TL;DR: The DVLA are adding questions to the first aid section of the motorcycle theory test. These changes cover CPR and AEDs. They’ll help you become safer rider who can save a life in a cardiact arrest emergency.

Getting your motorcycle licence means passing a series of tests in a specific order. That’s the Compulsory Basic Training first. After that, there’s the two part Motorcycle Theory Test (multiple choice questions and hazard perception). Finally, your two-part practical licence test (Module 1 off-road and Module 2 on-road). But do you know about the motorcycle theory test changes?

The DVSA are always improving safety and competency on our road. This time they’re boosting cardiac arrest survival rates by making sure more people know how to respond in this kind of emergency. The motorcycle theory test changes will include enhanced first aid questions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The new questions around life-saving skills will create more responsible and prepared riders.

Read on if you’re planning to take your test in the near future. We’re breaking down the most important motorcycle theory test changes (starting now (Autumn 2025) and becoming mandatory in early 2026). We’re giving you the exact tools you need to show up fully prepared and confidence for your motorcycle theory test. Ready? Let’s roll!

What are the big motorcycle theory test changes?

The most immediate and significant change to the motorcycle theory test (and the theory test for drivers too) is the enhanced focus on first aid and life-saving skills. Often motorists and motorcyclists are the first on the scene of an emergency.

By expanding the theory test question bank to include new and enhanced questions about two life-saving techniques, they’re preparing you so you know how to help with:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Enhanced questions cover the correct techniques, including proper hand placement and the correct compression depth (around 5 to 6 cm, or 2 to 2.5 inches for an adult) and rate (100 to 120 compressions a minute).
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): For the first time, questions will be added about and when to use these devices, how to recognise the need for one, and how to access a public AED.

Extending road safety beyond your ride

This update is part of a national effort to improve cardiac arrest survival rates, which are currently less than 10% for the 40,000+ out-of-hospital cases in the UK each year. By contrast, starting CPR and using an AED within 3 to 5 minutes can raise survival rates to 70%. By equipping millions of learners with this awareness, the DVSA is building a generation of confident first responders.

These confirmed motorcycle theory test changes won’t increase the cost of the test, the time allowed to complete it, or the minimum pass mark (which is 43/50). They simply update existing content to reflect current best practice.

Other changes to motorcycle licence tests

While the new first aid questions covering CPR and AED are definite, ongoing discussions about motorcycle licence reform UK aim for a full-scale review. Influential industry bodies like the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) often criticise the licensing system as complex, repetitive, and costly. Key proposals being discussed for motorcycle licence changes include:

• Changing the motorcycle licence test structure: Scrapping the current two-part practical motorcycle licence test to replace with a single, combined final assessment.
• Streamlining the motorcycle licence system: Introducing a more streamlined route that better encourages progression from smaller A1 to larger A licences, rather than creating ‘perpetual learners’ on L-plates with the CBT assessment.
• Swapping the test order: Potentially requiring the theory test to be passed before Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), so a foundational knowledge of motorcycle riding licence exam questions and the Highway Code is gained before a student gets on a bike.

These remain as just proposals at this time, but they demonstrate the industry’s commitment to creating a safer, clearer, and simpler pathway for new riders.

Your Essential Theory Test Questions Answered

If you’re just starting your journey toward a full motorcycle licence, the rules, timings, and required scores can be the biggest source of confusion. Don’t worry—we’ve got everything you need. Here are the essential answers you need to navigate the testing process smoothly and confidently.

Preparing for riding success

When preparing for your licence, many riders focus solely on the Mod 1 and Mod 2 practical tests. While vital, your journey starts with knowledge. The Motorcycle Theory Test, with its new demands for CPR/AED knowledge and its tricky Hazard Perception section, is a serious hurdle that demands your time and attention.

Knowledge saves time and money

Passing is about developing your knowledge and awareness not only to ace the test, but more importantly, to become a safe, competent rider. Unprepared candidates often face a frustrating cycle:

• Failure: Failing one or both parts of the theory test.
• Delay & Cost: Having to pay for and re-book the entire assessment at least three business days after your first try. That costs £23 each time and delays the start of their full licence training.
• Pressure: The mandatory two-year expiry date on the CBT and motorcycle theory test certificate means any delay puts pressure on getting the practical tests booked and passed in time.

Investing in quality preparation is the only way to avoid delays and ensure you hit the road with genuine confidence.

The Tools for Riding Success

We believe good preparation starts well before you take your test. This is why we offer targeted training resources for every stage of your journey:

Build a strong foundation with pre-CBT training

Before you even sit your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), you can get familiar with the controls of a motorcycle or scooter. It removes a huge amount of stress. Our Pre-CBT Training Prep Package gives you a head-start away from the pressure of the training day.

• What it covers: These 1 or 2-hour sessions (£40 per hour) let you ride a 50cc or 125cc bike in a secure, off-road training area with a friendly instructor.
• The benefit: You’re introduced to fundamental skills—clutch control, balance, and gear shifting—before the official CBT starts. This means you’ll spend less time mastering the basic controls and more time developing road skills when the CBT road ride begins. A strong foundation here sets you up for success in every stage that follows, from the theory test to your full licence.

Esitu Hazard Perception Test Prep: Mastering Rider Awareness

The Hazard Perception Test catches many riders out because you need specific timing to score highly. And the official DVSA HPT uses car driver footage, which doesn’t always reflect the unique situations motorcyclists find themselves in, like filtering, road surface issues, or close passes.

Using dedicated, motorcycle-specific preparation software is key. Esitu’s Hazard Perception Test Prep platform uses clips filmed from real bikes on UK roads. They capture specific hazards from a rider’s perspective preparing you to ace the second part of your motorcycle theory test.

• Why Esitu is Essential: It helps you hone the crucial cognitive skill of spotting developing hazards. That accelerates your awareness faster and is way safer than waiting for real-world experience. Mastering this skill is a core component of all motorcycle driving licence exam questions and essential for safety.

Your next steps to riding free

The changes coming to the motorcycle theory test—especially the confirmed CPR/AED questions and the push for wider motorcycle licence reform UK—all reinforce one crucial message: preparation is non-negotiable.

We provide the instruction and extra resources you need to cruise from yourfirst lesson (CBT) to passing your final Mod 2 test with confidence. All of our training materials and courses reflect the latest DVSA requirements, ensuring you’re preparing for success from day one.

Ready to start your journey? Book your CBT training with us today!