UK Motorcycle Theory Test Rules of the Road 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When turning right at a junction, a motorcyclist should position themselves:
- As far left as possible
- Just left of the centre of the road, checking mirrors and signalling in good time (Correct answer)
- On the white centre line at all times
- On the right edge of the road to improve visibility
Correct answer: Just left of the centre of the road, checking mirrors and signalling in good time
Before turning right, the Highway Code recommends moving just left of the centre line (after checking mirrors and signalling) to allow vehicles going straight on to pass on the left.
Question 2: What is the legal requirement for motorcycle helmets in the UK?
- Helmets are strongly recommended but not legally required
- All motorcyclists and passengers must wear a helmet meeting British or EU safety standards (Correct answer)
- Only riders over 50 cc engine size need helmets
- Helmets are required on main roads only
Correct answer: All motorcyclists and passengers must wear a helmet meeting British or EU safety standards
The Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998 require all motorcycle riders and pillion passengers to wear a helmet meeting a specified safety standard — failure is a criminal offence.
Question 3: On which side of the road should a motorcyclist normally ride?
- The right side for visibility at bends
- The left side unless overtaking — the normal running position is just left of centre of the lane (Correct answer)
- Always in the centre of the lane
- Adjacent to the white centre line
Correct answer: The left side unless overtaking — the normal running position is just left of centre of the lane
The normal riding position on UK roads is the left side of the road; within the lane, the recommended position is just left of the centre (offside wheel track area) for visibility, not the extreme left.
Question 4: What is the Highway Code rule on filtering (lane splitting) for motorcyclists?
- Filtering is illegal in the UK
- Filtering is legal but must be done with care and at a sensible speed — the rider accepts increased risk (Correct answer)
- Filtering is only permitted when traffic is completely stationary
- Filtering is permitted at any speed if the rider is confident
Correct answer: Filtering is legal but must be done with care and at a sensible speed — the rider accepts increased risk
Filtering is legal in the UK but the Highway Code (Rule 88) advises riders to proceed with care and at a safe speed relative to surrounding traffic, as filtering increases exposure to hazards.
Question 5: At a pelican crossing, a motorcyclist must stop when:
- The amber light flashes
- The red light shows — the same as for all motor vehicles (Correct answer)
- A pedestrian steps onto the crossing
- The green man is showing for pedestrians
Correct answer: The red light shows — the same as for all motor vehicles
All motor vehicles, including motorcycles, must stop at a red traffic signal at a pelican crossing; the flashing amber that follows allows proceeding only if the crossing is clear of pedestrians.
Question 6: A motorcyclist approaching a humpback bridge should:
- Accelerate before the rise to maintain momentum
- Slow down and approach in a position that allows them to be seen by oncoming vehicles, as visibility over the crest is limited (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn to warn vehicles on the other side
- Position in the centre of the road and maintain speed
Correct answer: Slow down and approach in a position that allows them to be seen by oncoming vehicles, as visibility over the crest is limited
Humpback bridges restrict visibility; a rider should slow and position well to be seen, as oncoming vehicles — including wide vehicles — may be positioned in or near the centre of the road.
UK Motorcycle Theory Test Rules of the Road 1
When turning right at a junction, a motorcyclist should position themselves: