Explanation of your Module 1 Motorcycle Test

The Module 1 test consists of completing a series of manoeuvres which are designed to assess your ability to demonstrate control, balance and vision. Before you can take the test you need to have passed your CBT and your Motorcycle Theory Test. The test takes about 15 minutes, and involves several set exercises which can be thought of as two groups – ‘slow speed’ and ‘higher speed’:

‘Slow Speed’

• Manual handling – wheeling the machine backwards from one ‘box’ of cones into another ‘box’ of cones.
• Slalom/Figure of Eight – slalom the machine around some yellow cones, then ride straight into a ‘figure of eight’ around some blue cones. The two exercises flow into each other so can be regarded as a single element.
• Slow control – ride the machine in a straight line at a walking pace.
• U-turn – carry out a U-turn within a defined area without crossing the lines.

‘Higher Speed’

• Controlled stop – stopping the spindle of the front wheel of the machine in a ‘box’ of blue cones – note: there is no minimum speed requirement for this exercise
• Emergency stop – bring the machine to a controlled stop, as in an emergency situation. Minimum speed requirement is 50kph (32 mph). A safe stop from speeds of 48 or 49 kph will also pass, but with a rider fault (see below for more information on rider faults).
• Avoidance Exercise – swerve the machine through a pair of blue cones. Minimum speed requirement is 50kph (32 mph). Speeds of 48 or 49 kph will also pass, but with a rider fault (see below for more information on rider faults).

The examiner will tell you to treat the test “as if you are on a public road, including carrying out all necessary precaution/observations”. If you come into contact with any of the cones during the test, or if you put your foot down during, or moving between, manoeuvres, then unfortunately you will not pass.

If during the test you think that you have messed things up, don’t panic but continue working through the manoeuvres as the examiner asks you to. If you are deemed to have committed a serious fault the examiner will probably not tell you but instead you will be allowed to continue the test in order to get the full experience. If the examiner deems you to have committed a dangerous fault then the test will end at that point. This is an extremely rare occurrence.

Rider faults will be accrued for minor mistakes – such as missing an observation – more than 5 rider faults mean that you will not pass. If you accumulate several of them of the same type (but fewer than 5) then you still may not pass, especially if these represent a systemic fault.

The cost for the Module 1 Test is set at £15.50. You have to pass the Module 1 Test before you can take the Module 2 Test. If you fail the test you will have to wait for 3 working days before you can retake it. Depending on what you failed on the costs for retaking will be:

Slow manoeuvres only:

• Free tuition, £20 bike hire fee plus £15.50 re-test fee = £35.50

Higher speed manoeuvres:

• Two hours personal tuition including bike hire for £89 plus £15.50 re-test fee = £104.50
• Full Day of training including bike for £123.75 plus £15.50 re-test fee = £139.25

Your Module 1 pass certificate lasts until the date your Motorcycle Theory Test certificate expires, so that could be nearly two years or a matter of days. The exception is if you are on the Progressive Access route in which case your Theory Test certificate only lasts for 6 months. If you lose your Module 1 Test pass certificate then as long as you let the DVSA’s contact centre know as soon as possible before the Module 2 test this will let them carry out the necessary checks and update the Module 2 examiner in good time before the test date.

Things to consider and bring with you:

• You must have done (or booked) a Mod Skills Day 1 or CBT/Mod Skills Day 1 course with Lightning Motorcycle Training before booking a Module 1 Test.
• Your UK photocard driving licence showing your entitlement to ride motorcycles.
• Your CBT certificate, your Theory Test pass certificate.
• Suitable clothing for riding a motorcycle: hard-wearing jeans (not thin cotton trousers, tracksuit bottoms or leggings); sturdy footwear (not flimsy plimsolls or lightweight fashion shoes) – ideally which provide some ankle protection, such as work boots, strong walking boots or similar; glasses or contact lenses if needed.