Motorcycle loading questions Motorcycle theory test

This topic has 32 practice questions. Here are 10 of them with the right answer and why.

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  1. What should you do if a trailer you're towing swerves or snakes?

    • Ease off the throttle and reduce your speedRight answer
    • Let go of the handlebars and let it correct itself
    • Brake hard and hold the brake on
    • Accelerate until it stabilises itself

    Do not be tempted to use harsh braking to stop swerving or snaking, as this could make things worse. You should reduce your speed gradually by easing off the throttle.

  2. What should you be aware of when you ride a sidecar outfit for the first time?

    • You need time to get used to itRight answer
    • You'll be able to stop in a shorter distance
    • You need to accelerate around bends
    • You can approach corners without braking

    A motorcycle with a sidecar, or a trike, will feel very different to ride than a solo motorcycle. It requires a specific technique, especially when cornering, with different methods used for right and left turns. Keep your speed down until you get used to the outfit, especially when negotiating bends and junctions.

  3. What may you need to adjust when you're carrying a heavy load on your motorcycle?

    • The footrests
    • The gear lever
    • The seat height
    • The tyre pressureRight answer

    Carrying extra weight, such as luggage or a pillion passenger, can affect the feel and handling of your motorcycle. If possible, some items may need to be adjusted to help overcome this. These adjustments include the aim of the headlights, the suspension settings, the tyre pressures and the mirrors.

  4. What are the minimum test vehicle requirements for a motorcycle used to obtain a full category 'A' licence?

    • Solo, with a maximum power of at least 25 kW (33 bhp)
    • Solo, with a maximum power of at least 11 kW (14.6 bhp)
    • Fitted with a sidecar, and with a maximum power of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp)
    • Solo, with a maximum power of at least 50 kW (67 bhp)Right answer

    To obtain the full category 'A' on your driving licence, the motorcycle you use for your practical test must be a solo machine with a cylinder capacity of at least 595 cc and a power output of at least 50 kW (67 bhp).

  5. What must you do when you're carrying a load on your motorcycle's luggage rack?

    • Make sure the load is securely fastenedRight answer
    • Make sure the load is unevenly balanced
    • Make sure the load is highly visible
    • Make sure the load is covered with plastic sheeting

    If you carry a load on your motorcycle you must make sure it's securely fastened. It's an offence to travel with an insecure load as it could fall into the path of following vehicles and cause danger.

  6. What does a person need to do when they ride as a pillion passenger?

    • Have a provisional motorcycle licence
    • Be lighter than the rider
    • Wear a motorcycle helmetRight answer
    • Give signals for the rider

    Pillion passengers must wear a correctly fastened motorcycle helmet. They must also sit astride the motorcycle, on a proper passenger seat, and use the fitted passenger footrests.

  7. What should a pillion passenger do while they're being carried on a motorcycle?

    • Give the rider directions
    • Lean with the rider when going around bendsRight answer
    • Take rear observation for the rider
    • Give arm signals for the rider

    When you ride with a pillion passenger, your motorcycle may feel unbalanced and its acceleration and braking distance may also be affected. Make sure your passenger knows they must lean with you while cornering. If they do not, they could cause the motorcycle to become unstable and difficult to control.

  8. What should your pillion passenger do while you're riding around a bend?

    • Give arm signals for you
    • Check behind for other vehicles
    • Lean with youRight answer
    • Lean to one side to see ahead

    A pillion passenger should not give signals or look around for you - that's your responsibility as the rider. If your passenger has never been on a motorcycle before, make sure they know that they need to lean with you when going around bends.

  9. What might need to be adjusted if you carry a pillion passenger?

    • Indicators
    • Exhaust
    • Fairing
    • HeadlightsRight answer

    Your headlights must be properly adjusted to avoid dazzling other road users. You might need to do this when carrying a pillion passenger, because the extra weight can cause the headlight beam to aim higher than normal. You may also need to adjust the tyre pressures and the suspension.

  10. What's the speed limit on a single carriageway road for a motorcycle towing a trailer?

    • 50 mphRight answer
    • 40 mph
    • 60 mph
    • 70 mph

    When you tow a trailer, remember that you must obey the reduced speed limits of 50 mph on a single carriageway and 60 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. Make sure that the trailer is hitched correctly and that any load in the trailer is secure. You should also bear in mind that your stopping distance may increase.

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