeys for visibility
- Never — hazard lights must only be used when stationary
Correct answer: Only on a motorway or dual carriageway to warn following traffic of a hazard ahead — not as a general-purpose signal
Hazard lights may be used while moving only on motorways or dual carriageways to warn following vehicles of a hazard ahead (e.g. queue of traffic); they must not be used as a thank-you signal or in other situations.
UK Motorcycle Theory Test Rules of the Road 2
What is the speed limit for motorcycles in a built-up area, unless signs indicate otherwise?