The Module 1 (Mod 1) motorcycle test is an off-road, roughly 20-minute practical exam conducted by the DVSA in the UK to assess your machine handling skills. It takes place at a designated motorcycle manoeuvring area (MMA).

Here is a breakdown of what you must do during the test:

Mandatory Test Exercises

You will be asked to perform several manoeuvres, categorised by speed:

Slow Speed Manoeuvres

• Manual Handling: Remove the bike from the stand, wheel it backwards in a straight line, and park it using the stand, all without turning on the engine.
• Slalom & Figure of Eight: Ride in a zigzag pattern around cones and then perform a figure of eight around two cones.
• Slow Ride: Ride at a walking pace in a straight line, often with the examiner walking alongside to check control.
• U-turn: Perform a U-turn within designated marked lines (approx. 7.5m apart).

Higher Speed Manoeuvres (Min 50kph / 32mph)

• Controlled Stop: Ride around a circuit, exit a bend, and stop with your front wheel between two cones.
• Emergency Stop: Accelerate to at least 50kph (32mph) and brake to a stop in a controlled manner, as instructed.
• Hazard Avoidance (Swerve): Accelerate to at least 50kph (32mph), then steer around a cone (avoidance), and stop safely.

Key Requirements to Pass

• Observations: You must perform full shoulder checks before moving off, and ensure you check around you when doing manoeuvres.
• No More than 5 Faults: You can fail with 6 or more riding faults (minor errors).
• Zero Serious/Dangerous Faults: Hitting a cone or failing a speed check.
• Control: Keep the motorcycle upright and in control at all times, showing good clutch and rear brake control.

Preparation Checklist

• Documents: Bring your valid CBT certificate, theory test pass certificate, and your UK photocard licence.
• Gear: Wear appropriate protective motorcycle clothing.
• Bike: Ensure the motorcycle you are using is roadworthy, has L-plates, and has a mph speedometer.

You must pass Mod 1 before you can take the Module 2 (on-road) test. If you fail, you must wait at least 3 working days to retake it.

Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

• Turn the ignition on (if necessary) and press the horn button briefly to check for a clear sound.

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working.

• Turn the ignition on, operate the front and rear brake levers individually, and check for the light using a reflection (e.g., a window or garage door) or by placing a hand behind the light.

Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine.

• Move the handlebars smoothly from full left lock to full right lock. Check that no cables are stretched, trapped, or pinched, and that there is no snagging.

Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake / both brakes on this machine.

• Wheel the machine forward slightly and apply the front brake to ensure it stops the bike. Also, squeeze the front lever and press the rear pedal to check they don’t feel unusually spongy or have excessive travel.

Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut-out switch.

• Flick the kill switch into the “off” position (done with the engine off/ignition on, or you can point to it and explain it kills the engine instantly).

Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.

• Turn the ignition on, operate the high beam switch, and point out the blue main beam warning light on the dashboard.

Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

• Point to either the sight glass or the dipstick. Explain that the bike must be upright on level ground (engine cold). The oil should be between the minimum and maximum markers. (If it has a dipstick, explain you’d remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the level).

Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.

• Point to the reservoirs (usually transparent on the handlebars for the front, and near the frame for the rear). Explain that with the bike upright, the fluid should be between the high and low markings.

Tell me how you would check that the lights and reflectors are clean and working.

• Explain that you would turn on the ignition/engine and walk around the bike to visually inspect that all lights (headlight, tail light, indicators) and reflectors are clean and functioning.

Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine.

• Explain that you would check the chain for wear, rust, or stiff links, and check the rear sprocket for broken or pointed teeth. State that you would check the tension (usually 20–30mm of play) against the user handbook and ensure the rear wheel alignment markers are equal on both sides.

Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth, and that their general condition is safe.

• Pressure: Check using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold, comparing against the owner’s manual.
• Condition: Visually check for any cuts, bulges, tears, or exposed cord.
• Tread depth: Must be a minimum of 1mm deep across the central three-quarters of the tyre, in a continuous band all the way around. (Note: This is different from the 1.6mm required for cars!)

What adjustments would you consider making to the motorcycle before carrying a pillion passenger?

• I would check the owner’s manual and:
• Increase the rear tyre pressure.
• Stiffen the rear suspension (increase the pre-load).
• Adjust the mirrors (as the rear will squat down).
• Adjust the headlight aim down.
• Unfold the rear footpegs.

What advice would you give to a passenger who has never been on the back of a motorcycle before?

• I would tell them to:
• Wear an approved, correctly fitted safety helmet and protective gear.
• Sit astride the bike facing forward, with their feet firmly on the pegs at all times.
• Hold onto the grab rails, seat strap, or my waist.
• Sit still, don’t fidget, and don’t give any arm signals.
• Lean with me into corners, and don’t get on or off until I say it’s safe.

How will carrying a pillion passenger or heavy luggage affect the handling of the motorcycle?

• Braking: Stopping distances will increase; it will take longer to slow down.
• Acceleration: Slower to pull away, and the front wheel may feel very light/vague.
• Cornering: The center of gravity is higher, making the bike feel top-heavy. It will drop into corners quicker but be harder to pull back up.
• Slow speed: Low-speed balance will be harder to maintain.

What can affect the balance of your motorcycle?

• Poor maintenance (worn tyres, incorrect pressures, loose chain, bad suspension), poor road surfaces (oil, gravel, ice, wet leaves), bad weather (strong side winds), unevenly distributed luggage, or carrying a passenger.