Home Highway Code Rules for motorcyclists

Rules for motorcyclists

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

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

The Faster Way to Pass Your DVSA Theory Test

Our AI-powered theory test app helps you get test ready fast and pass first time

Industry leading reviews from 1887 verified buyers...

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

How long is a theory test valid? 🤔 Looking to find out how long you have to take your driving test after passing your theory test? 👀 Check out our article below to find out 👇 https://t.co/A9ix1I8SNf https://t.co/iuGbsfsFjh
11 hours ago
Learning to drive is exciting for everyone, but what age can you start driving in the UK? 🤷‍♂️ This article explains what you need to do and how old you need to be to start driving in the UK 👇 https://t.co/5VrvYhAgB0 #drivingtheorytest #drivingtheory4all #cartheorytest https://t.co/M2Hy0nH8qB
12 hours ago
Do you know what a contraflow system is? 🤷‍♂️ Read all about them in our useful article below 👇 https://t.co/SgC8LD44Ds https://t.co/D76rEeGfZg
1 day ago
What should you do if your ABS warning light stays on? 🤷‍♂️ This can be a scary time, our useful article will help explain what it means and what you need to do 😁 Check it out now 👇 https://t.co/8qGmOgo17R #bestfreedrivingtheoryapp #drivingtheorytest #cardrivingtheorytest https://t.co/cvkOXFS8l1
1 day ago
What is the 2025 DVSA theory test pass mark? ✍️🚗 Find out everything you need to know about the theory test pass marks and pass rates for the DVSA driving theory test 👇 https://t.co/8oP2dtoPgl #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpassmark #booktheorytest https://t.co/DuiYviXCpk
5 days ago
💡 Driving theory test tips 💡 Anti-lock brakes may be ineffective when vehicles have poor contact with the road surface because it could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. 🚗 Start practising to pass the DVSA theory test now 👇 https://t.co/LIcCIaVlUv https://t.co/w6krtR8oVe
6 days ago
What is a puffin crossing? 🚦 A puffin crossing is a type of traffic-light controlled pedestrian crossing, designed to be more user-friendly and efficient than older models, like pelican crossings. Find out more 👇 https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest https://t.co/77WVSYOF8N
1 week ago
Looking for DVSA theory test practice material so you can pass the UK driving theory test? ✨ Pass the UK theory test first time using our theory test practice app. Get started for FREE 👇 https://t.co/jlI1c9IM4i #dvsatheorytest #theorytest #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/iWAoC9WuET
1 week ago
Do you know yellow box rules? 🟨🚗 A yellow box junction means you must not enter it unless your exit is clear and you can drive through without stopping. Find out everything you need to know about yellow box junctions 👇 https://t.co/RJT5r0lTeR #yellowboxjunctions #theorytest https://t.co/YuwlgyZppb
1 week ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/wLSAvz7OIG
1 week ago
Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/BY3hKZOqy9
1 week ago
What would you expect to find at a contraflow system on a motorway? 🛣️ Here's everything you need to know about contraflow systems to help you pass your DVSA theory test 👇 https://t.co/SgC8LD44Ds #contraflowsystem #roadsafety #dvsatheorytest #theorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/Cdce9jPImF
1 week ago
✨ The latest 2025 Highway Code ✨ Here you'll find the most up-to-date Highway Code revision, including the new Highway Code rules, organised by sections so you can easily move through the content 👇 https://t.co/cw9v6M6xwS #highwaycode #theorytest https://t.co/Tk38KeypEq
1 week ago
Want to PASS the 2025 DVSA theory test? 🎓✨ Get started with our FREE AI-powered theory test practice trial. Access our theory test app and online theory test tools for FREE now 👇 https://t.co/t4xIylQKpR #theorytest #dvsatheorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/ips7cZ6aI1
1 week ago
💡 Driving theory test tips 💡 Anti-lock brakes may be ineffective when vehicles have poor contact with the road surface because it could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. 🚗 Start practising to pass the DVSA theory test now 👇 https://t.co/LIcCIaVlUv https://t.co/AGm6QiBxX9
2 weeks ago
What is the 2025 DVSA theory test pass mark? ✍️🚗 Find out everything you need to know about the theory test pass marks and pass rates for the DVSA driving theory test 👇 https://t.co/8oP2dtoPgl #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpassmark #booktheorytest https://t.co/ADOg5Az38W
2 weeks ago
Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/VQIuClu5zu
2 weeks ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/GUQ1hplOOU
2 weeks ago
What is the difference between a dual carriageway and a motorway? As a learner driver in the UK preparing for your DVSA theory test, it's essential to understand the differences between various types of roads. Here's everything you need to know 👇 https://t.co/7JvfSU0Vvq https://t.co/JoffBWjbhD
3 weeks ago
What is a puffin crossing? 🚦 A puffin crossing is a pedestrian crossing that prioritises the safety of pedestrians. Find out everything you need to know here 👇 https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest #booktheorytest #highwaycode #roadsafety https://t.co/UDFWaPqLgQ
3 weeks ago