To ride a motorcycle safely in UK rain, cold or heat, wear a legal, correctly fitted helmet and use a motorcycle-specific jacket, trousers, gloves and over-the-ankle boots suited to the conditions. Adjust your speed, following distance and control inputs to the grip and visibility available, and treat hi-vis as useful extra conspicuity, not a substitute for observation, positioning and planning.
Last reviewed by the Universal Motorcycle Training® instructor team in July 2026.
The legal minimum and the sensible safety standard are not the same. For most riders on public roads, the binding requirement is an approved motorcycle helmet that is securely fastened. Protective clothing, boots, gloves and hi-vis are strongly advised, but are not generally legal requirements for ordinary road riding. Training providers can set stricter clothing rules, and hi-vis is required during training with Universal Motorcycle Training®.
What should you wear to ride a motorcycle in the UK?
What the law requires
The Highway Code states that riders and pillion passengers must wear a compliant protective helmet and fasten it securely, subject to the statutory exemption for a Sikh wearing a turban. GOV.UK currently recognises helmets meeting BS 6658:1985 with the BSI Kitemark, UNECE Regulation 22.05, UNECE Regulation 22.06, or an accepted equivalent EEA standard. If you use a visor or goggles, they must also meet the relevant standard. See Highway Code rules 83 and 84 and the GOV.UK motorcycle helmet guidance.
What good riding kit should include
- Helmet: a snug, comfortable fit with no known impact damage. For a new purchase, UNECE 22.06 is the sensible current choice. You can also compare approved helmets through the official SHARP helmet safety scheme.
- Jacket and trousers: motorcycle-specific, abrasion-resistant material with impact protectors at vulnerable areas. Choose waterproof layers for wet weather and controllable ventilation for heat.
- Gloves: full-finger motorcycle gloves that cover the wrists and still allow accurate use of the throttle, brakes, clutch and switches.
- Boots: secure, over-the-ankle motorcycle boots with grip, support and protection around the ankle, heel and shin.
- Eye and hearing protection: keep the visor clean and use a road-legal clear visor in darkness or poor visibility. Consider properly fitted ear protection for longer rides, as Highway Code rule 84 advises.
For CBT, GOV.UK says learners must attend in a suitable helmet, boots, trousers, jacket and gloves, and training can be stopped if the clothing is unsuitable. Complete beginners who want time to become familiar with the controls before CBT can start with our Beginner’s Introduction to Motorcycling course.
How do you ride safely in the rain?
Rain reduces grip and visibility, particularly after a dry spell when oil, rubber dust and dirt rise to the surface. The Highway Code says stopping distances are at least double those on a dry road, so increase the gap ahead and create more time to plan. Rain and spray also make riders harder to see. Highway Code rule 227 gives the official wet-weather guidance.
- Reduce speed before bends, junctions and roundabouts, then use the throttle, brakes and steering smoothly.
- Avoid harsh braking while leaned over. Complete most braking while the motorcycle is upright.
- Treat painted markings, metal covers, diesel spills, wet leaves and standing water as possible low-grip areas.
- Keep the visor clear, use dipped headlights where appropriate and position for a view without riding through obvious surface hazards.
- Avoid following large vehicles closely, as their spray can seriously restrict your view.
How do you ride in winter and cold conditions?
Before riding, check the forecast and consider whether the journey is necessary. The Highway Code advises against driving in ice or snow unless the journey is essential, notes that stopping distances can be up to ten times greater, and warns against sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Motorcycles have a smaller margin for error on ice, so postponing the ride is often the safest decision.
- Use thin thermal layers under protective kit, with a windproof and waterproof outer layer.
- Keep your hands and feet warm enough for precise control. Insulated gloves, winter boots and heated grips can help.
- Expect ice on bridges, shaded bends, untreated side roads and places where water runs across the carriageway.
- Check tyre condition and pressure, lights, battery, brakes and chain before setting off.
- Rinse road salt from the motorcycle and maintain the chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Strong crosswinds also require care. Expect sudden gusts on bridges, exposed roads, gaps in hedges and when passing large vehicles. Leave extra space, keep a relaxed grip and avoid abrupt changes of direction.
How do you stay safe riding in summer and heat?
Do not replace protective kit with exposed skin. Use ventilated motorcycle clothing, open the designed vents, carry water and take breaks before concentration drops. The Highway Code also warns that hot road surfaces can soften, rain after a dry spell can make the road slippery, and bright sunlight may require you to slow down or stop.
- Choose light, breathable base layers and ventilated protective clothing rather than riding without protection.
- Plan demanding journeys outside the hottest part of the day where practical.
- Use a road-legal visor solution for glare and change to a clear visor before darkness or poor visibility.
- If heat is affecting your concentration or comfort, stop safely, cool down and drink water before continuing.
Do you need hi-vis or reflective clothing?
Hi-vis is not generally a legal requirement for a motorcyclist riding on UK roads. It is guidance and good practice. The Highway Code recommends fluorescent clothing or strips in daylight and reflective clothing or strips in darkness. Fluorescent material helps in daylight, while reflective material returns light from vehicle headlamps at night.
Conspicuity helps, but it does not guarantee that another road user has seen you. Keep using safe road position, appropriate speed, lights, observation and an escape plan, especially at junctions. Universal Motorcycle Training® requires hi-vis during training so instructors and other road users can identify trainees clearly.
Frequently asked questions
Is hi-vis a legal requirement in the UK?
No, not generally for motorcyclists on public roads. It is strongly recommended for conspicuity, and reflective material is especially useful at night. Hi-vis is required during training with Universal Motorcycle Training®.
What helmet standard do I need?
Your helmet must meet a standard accepted for UK road use, including UNECE 22.05, UNECE 22.06 or BS 6658:1985 with the BSI Kitemark. For a new helmet, choose UNECE 22.06, ensure the fit is secure and comfortable, and consider its SHARP safety rating.
Can I do my CBT in the rain?
Yes. Rain alone does not normally prevent CBT motorcycle training. Bring suitable waterproof protective clothing and be prepared to use smoother controls, lower speeds and longer following distances. The instructor will only continue each part when it is safe.
Does bad weather cancel training?
Not automatically. We assess the training site, local roads, visibility, wind, temperature and forecast. We may change, pause or postpone training when ice, snow, flooding, heavy rain, severe wind, extreme heat or very poor visibility makes it unsafe. We will give affected learners as much notice as reasonably possible, although sudden changes can sometimes happen after training has started.
Returning riders can rebuild confidence and develop their planning, cornering and hazard-management skills through the Enhanced Rider Scheme.
Book motorcycle training with Universal Motorcycle Training® seven days a week across London and Hertfordshire at Alperton, Croydon, Dagenham, Edgware, Eltham, Hoddesdon and Wimbledon. Find your nearest location on our centres page.