← Rules for motorcyclists
Rule 85: Carrying a pillion passenger
Legal requirement — says MUST
General (rules 83 to 88)
You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. They should face forward with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motorcycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.
Why the capitals matter. The Highway Code writes a rule in capitals — MUST or MUST NOT — when it is backed by law, so breaking it is a criminal offence. The rules that do not use capitals are advice.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Motorcycle
- What must your motorcycle have if you're going to carry a pillion passenger? Motorcycle loading
- When may a motorcyclist carry a pillion passenger? Essential documents
- When should you consider increasing your tyre pressures? Safety and your motorcycle
- When are motorcyclists allowed to use high-intensity rear fog lights? Safety margins
- You're about to emerge from a junction. Your pillion passenger tells you it's clear. When should you rely on their judgement? Alertness