UK Motorcycle Theory Test Practice 2026: Practice test 3

Practice test 3 of 8 for the UK Motorcycle Theory Test Practice: 25 more questions with answers and explanations.

Motorcycle
United Kingdom
190 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 25
Why should you check that your steering moves freely before a ride?
- It keeps the tyres warm
- Stiff or notchy steering makes the bike hard to control
- It helps the engine start
- It is needed for the brake light
Show answer
Answer: B. Stiff or notchy steering makes the bike hard to control
Steering should move smoothly from lock to lock. Stiffness or notches can mean a fault that affects control.
Question 2 of 25
In the diagram, the rider presses the right handgrip forward. What happens?
- The front brake comes on
- The motorcycle leans right and turns right
- The motorcycle leans left and turns left
- The motorcycle slows down
Show answer
Answer: B. The motorcycle leans right and turns right
At speed, pressing the right grip forward makes the motorcycle lean and turn right. This is countersteering.
Question 3 of 25
Using countersteering, how do you start a lean to the left at normal road speeds?
- Shift your weight backwards
- Press the left handgrip forward
- Pull both grips back
- Press the right handgrip forward
Show answer
Answer: B. Press the left handgrip forward
Press the grip on the side you want to go. Pressing the left grip forward starts a lean to the left.
Question 4 of 25
In a normal bend like the one in the diagram, how should your body lean?
- Against the motorcycle
- Upright while the motorcycle leans
- With the motorcycle, at the same angle
- Forward onto the tank
Show answer
Answer: C. With the motorcycle, at the same angle
In a normal bend, rider and machine lean together.
Question 5 of 25
Marker 1 in the diagram shows the rider’s head. What should it do in a bend?
- Turn to watch the mirrors
- Look down at the front wheel
- Stay level, with the eyes in line with the horizon
- Tilt with the motorcycle
Show answer
Answer: C. Stay level, with the eyes in line with the horizon
Keeping your head level helps your balance and lets you judge the bend.
Question 6 of 25
Where should you normally ride in your lane when there are no hazards?
- Close to the kerb
- Around the centre of your lane
- On the centre line
- In the gutter
Show answer
Answer: B. Around the centre of your lane
The centre of your lane is your normal position. Move from it when hazards or your view make another position safer.
Question 7 of 25
What is a "lifesaver" look?
- A look at the speedometer
- A look in your mirrors after you have turned
- A final look over your shoulder into the blind spot before you change direction
- A check of your tyres before a ride
Show answer
Answer: C. A final look over your shoulder into the blind spot before you change direction
Mirrors do not show everything behind you. Rule 88 says check behind and to the sides before manoeuvring; a last look over your shoulder covers the blind spot.
Question 8 of 25
Before you move off, what should you do?
- Rev the engine
- Use your mirrors and look round to check your blind spots
- Signal and pull out at once
- Sound your horn
Show answer
Answer: B. Use your mirrors and look round to check your blind spots
Rule 159: before moving off, use all mirrors and look round for blind spots. Only move off when it is safe.
Question 9 of 25
Which routine should you use before every change of speed or direction?
- Brake, signal, steer
- Signal, manoeuvre, observation
- Manoeuvre, observation, signal
- Observation, signal, manoeuvre
Show answer
Answer: D. Observation, signal, manoeuvre
Rule 88 reminds riders to use Observation – Signal – Manoeuvre.
Question 10 of 25
On a dry road, which brake gives the most stopping power on most motorcycles?
- Both give the same
- The front brake
- The engine cut-out switch
- The rear brake
Show answer
Answer: B. The front brake
Weight shifts forward when you brake, so the front brake gives most of the stopping power. Use both brakes in normal riding.
Question 11 of 25
When is the safest time to brake hard?
- While changing lanes
- When the motorcycle is upright and travelling in a straight line
- While leaning over
- In the middle of a bend
Show answer
Answer: B. When the motorcycle is upright and travelling in a straight line
Your tyres have the most grip for braking when the machine is upright and going straight.
Question 12 of 25
Where should you do most of your slowing down for a bend?
- In the middle of the bend
- You should not slow down for bends
- At the exit of the bend
- Before the bend, while upright
Show answer
Answer: D. Before the bend, while upright
Slow down before you reach the bend, so you can ride through it with a steady throttle.
Question 13 of 25
How should you use the throttle as you ride through a bend?
- Close it suddenly in the middle
- Open it fully as you enter
- Pull in the clutch and coast
- Keep a steady or gently rising throttle
Show answer
Answer: D. Keep a steady or gently rising throttle
A steady or gently increasing throttle keeps the motorcycle stable through the bend.
Question 14 of 25
What is the main cause of skidding on a motorcycle?
- The weather alone
- The rider braking, accelerating or steering too harshly
- Other road users
- Worn indicators
Show answer
Answer: B. The rider braking, accelerating or steering too harshly
Most skids are caused by harsh use of the controls. Brake, accelerate and steer smoothly, especially on poor surfaces.
Question 15 of 25
Why is coasting (riding with the clutch pulled in) dangerous?
- It saves too much fuel
- It is only dangerous uphill
- It makes the bike too slow
- It removes engine braking and reduces your control
Show answer
Answer: D. It removes engine braking and reduces your control
Rule 122: coasting removes engine braking, lets speed build downhill and affects steering, especially on bends.
Question 16 of 25
Where should your feet be while you ride?
- On the engine casing
- Hanging near the road at low speed
- On the pillion footrests
- On the footrests, with toes pointing forward
Show answer
Answer: D. On the footrests, with toes pointing forward
Keep your feet on the footrests, ready to use the gear lever and rear brake. Toes pointing down can catch the road.
Question 17 of 25
Why should you use a lower gear on a long, steep downhill?
- So engine braking helps control your speed
- To use less fuel
- So you can coast
- To make the engine quieter
Show answer
Answer: A. So engine braking helps control your speed
A lower gear lets the engine help hold your speed, so you rely less on the brakes.
Question 18 of 25
Why do many collisions with motorcycles happen at junctions?
- Riders always have priority
- Junctions have no road markings
- Motorcycles cannot stop at junctions
- Drivers pulling out fail to see the rider
Show answer
Answer: D. Drivers pulling out fail to see the rider
Rule 211 warns drivers that motorcyclists are hard to see, especially at junctions. Ride as if drivers may not have seen you.
Question 19 of 25
You are riding behind a car. Where should you be so the driver can see you?
- On the pavement edge
- In a position where you are visible in their mirrors
- Directly behind the car, close to the bumper
- Hidden in their blind spot
Show answer
Answer: B. In a position where you are visible in their mirrors
Rule 88: position yourself so drivers in front can see you in their mirrors.
Question 20 of 25
A large lorry ahead is signalling left at a junction. What should you do?
- Stay behind it and do not ride up its left side
- Ride alongside its cab so the driver sees you
- Sound your horn and pass on either side
- Overtake it on the left before it turns
Show answer
Answer: A. Stay behind it and do not ride up its left side
Long vehicles may swing out before turning left and can trap a rider on their left. Hang back until it has turned.
Question 21 of 25
You are about to pass a bus that has stopped at a bus stop. What should you be ready for?
- The bus reversing
- Pedestrians stepping out from in front of the bus
- Nothing; buses never move off without warning
- Cyclists on the pavement only
Show answer
Answer: B. Pedestrians stepping out from in front of the bus
People getting off a bus may cross in front of it, hidden from your view. The bus may also pull away. Slow down and be ready to stop.
Question 22 of 25
How should you filter through slow-moving traffic?
- With care, keeping your speed low
- At high speed, to spend less time between vehicles
- With your horn sounding constantly
- On the pavement
Show answer
Answer: A. With care, keeping your speed low
Rule 88: when filtering in slow-moving traffic, take care and keep your speed low.
Question 23 of 25
When riding past a queue of traffic, which hazard should you look out for?
- Wet paint
- Pedestrians crossing between vehicles
- Trains
- Cyclists on a motorway
Show answer
Answer: B. Pedestrians crossing between vehicles
Rule 88: watch for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and for vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes.
Question 24 of 25
Why might you use dipped headlights during the day?
- To make yourself more conspicuous
- Because it is required on all roads
- To warn others you are about to stop
- To see the road better at midday
Show answer
Answer: A. To make yourself more conspicuous
Rule 86: dipped headlights in daylight may make you more conspicuous. Drivers may still not have seen you.
Question 25 of 25
Where is it unsafe to overtake?
- On a dual carriageway when it is safe
- When the vehicle ahead is turning right and has signalled
- Approaching a junction, a bend or the brow of a hill
- On a straight road with a clear view
Show answer
Answer: C. Approaching a junction, a bend or the brow of a hill
Rules 166 and 167: do not overtake where you cannot see far enough ahead, such as at a bend or the brow of a hill, or where you might come into conflict with others, such as at a junction.

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