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United Kingdom · Theory test

Motorbike test changes for 2026 and beyond

In Great Britain the one dated change is to the theory test: from 5 November 2026, three of the 50 questions are about a short video clip instead of a written case study. Bigger motorbike test changes are still proposals. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) consulted from January to May 2026 on compulsory basic training (CBT), learner and licence rules, and it hasn’t yet said what it will do or when.

  • 11 May 2026CBT and licence consultation closed
  • 1 October 2026Northern Ireland’s new provisional rule
  • 5 November 2026Video questions replace the case study
Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Motorbike test changes from 5 November 2026

  • In tests up to and including 4 November 2026: a case study, which is a short story about riding with 5 questions on it
  • From 5 November 2026, three questions are about a short silent video of a normal riding situation, such as a town centre or a country road
  • You can watch the video as many times as you like during the test
  • The 50 questions, 57 minutes and 43 to pass stay the same, and so does hazard perception

Car theory tests already use video clips, and DVSA’s kit app lists video clips for motorcyclists.

GOV.UK: Motorcycle theory test, multiple-choice questions ↗

Proposed changes to CBT, training and licences

DVSA’s consultation for England, Scotland and Wales asked whether it should:

  • Limit learners to automatic bikes if they did CBT on one
  • Make first-time riders pass the theory and hazard perception test as part of CBT, or before or after it, or take a DVSA-approved online course first
  • Let riders move up a category through a training course instead of another test
  • Update the CBT syllabus
  • Change how motorcycle instructors qualify
  • Change how long CBT certificates last, possibly with a gap before you can retake CBT
  • Build a digital service to issue and manage CBT certificates

DVSA says it isn’t proposing to change the minimum ages, and that some options would need changes to the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999. Its consultation page says it’s analysing the feedback and will publish the outcome there.

DVSA on GOV.UK: Improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing ↗

Booking rule changes are for car tests

DVSA’s 2026 booking rules apply only to car driving tests, so GOV.UK’s older limits still apply to motorcycle riding tests, and approved training bodies can still apply to book them for their pupils.

Booking the theory and riding tests →

Are any motorbike test changes dated 2027?

Not with a date yet. GOV.UK’s motorcycle test, booking and consultation pages give no change that starts in 2027, as of October 2026. Any CBT or licence change would come from the consultation outcome, and some of it would first need new law.

Northern Ireland

Since 1 October 2026 you need a Northern Ireland provisional licence to book or take a category A, A1 or A2 motorcycle test there.

Motorbike tests in Northern Ireland →
Sources: GOV.UK · DVSA on GOV.UK · nidirect and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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