Motorcycles and sidecars (group A): training topics and sample questions for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Updated 1 April 2026
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
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How many questions you’ll be asked
This table shows you this year’s training topics and how many questions you’ll be asked on each topic in the annual assessment.
| Training topic | Number of questions |
|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4 |
| Information in the MOT testing guide | 5 |
| Braking requirements | 5 |
| The MOT inspection manual for motorcycles and sidecars | 12 |
| Topics from previous training years | 4 |
Questions on lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
You will be asked 4 questions on this topic. These are some examples of the subjects you will be asked questions about:
- headlamp aim
- headlamp conversions
- compliance with lighting requirements (dates, position, colour, type, separation distance
- setting up of headlamp test equipment, identifying the beam image
- multi-function lamps - position lamp or daytime running lamp (DRL) incorporated with indicator or stop lamp
- halogen lamps converted to light emitting diode (LED) or high intensity discharge (HID)
Example multiple choice question 1
A 2015 motorcycle is fitted with front and rear position lamps incorporated with the direction indicator lamps. The lamps remain illuminated when the indicators are operated. What is your action?
A. Pass
B. Major
C. Minor
D. Recheck with engine at half throttle
Questions on information in the MOT testing guide
You will be asked 5 questions on this topic. These are some examples of the subjects you will be asked questions about:
- training logs
- driving licences, including name change
- convictions
- failure to notify convictions
- repute
- false declarations
- production of false documents or false statements to DVSA or MOT training providers
- information regarding implications of a false declaration in appendix 7 of the MOT testing guide and appendix 8 of MOT testing guide
- abort or abandon a test
- unfit to test (mentally or physically)
- non-completion of training logs (action that may be taken)
- testers with restricted driving licences
- duplicate certificates
- change of vehicle classification
- change of vehicle details
- grounds to refuse an MOT test
- grounds to decline an MOT test
- discipline (section I of the MOT testing guide)
- what happens if a vehicle is damaged during an MOT test
Example multiple choice question 2
A Honda Blackbird (1100cc) is presented for MOT. The only available MOT tester at the vehicle test station has a restricted driving licence, so they are not able to ride this motorcycle on the road. Should the tester:
A. Start the test anyway
B. Refuse to test the motorcycle
C. Decline to test the motorcycle
D. Conduct a pre-check to determine if the motorcycle will require a road test before starting the MOT
Questions on braking
You will be asked 5 questions on this topic. These are some examples of the subjects you will be asked questions about:
- mechanical components (discs, drums, brake pads and linings)
- cables, rods, levers and linkages
- brake pipes, rigid and flexible hoses
- hydraulic systems
- linked brakes
Example multiple choice question 3
A motorcycle is fitted with a linked brake system operated by the hand control and a separate linked system operated by the foot control. The hand control achieved an efficiency of 26% in total from both wheels, and the foot control achieved an efficiency of 25% in total from both wheels. No wheels locked during the roller brake test. What is your action?
A. Pass
B. Brake efficiency below minimum
C. Carry out a decelerometer test
D. Repeat the roller brake test
Questions on the MOT inspection manual for motorcycles and sidecars
You will be asked 12 questions on this topic. These are some examples of the subjects you will be asked questions about:
- sidecars
- handlebar condition
- forks and yokes
- structure and attachments
- tread depth of tyres
- condition of tyres
- tyre valve stem
- size and type of tyres
- suspension components
- suspension fastening devices
- suspension linkages
- wear in suspension components
- suspension bushes
Example multiple choice question 4
A motorcycle and sidecar outfit is fitted with a car type tyre fitted to the sidecar. What is your action?
A. Major as this is an unsuitable tyre that has been fitted
B. Pass
C. Pass and advise the presenter that the tyre should be changed
D. Dangerous as it is unacceptable to fit a car type tyre to a motorcycle or sidecar
Correct answers
| Question | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | A. Pass |
| Question 2 | D. Conduct a pre-check to determine if the motorcycle will require a road test before starting the MOT |
| Question 3 | C. Carry out a decelerometer test |
| Question 4 | B. Pass |