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United Kingdom · Theory test

Module 2 and the show me, tell me questions for motorcycles

Module 2 is the on-road riding test, about 40 minutes long. It starts with an eyesight check and two show me, tell me questions on motorcycle safety checks, picked from a list of 13 that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publishes. Then you ride on normal roads, including about 10 minutes of independent riding, with the examiner following on a motorcycle and giving directions by radio.

  • 10Most riding faults you can make and pass
  • 20.5 metresEyesight distance for an old-style plate
  • 10 working daysShortest wait before a module 2 retake
Where to study

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

What are the 13 show me tell me questions for motorcycles?

Safety checkType
Engine oil levelTell
Brake fluid levelTell
Lights and reflectorsTell
ChainTell
TyresTell
Horn (off road only)Show
Brake lightsShow
Steering movementShow
Front brakeShow
Both brakesShow
Engine cut-out switchShow
Rear fog light, if fitted, and when to use itShow
Switching from dipped to main beamShow

You’re asked two of them: for a tell me question you explain the check, and for a show me question you do it. DVSA’s list gives the exact wording and the answer it expects for each.

DVSA on GOV.UK: Motorcycle show me, tell me questions ↗

What the answers cover

  • Tyres: pressures from the owner’s manual, checked with a reliable gauge; tread at least 1 mm deep across three-quarters of the breadth and all the way round; no lumps, bulges or tears
  • Chain: wear, tension set as in the bike’s handbook, rear wheel alignment, and lubrication
  • Oil: find the dipstick or sight glass and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks
  • Brake fluid: find the reservoir and check the level against the high and low marks
  • Steering: the bars move smoothly from full left to full right lock without stretching, trapping or snagging any cables

What happens on the road

  • Eyesight: read a number plate from 20 metres for a new-style plate, such as AB51 ABC. Fail it and you fail the test
  • Road riding in different traffic, but not on motorways, with normal stops, an angle start from behind a parked vehicle and, where possible, a hill start
  • Directions by radio from the examiner, who normally follows you on a motorcycle. DVSA doesn’t publish test routes
  • Independent riding: you can ask for directions again, going off the route isn’t a fail, and you can’t use a sat nav

Your module 2 result

  • You pass with no serious or dangerous faults and no more than the riding fault limit
  • The examiner tells you your faults and gives you a pass certificate
  • Hand over your provisional licence if you want your full licence sent automatically
  • You can ride without L plates straight away. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if the licence hasn’t come 3 weeks after you applied

If you fail, book and pay for another module 2.

Booking and changing riding tests →
Sources: GOV.UK · DVSA on GOV.UK and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

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

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewWhere to learnBookingCostPass markHazard perceptionLicenceCBTRiding test

Licence categories

Moped (AM)A1A2Full A

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Module 1Module 2Training

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