Smart Learning - What to expect on your practical test

On arriving at the test centre you will need to present your driving licence (both parts) and your CBT certificate (DL196). You will then need to sign to confirm your identity and that you are not impersonating another person (this is illegal and carries a custodial sentence).

You will then be fitted with a radio and the examiner will explain how the test will work. Before riding you may be asked to read a number plate to prove you meet the eyesight requirements. You will also be asked 2 vehicle safety check questions (click here for a list of the possible questions) and also a question on how carrying a passenger effects handling.

During the test specific manoeuvres must be carried which include:

Emergency stop exercise - an emergency stop is given on every motorcycle test and can be given at any time during the test. The candidate will be told the route to take and the examiner will demonstrate the signal that will be given.
Wheeling / stand exercise - the candidate will be asked to position the machine alongside the kerb and put it on its stand, then take the machine off the stand and wheel it across the road in a 'U' turn. (Either a centre or side stand is acceptable, but a machine without a stand is not suitable for the purposes of the test).
U-turn exercise - the examiner will ask the candidate to ride the machine back across the road. The candidate will be asked to move off from a parked position and to turn the machine around to face the opposite way, within the road width.
Slow ride exercise - if the candidate has not had the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to control the machine at slow speed e.g. at junctions, they will be asked to ride as if in slow-moving traffic as a separate exercise.

At the end of the test you examiner will inform you if you have passed or failed and you may request feedback. If you have passed the examiner can take your licence and issue you a certificate to prove you have passed. Your full licence with the new entitlements will be sent to you from the DVLA within 3 weeks of passing your practical test. If you do not wish to surrender your current licence on the date of the test you can also take the pass certificate and send your licence to the DVLA at a later stage.

If you fail you will be given feedback on why you failed and how to prepare for your next test. You must wait 10 clear working days before re-applying for your practical test.