Annex 1 - You and your bicycle
Information and rules about you and your bicycle.
You and your bicycle
Make sure that you feel confident of your ability to ride safely on the road. Be sure that
- you have the right size and type of cycle for your comfort and safety
- the lights and reflectors are kept clean and in good working order
- the tyres are in good condition and inflated to the pressure shown on the tyre
- the wheels spin freely
- the gears are working correctly
- the chain is properly adjusted and oiled
- the saddle and handlebars are adjusted to the correct height.
You should fit a bell to your cycle.
You MUST
- ensure your brakes are efficient
- have white front and red rear lights lit when cycling at night.
Cycle training: If you are an inexperienced cyclist or have not ridden for a while, consider taking a cycle training course. Some councils offer national standard cycle training such as Bikeability and in certain areas, this is free of charge. It can help build up your skills and confidence.
There are three levels to Bikeability, starting with the basics of balancing, stopping and starting safely, through to handling complex and busy junctions. You will also learn about traffic signs and the rules of the road, planning routes, safe road positioning and signalling (particularly at junctions) and basic cycle maintenance. For more information, see www.bikeability.org.uk and www.cycling.scot.
You and Your Bicycle: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
This section focuses on bicycle condition, essential equipment, visibility and the skills needed to ride safely and confidently on the road.
Start with a safe, suitable cycle
Your cycle should be the right size and type for you. Check the tyres, wheels, gears, chain, saddle and handlebars before riding.
Do a quick safety check
Make sure the wheels spin freely, the tyres are correctly inflated, the gears work properly and the chain is correctly adjusted and lubricated.
What should you check before riding?
Remember the main groups: brakes, tyres, wheels, gears, chain, lights and riding position. The aim is to make sure the cycle is safe and under proper control.
Brakes must be efficient
Efficient brakes are a legal requirement. Do not ride if you cannot rely on the cycle to slow and stop safely.
Check before entering traffic
A quick check before setting off can identify problems with braking, steering or the cycle's running condition before they become dangerous on the road.
Which bicycle requirement is mandatory?
The important distinction is between advice and a MUST requirement. Efficient brakes and the required night-time lighting are legal requirements.
Know the night-time lighting rule
When cycling at night, the required front and rear lights must be lit. The Highway Code specifies a white front light and red rear light.
Keep lights and reflectors working
Do not treat lights as optional accessories. Keep them clean, working and ready for conditions where they are legally required.
Which light goes where?
A common memory trap is the colour order: white at the front, red at the rear.
What about a bicycle bell?
The Highway Code says you should fit a bell to your cycle. Notice the wording: this is presented as guidance rather than the same MUST requirement as efficient brakes.
Ride within your ability
Confidence should come from being able to control the bicycle safely. If you are inexperienced or returning to cycling, training can help rebuild practical road skills.
What does cycle training teach?
Training can cover road positioning, signalling, junctions, route planning, traffic signs, road rules and basic cycle maintenance.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
The wording of bicycle rules can make similar requirements look more complicated than they are.
You and Your Bicycle: Theory Test FAQ
What should I check on my bicycle before riding?
Check the brakes, tyres, wheels, gears, chain, lights and reflectors. The saddle and handlebars should also be correctly adjusted and the cycle should be suitable for you.
Do bicycle brakes have to be efficient?
Yes. The Highway Code states that cyclists MUST ensure their brakes are efficient. This is an important legal requirement to remember for the Theory Test.
What colour bicycle lights are required at night?
The required front light is white and the required rear light is red. Both must be lit when cycling at night.
Should a bicycle have a bell?
The Highway Code says you should fit a bell to your cycle. Pay attention to the word “should” when comparing this guidance with requirements stated using “MUST”.
How should bicycle tyres be maintained?
Tyres should be in good condition and inflated to the pressure shown on the tyre. Checking them before riding helps identify problems that could affect safe handling.
Why is the bicycle's size important?
You should use the right size and type of cycle for your comfort and safety. Correctly adjusted saddle and handlebars also help you maintain proper control.
What should I remember about bicycle wheels?
The Highway Code says you should make sure the wheels spin freely. This is part of the basic condition check before riding.
Can cycle training help inexperienced riders?
Yes. Cycle training can help build skills and confidence, including road positioning, signalling, junction handling, route planning, traffic signs and basic cycle maintenance.
What does Bikeability training cover?
Bikeability training progresses from basic cycle control to more complex road situations. It can cover junctions, road positioning, signalling, route planning, traffic signs and basic maintenance.
What is the most important bicycle check for the Theory Test?
Do not focus on one component only. Remember the overall principle: your bicycle should be suitable, properly adjusted, well maintained, visible when required and safe to control.