Part four of the CBT is road riding theory. Your instructor talks you through riding on real roads and asks you questions. Knowing the Highway Code makes this part easier and helps you on the road ride.
The Highway Code is free to read on GOV.UK. You don't need to learn it all. Start here.
Rules for motorcyclists
There's a section written specifically for motorcyclists. It covers helmets, visibility, carrying passengers and riding at night. It's short, so read all of it.
Road signs
Know the difference between:
- Circles, which give orders (red rings say what you must not do, blue circles say what you must do).
- Triangles, which warn you.
- Rectangles, which give information.
Be sure of speed limits, give way and stop signs, and no entry.
Junctions and roundabouts
This is where most riding incidents happen. Revise:
- Who has priority at a junction and a roundabout.
- Lane choice and signalling on roundabouts.
- Looking properly before you pull out.
Road markings
Know what solid and broken white lines mean, and what yellow lines and box junctions mean.
Stopping distances
You'll hear about the two-second gap in good conditions, and why it at least doubles in the wet. Understanding why stopping takes longer than you think is more useful than memorising the numbers.
Hazards for riders
Think about what's more dangerous on two wheels: diesel spills, drain covers and painted lines in the rain, gravel on bends, and drivers who don't look properly.
Want something more structured? SL students can use a free online course that covers the Highway Code and riding in town. See before you come on our CBT page.