Motorway rules: motorcycle theory test questions
Who can use motorways, speed limits, lane discipline and what to do if you break down. Practise 15 free motorway rules questions with instant answers and explanations – no sign-up.
- 15 questions
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- Highway Code references
Motorway rules: revision notes
Motorways are built for fast, steady traffic, so speeds are high and mistakes can have serious results. Learner riders can't use them, so this topic prepares you for when you've passed your test.
- Who can't use them: riders with a provisional motorcycle licence and motorcycles under 50 cc must not use motorways (Highway Code rule 253).
- Speed limits: 70 mph for motorcycles, or 60 mph when towing a trailer (rule 124). A limit inside a red circle on a sign is mandatory (rule 261).
- Joining: give priority to traffic already on the motorway (rule 259).
- Lanes: keep left unless overtaking and don't overtake on the left (rules 264 and 268). A red X means the lane is closed.
- Stopping: only stop on the hard shoulder in an emergency (rule 271). If you break down, get well away from the traffic.
- Weather: spray and side winds on bridges can be a real problem for riders (rules 226 and 232).
Tip: plan fuel and rest stops at services before you set off, so you're never tempted to push on when tired.
All motorway rules questions and answers
Revise every question in this topic. Tap a question to see the correct answer and why.
1You've passed CBT and ride a 125 cc motorcycle with L plates. Can you use a motorway?
- Yes, if you keep to the left-hand lane
- Yes, if you've had your CBT for over a year
- Yes, outside the rush hour
- No, provisional licence holders must not use motorways ✓
Answer: No, provisional licence holders must not use motorways. Riders with a provisional motorcycle licence must not use motorways, whatever the size of the bike.
Highway Code rule 253
2You hold a full licence but your moped is under 50 cc. Can you use a motorway?
- No, motorcycles under 50 cc must not use motorways ✓
- Yes, in daylight only
- Yes, if you hold a full car licence
- Yes, if you keep to the hard shoulder
Answer: No, motorcycles under 50 cc must not use motorways. Motorways must not be used by motorcycles under 50 cc. They can't keep up with the speed of motorway traffic.
Highway Code rule 253
3What is the national speed limit for a motorcycle on a motorway?
- 50 mph
- 60 mph
- 70 mph ✓
- 80 mph
Answer: 70 mph. Motorcycles have the same 70 mph limit on motorways as cars, unless signs show a lower limit.
Highway Code rule 124
4You're riding a motorcycle towing a trailer on a motorway. What's the maximum speed?
- 40 mph
- 50 mph
- 60 mph ✓
- 70 mph
Answer: 60 mph. A motorcycle towing a trailer is limited to 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways. The extra weight also means you'll need more room to stop.
Highway Code rule 124
5What's the right lane to ride in on a clear motorway?
- The middle lane
- The left-hand lane, unless overtaking ✓
- Any lane you like
- The right-hand lane
Answer: The left-hand lane, unless overtaking. Keep to the left-hand lane unless you're overtaking, and move back once you've passed safely.
Highway Code rule 264
6Traffic on a motorway is moving freely. Can you overtake on the left?
- No, you mustn't overtake on the left ✓
- Yes, if the vehicle ahead is slow
- Yes, if you signal first
- Yes, on a motorcycle only
Answer: No, you mustn't overtake on the left. Don't overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congestion, a slower lane on your left may move faster, which is allowed.
Highway Code rule 268
7You're joining a motorway from a slip road. What should you do?
- Expect traffic on the motorway to make room for you
- Join at a low speed in the left-hand lane
- Stop at the end of the slip road
- Give priority to traffic already on the motorway ✓
Answer: Give priority to traffic already on the motorway. Give priority to traffic already on the motorway. Check for a safe gap and match your speed to the traffic in the left-hand lane.
Highway Code rule 259
8Your motorcycle breaks down on the motorway and you stop on the hard shoulder. What should you do?
- Try to fix it in the left-hand lane
- Get off and move well away from the traffic, behind the barrier if possible ✓
- Stand next to your bike and wait for help
- Sit on the bike with your hazard lights on
Answer: Get off and move well away from the traffic, behind the barrier if possible. Get well away from traffic, ideally behind the safety barrier. Call for help and wear high-visibility clothing if you have it.
Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents
9A red cross is shown above your lane on a motorway gantry. What must you do?
- Slow down to 40 mph in that lane
- Not continue in that lane ✓
- Use the hard shoulder instead
- Continue but take extra care
Answer: Not continue in that lane. A red X means the lane is closed beyond the signal. Move to another lane safely, as directed by the signs.
Highway Code: Motorways (motorway signals)
10You're approaching the exit you need on a motorway. When should you move into the left-hand lane?
- Just as you reach the exit slip road
- Only when the exit is clear
- After passing the 100-yard marker
- In good time before the exit ✓
Answer: In good time before the exit. Plan ahead and move into the left lane early. Signal left in good time to leave.
Highway Code rule 272
11Heavy spray reduces visibility on the motorway. Which two things should you do? Mark two answers.
- Move into the right-hand lane
- Keep your hazard lights on while moving
- Use dipped headlights ✓
- Ride close behind to follow the lights ahead
- Increase your distance from the vehicle in front ✓
Answer: Use dipped headlights; Increase your distance from the vehicle in front. Dipped headlights help you be seen, and a larger gap gives you more time to react in the spray.
Highway Code rule 226
12You're riding on a motorway and feel tired. What should you do?
- Leave at the next exit or services and take a break ✓
- Increase your speed to reach home quicker
- Stop on the hard shoulder for a rest
- Open your visor to keep alert
Answer: Leave at the next exit or services and take a break. Don't stop on the hard shoulder to rest. Leave the motorway at the next exit or services and take a break.
Highway Code rule 91
13On a motorway, when can you stop on the hard shoulder?
- Only in an emergency ✓
- To check your route on a map
- To make a phone call
- To rest when you feel tired
Answer: Only in an emergency. You mustn't stop on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or when directed by police or signs.
Highway Code rule 271
14The motorway signs show a lower speed limit inside a red circle. What must you do?
- Treat it only as advice
- Follow it only if you see a police car
- Follow it only in heavy traffic
- Keep to that speed limit ✓
Answer: Keep to that speed limit. A speed limit inside a red ring is mandatory. Variable limits are set to keep traffic flowing safely.
Highway Code rule 261
15Why should you take extra care when riding across a high motorway bridge or viaduct?
- Lorries are not allowed on bridges
- The road surface will be extra grippy
- You may be hit by strong side winds ✓
- Your tyres will lose air pressure
Answer: You may be hit by strong side winds. Exposed bridges and viaducts can catch strong gusts that can push a motorcycle off course. Slow down and leave room.
Highway Code rule 232
Frequently asked questions
Can learner motorcyclists ride on motorways?
No. Holders of a provisional motorcycle licence must not use motorways, even after passing CBT and even with an instructor.
What is the motorway speed limit for motorcycles?
70 mph, unless signs show a lower limit. If you're towing a trailer with your motorcycle, the limit is 60 mph.
What should I do if my motorcycle breaks down on a motorway?
Get onto the hard shoulder or into an emergency area if you can, then move well away from the traffic, behind the barrier if possible, and call for help.
Original practice questions based on The Highway Code (Open Government Licence v3.0). Not the real test questions. MockTheory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.