Rules for motorcyclists (83 to 88)
Rules for motorcyclists, including helmets, carrying passengers, daylight riding and riding in the dark.
These Rules are in addition to those in the following sections which apply to all vehicles. See ‘Motorcycle licence requirements’.
General (rules 83 to 88)
Rule 83
On all journeys, the rider and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped MUST wear a protective helmet. This does not apply to a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST be fastened securely. Riders and passengers of motor tricycles and quadricycles, also called quadbikes, should also wear a protective helmet. Before each journey check that your helmet visor is clean and in good condition.
Rule 84
It is also advisable to wear eye protectors, which MUST comply with the Regulations. Scratched or poorly fitting eye protectors can limit your view when riding, particularly in bright sunshine and the hours of darkness. Consider wearing ear protection. Strong boots, gloves and suitable clothing may help to protect you if you are involved in a collision.
Rule 85
You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. They should face forward with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motorcycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.
Rule 86
Daylight riding. Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear. You could wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may also make you more conspicuous. However, be aware that other vehicle drivers may still not have seen you, or judged your distance or speed correctly, especially at junctions.
Rule 86: Help yourself to be seen
Rule 87
Riding in the dark. Wear reflective clothing or strips to improve your visibility in the dark. These reflect light from the headlamps of other vehicles, making you visible from a longer distance. See Rules 113 to 116 for lighting requirements.
Rule 88
Manoeuvring. You should be aware of what is behind and to the sides before manoeuvring. Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted. When in traffic queues look out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes. Position yourself so that drivers in front can see you in their mirrors. Additionally, when filtering in slow-moving traffic, take care and keep your speed low.
Remember: Observation – Signal – Manoeuvre
Rules for Motorcyclists: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
The key motorcycle rules cover protective equipment, passengers, visibility, riding in darkness and safe manoeuvring.
Wear a compliant protective helmet
The rider and pillion passenger must wear a protective helmet that complies with the applicable regulations and is securely fastened. Check the helmet before riding.
Check your helmet before every journey
Make sure the helmet is suitable, securely fastened and in good condition. A dirty or damaged visor can also reduce your view.
Who must wear the helmet?
Remember that the requirement applies to both the rider and pillion passenger. The Highway Code also contains a specific religious exemption for a Sikh rider or passenger wearing a turban.
Protect your eyes and body
Suitable eye protection can help protect your eyes and maintain a clear view. Protective clothing, gloves and strong boots can also reduce injury in a collision.
Never compromise your view
Scratched, dirty or poorly fitting eye protection can affect your vision, especially in bright sunlight or darkness. Keep your equipment suitable for the conditions.
What can poor eye protection cause?
It can restrict your view and make riding more difficult, particularly when lighting conditions are challenging.
Carry passengers only when permitted
A motorcycle must be designed to carry a pillion passenger. The passenger must use the proper seat, face forward and use the footrests. Provisional licence holders must not carry a pillion passenger.
Check the motorcycle and your licence
Before carrying someone, make sure the machine is designed for a pillion passenger and that your licence permits you to carry one.
Can a provisional rider carry a passenger?
No. A provisional licence holder must not carry a pillion passenger. This is a common rule-based Theory Test question.
Make yourself visible in all conditions
Use clothing and equipment that make you easier to see. In darkness, reflective materials can help other road users notice you in their headlights.
Being visible is not enough
Even if you are clearly visible, other drivers may misjudge your speed or distance. Take particular care at junctions and never assume another driver has seen you.
Why can a motorcycle be difficult to judge?
Other drivers may fail to notice a motorcycle or misjudge its speed and distance. The correct response is increased observation and caution, especially at junctions.
Observe before manoeuvring
Before changing position, overtaking or moving around traffic, check what is behind and to the sides. Use mirrors if fitted and look directly where necessary.
Use Observation → Signal → Manoeuvre
Check your surroundings first, communicate your intention when appropriate, then carry out the manoeuvre only when it is safe. Keep your speed low when filtering through slow traffic.
What should you watch for in queues?
Look for pedestrians crossing between vehicles, vehicles emerging from junctions and drivers changing lanes. Filtering requires particular care and low speed.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Several motorcycle situations look similar but require different actions.
Rules for Motorcyclists: Theory Test FAQ
Do motorcyclists have to wear a helmet?
Yes. The rider and pillion passenger must wear a protective helmet that complies with the applicable regulations and is securely fastened. The Highway Code contains a specific exemption for a Sikh rider or passenger wearing a turban.
Can a provisional licence holder carry a pillion passenger?
No. A provisional licence holder must not carry a pillion passenger. This is an important rule to remember for the Theory Test.
What are the rules for carrying a pillion passenger?
The motorcycle must be designed to carry a passenger. The pillion must sit astride the machine on the proper seat, face forward and use the footrests. The applicable licence requirements must also be met.
Is eye protection required when riding a motorcycle?
The Highway Code advises the use of suitable eye protection. It should comply with the applicable regulations, fit properly and provide a clear view. Scratched or poorly fitting protection can restrict vision.
How can motorcyclists make themselves more visible?
Bright or fluorescent clothing and a light-coloured helmet can help in daylight. Reflective clothing or strips can improve visibility in darkness. Remember that being visible does not guarantee that other drivers will judge your speed or distance correctly.
Why are motorcycles difficult for other drivers to judge?
A motorcycle can be less noticeable than a larger vehicle, and drivers may misjudge its speed or distance. This is particularly important at junctions, where the rider should never assume they have been seen.
What should a motorcyclist do before manoeuvring?
Check what is behind and to the sides, using mirrors if fitted. Follow the key sequence: Observation → Signal → Manoeuvre. A signal should never be treated as proof that the manoeuvre is safe.
What should motorcyclists watch for in traffic queues?
Watch for pedestrians crossing between vehicles, vehicles emerging from junctions and vehicles changing lanes. These hazards can appear suddenly because other vehicles restrict your view.
Is filtering through slow-moving traffic safe?
Filtering requires extra care. Keep your speed low and be prepared for vehicles to change lanes, move unexpectedly or for pedestrians to appear between vehicles.
What should motorcyclists wear when riding in the dark?
Reflective clothing or strips can improve visibility by reflecting light from other vehicles' headlamps. Motorcyclists should also follow the current lighting requirements.