Module 2

on-road test: what happens

You must pass module 1 before you can take the module 2 test.

You can book both modules at the same time, but if you do not pass module 1 you must wait 3 working days before you can retake it.

The module 2 test normally takes about 40 minutes and includes:

  • an eyesight check
  • show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
  • road riding
  • independent riding

You must bring your module 1 pass certificate to the module 2 test, plus all the documents you had to bring to the module 1 test.

Eyesight check

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

  • 20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
  • 20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, for example AB51 ABC.

You’ll fail your riding test if you fail the eyesight check.

‘Show me, tell me’ questions

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety checks.

Road riding

You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways. You’ll be asked to carry out:

  • normal stops
  • an angle start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle)
  • a hill start (where possible)

The examiner will give you directions using a radio. They’ll normally follow you on a motorcycle.

Driving test routes are not published, so you can not check them before your test.

Independent riding

You’ll have about 10 minutes of independent riding. This is designed to assess your ability to ride safely while making your own decisions.

You can ask the examiner to repeat the directions if you forget them – you will not fail the test if you go off the route. You can not use sat nav.

Your test result

You’ll be told if you’ve passed module 2 at the end of the test.
The examiner will make a note of:

  • dangerous faults – these involve actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
  • serious faults – these are potentially dangerous
  • riding faults – these are not potentially dangerous, but could become serious if you keep making the same mistake

You’ll pass module 2 if you make:

  • no serious or dangerous faults (sometimes called ‘majors’)
  • no more than 10 riding faults (sometimes called ‘minors’)

If you pass your test the examiner will:

  • tell you what faults you made, if any
  • give you a pass certificate
  • ask you if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically – give the examiner your provisional licence if you want to do this

You can start riding without L plates straight away when you’ve passed your test. You do not need to wait for your full licence to arrive.

If you do not pass

You have to book another module 2 test and pay again. You have to choose a date at least 10 working days away.