The official Highway Code

Rules for motorcyclists

Rules for motorcyclists, including helmets, carrying passengers, daylight riding and riding in the dark.

★ 4.7 · 2,672 reviews 800,000+ learners ✓ Trading Standards
Studied this chapter?

Book your DVSA theory test with unlimited re-sits* and complete theory test prep in one place.

Book my theory test now

These Rules are in addition to those in the following sections which apply to all vehicles. See β€˜Motorcycle licence requirements’.

General (rules 83 to 88)

Rule 83

On all journeys, the rider and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped MUST wear a protective helmet. This does not apply to a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST be fastened securely. Riders and passengers of motor tricycles and quadricycles, also called quadbikes, should also wear a protective helmet. Before each journey check that your helmet visor is clean and in good condition.

Laws RTA 1988 sects 16 & 17, & MC(PH)R as amended reg 4

Rule 84

It is also advisable to wear eye protectors, which MUST comply with the Regulations. Scratched or poorly fitting eye protectors can limit your view when riding, particularly in bright sunshine and the hours of darkness. Consider wearing ear protection. Strong boots, gloves and suitable clothing may help to protect you if you are involved in a collision.

Laws RTA 1988 sect 18 & MC(EP)R as amended reg 4

Rule 85

You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. They should face forward with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motorcycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.

Laws RTA 1988 sect 23, MV(DL)R reg 16(6) & CUR reg 102

Rule 86

Daylight riding. Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear. You could wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may also make you more conspicuous. However, be aware that other vehicle drivers may still not have seen you, or judged your distance or speed correctly, especially at junctions.

Rule 86: Help yourself to be seen

Rule 86: Help yourself to be seen

Rule 87

Riding in the dark. Wear reflective clothing or strips to improve your visibility in the dark. These reflect light from the headlamps of other vehicles, making you visible from a longer distance. See Rules 113 to 116 for lighting requirements.

Rule 88

Manoeuvring. You should be aware of what is behind and to the sides before manoeuvring. Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted. When in traffic queues look out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes. Position yourself so that drivers in front can see you in their mirrors. Additionally, when filtering in slow-moving traffic, take care and keep your speed low.

Remember: Observation – Signal – Manoeuvre

Industry leading reviews from 2672 verified buyers...

Keep up to date with us on social media...

PCV Driver CPC Module 2 coming up? 🚌 Practise with 60+ case studies and topic-based revision material designed to help you prepare for the real test. PCV CPC practice costs Β£14.99 πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/oBmxWgrg10 #drivercpc #PCV
14 hours ago
Need to cancel your theory test? πŸ“… Find out how to cancel your DVSA theory test booking, how much notice you need to give and when you can get a refund. Read the guide πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/is6ijW452F #theorytest
17 hours ago
Training to become a driving instructor? πŸš—πŸ“š Prepare for ADI Part 1 with DVSA revision questions, hazard perception clips and unlimited mock tests. ADI theory test practice starts at Β£14.99 πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/f6XgdmQFxG #ADI #theorytest
1 day ago
How good are you at spotting developing hazards? πŸ‘€πŸš› If you're preparing for the HGV/LGV theory test, try our FREE hazard perception practice test. Check your hazard perception skills πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/NcgztXoFFJ #hgvtheorytest #hazardperception
1 day ago
Working towards your PCV theory test? 🚌 Revise with the most up-to-date DVSA practice theory test questions, hazard perception clips and unlimited PCV mock theory tests. Get 60 days' web and app access from Β£14.99 πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/DueLeoFnsn #PCV #theorytest
2 days ago
Do you recognise the mini-roundabout sign? πŸ”„πŸš— It's a regulatory road sign that could come up in your DVSA theory test. Check its meaning and test your road sign knowledge πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/TeArtP0VhE #roadsigns #theorytest
2 days ago
Preparing for LGV Driver CPC Module 2? πŸš› Our Β£14.99 practice package includes 60+ case studies and revision material covering the DVSA topic areas. Get ready for the case studies test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/7evNuEXTvE #drivercpc #LGV
3 days ago
Looking for free theory test practice? πŸ“ Try DVSA practice theory test questions for car, motorcycle, HGV/LGV, PCV or ADI Part 1. No payment or sign-up needed. Choose your practice test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG #theorytestpractice
3 days ago
Motorcycle theory test coming up? 🏍️ Revise with the latest DVSA motorcycle theory test revision questions, hazard perception practice and unlimited mock theory tests. Packages start at Β£5.99 for 365 days' access πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/8lt9yJFTl5 #motorcycletheorytest
4 days ago
What age can you start driving in the UK? πŸš— Most people can start learning to drive a car at 17, but you can apply for a provisional licence from 15 years and 9 months. Find out more about the age rules and exceptions πŸ‘‡ https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/what-age-can-you-start-driving-in-the-uk #learnerdriver
4 days ago
Ready to book your theory test? πŸ“…πŸš— Choose your preferred DVSA test centre, date and time. We'll arrange your booking, subject to availability, with online and app revision included. Get your theory test booking πŸ‘‡ https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/book-theory-test #booktheorytest
4 days ago
Passed multiple choice but missed the hazard perception mark? πŸš—πŸ“ You need to pass both parts of the car theory test. If you fail either one, you'll need to retake the whole test. Check the theory test pass marks πŸ‘‡ https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/theory-test-pass-mark #theorytest
4 days ago
Can you stop in a yellow box junction? 🚦 Normally, you must not enter unless your exit is clear. But there's an exception when turning right. Make sure you know the yellow box junction rules πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/RJT5r0lTeR #highwaycode #theorytest
5 days ago
Booked your car theory test? πŸš— Our car theory test practice packages start at Β£5.99, with DVSA-licensed questions, hazard perception clips and unlimited mock tests. 365 days' web and app access πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/HP7zW9uBMT #cartheorytest
6 days ago
Want your theory test booking and revision together? πŸ“…πŸš— Our Β£49 car and motorcycle package includes the Β£23 DVSA test fee, theory test practice and eligible unlimited re-sits. T&Cs apply. See the package πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/X7zRfxQpRy #booktheorytest
6 days ago
Got a theory test question wrong? πŸ“ Don't just remember the answer. Read the explanation so you understand why it's right. Try our free theory test questions and answers πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/67K9g2c8o5 #theorytestpractice
6 days ago
What is a contraflow system? πŸš§πŸ›£οΈ It’s a temporary arrangement where traffic flows differently from normal, often during motorway or dual carriageway roadworks. Learn what to expect πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/SgC8LD44Ds #theorytest #theorytestpractice
1 week ago
Looking to book a theory test? πŸ“…πŸš— Our Β£49 car and motorcycle package includes your DVSA theory test booking, web and app revision and eligible unlimited re-sits. See what’s included πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/X7zRfxQpRy #booktheorytest #theorytest
1 week ago
Need hazard perception test practice? πŸ‘€πŸš— Try a free hazard perception test with instant scoring feedback and choose the test type you’re preparing for. Start practising πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/WhqbFkSkWa #hazardperception #theorytestpractice
1 week ago
When can you take your theory test? πŸ“…πŸš— Most learner drivers can take it from age 17 once they have a valid provisional driving licence. You can start revising before then. Read the guide πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/uCYuknKBql #theorytest #drivingtheorytest
1 week ago