The official Highway Code

Rules for motorcyclists

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

★ 4.7 · 2,724 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 ‘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 2724 verified buyers...

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

Getting ready for your motorcycle theory test? 🏍️ Choose a revision package with motorcycle-specific DVSA questions, hazard perception clips and mock tests. Compare practice-only and Pass Protection options 👇 https://t.co/8lt9yJFTl5 #motorcycletheorytest
1 day ago
Does a dual carriageway need two lanes in each direction? 🛣️ No. It's the central reservation separating opposing traffic that makes it a dual carriageway. Learn the difference between dual carriageways and motorways 👇 https://t.co/7JvfSU0Vvq #theorytest
1 day ago
Hazard perception isn't just for car learners. 🚗🏍️🚛 Whether you're preparing for a car, motorcycle, HGV/LGV, PCV or ADI theory test, you can practise spotting developing hazards for FREE. Choose your test type 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/free-hazard-perception-test #hazardperception
1 day ago
HGV theory test and Driver CPC Module 2 are different tests. 🚛 Module 2 uses case studies to test how you'd apply your knowledge as a professional driver. Prepare with 60+ practice case studies 👇 https://t.co/7evNuEXTvE #drivercpc
1 day ago
Working towards your bus or coach licence? 🚌 Prepare for the PCV Part 1 multiple-choice and hazard perception tests with DVSA-licensed questions and unlimited mock tests. PCV theory test practice from £14.99 👇 https://t.co/DueLeoFnsn #PCV #theorytest
2 days ago
Car, motorcycle, HGV, PCV or ADI theory test? 📝 Try free theory test questions and answers for your test type, with explanations to help you understand the correct answers. Choose your questions 👇 https://t.co/67K9g2c8o5 #theorytestpractice
2 days ago
How many points can you score in a hazard perception clip? 👀 Up to 5 points for each developing hazard, depending on when you respond. Try our FREE hazard perception test and check your score with instant feedback 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/free-hazard-perception-test #theorytest
2 days ago
Training to become a driving instructor? 🚗📚 Our ADI Part 1 theory test practice includes DVSA-licensed questions, hazard perception clips, voiceovers and unlimited mock tests. Get 60 days' access from £14.99 👇 https://t.co/f6XgdmQFxG #ADI #drivinginstructor
2 days ago
Motorcycle theory test revision isn't just about general road rules. 🏍️ Test your rider knowledge with 10 FREE motorcycle theory questions and see which answers catch you out. Have a go 👇 https://t.co/RG1tofZtz0 #motorcycletheorytest
3 days ago
What do green reflective studs mean on a motorway? 🛣️ They mark places where traffic joins or leaves the carriageway, including slip roads. Do you know what the other motorway stud colours mean? Revise them here 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/learning-to-drive/reflective-studs-on-motorway #theorytest
3 days ago
Could you pass the multiple-choice part of your car theory test today? 🚗📝 Take a FREE mock theory test with 50 DVSA-style questions and see if you can reach the 43/50 pass mark. Get instant marking and explanations 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/car-mock-theory-test #mocktheorytest
3 days ago
Did you know you can apply for a provisional driving licence at 15 years and 9 months? 🚗 That doesn't mean you can start driving a car on public roads straight away. For most learners, the minimum age is 17. Read the UK driving age guide 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/what-age-can-you-start-driving-in-the-uk #learntodrive
3 days ago
Taking your HGV/LGV theory test Parts 1a and 1b? 🚛 Prepare for multiple-choice questions and hazard perception with the latest DVSA revision material and unlimited mock tests. 60 days' access from £14.99 👇 https://t.co/69qYzDyQF3 #hgvtheorytest
4 days ago
How much does a car theory test cost? 💷 The DVSA fee is £23 when booking directly through GOV.UK. See the costs explained 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/how-much-is-a-theory-test #theorytest
4 days ago
Did you know puffin crossings don't have a flashing amber phase for drivers? 🚦 They use sensors to detect pedestrians and adjust the traffic signals. Learn how puffin crossings work before your theory test 👇 https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #theorytest #highwaycode
4 days ago
What does a red X above a motorway lane mean? ❌🚗 You MUST NOT drive in that lane. Make sure you know your motorway signals, traffic lights and lane control signs before your theory test. Revise the Highway Code 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/highway-code-light-signals-controlling-traffic #highwaycode #theorytest
4 days ago
HGV/LGV theory test coming up? 🚛📝 The multiple-choice test has 100 questions, and you'll need at least 85 correct answers to pass. Take our FREE HGV mock theory test and see how you score 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/hgv-lgv-mock-theory-test #hgvtheorytest
4 days ago
Can you start revising for your theory test before turning 17? 🚗📚 Yes! Most learners can take the car theory test from 17, but there's nothing stopping you from preparing earlier. Check the age and licence requirements 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/when-can-you-take-your-theory-test #learnerdriver
4 days ago
Scored 42 out of 50 in your car theory test? 📝 That's just below the multiple-choice pass mark of 43/50. You'll also need at least 44/75 in hazard perception to pass. Check the theory test pass marks 👇 https://www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/theory-test-pass-mark #theorytest
4 days ago
Car theory test booked but your practice scores aren't consistent? 🚗 Revise with DVSA revision questions, unlimited mock tests and hazard perception clips. Get 365 days' car theory test practice from £5.99 👇 https://t.co/HP7zW9uBMT #cartheorytest
4 days ago