Rules of the road questions Motorcycle theory test

This topic has 52 practice questions. Here are 10 of them with the right answer and why.

Practise all 52 questions

  1. You're riding slowly in a town centre. Why should you glance over your left shoulder before turning left?

    • To check for cyclistsRight answer
    • To help keep your balance
    • To look for traffic signs
    • To check for potholes

    When riding slowly, you must remember to look out for cyclists - they can travel quickly and fit through surprisingly narrow spaces. Before you turn left in slow-moving traffic, it's important to check that a cyclist is not trying to filter past on your left.

  2. Which lane must not be used by a motorcyclist?

    • Crawler lane
    • Overtaking lane
    • Acceleration lane
    • Tram laneRight answer

    Always plan ahead and be aware of lanes and areas designated for specific road users only. The restrictions are sometimes in force only at certain times of day, and signs will show when they apply. In some towns, motorcycles are permitted to use bus lanes – check the signs carefully.

  3. What does this sign mean?

    • No parking for solo motorcycles
    • Parking for solo motorcyclesRight answer
    • Passing place for motorcycles
    • Police motorcycles only

    In some towns and cities there are special areas reserved for parking motorcycles. Look out for these signs.

  4. You're riding on a busy dual carriageway. What should you do before you change lanes?

    • Rely totally on your mirrors
    • Always increase your speed
    • Signal so that others will give way
    • Use mirrors and shoulder checksRight answer

    Before changing direction, as well as using your mirrors, you may need to take a quick sideways glance to check for vehicles in your blind spots. These are the areas behind and to the side of you that are not covered by your mirrors.

  5. You're looking for somewhere to park your motorcycle. Neither you nor your passenger are disabled. What should you do if the area is full, except for spaces marked ‘disabled use’?

    • Use one of these spaces because elsewhere is full
    • Park in one of these spaces but stay with your motorcycle
    • Use one of the spaces as long as one is kept free
    • Wait for a regular parking space to become freeRight answer

    It's illegal to park in a space reserved for disabled users unless you're permitted to do so. These spaces are provided for people with limited mobility, who may need extra space to get in and out of their vehicle.

  6. You're on a narrow road with passing places. What should you do if a car is coming towards you?

    • Pull into a passing place on your right
    • Force the other driver to reverse
    • Turn round and ride back to the main road
    • Pull into a passing place on your leftRight answer

    If you meet another vehicle on a narrow road and the passing place is on your left, pull into it. If the passing place is on your right, wait opposite it.

  7. You're turning right at this crossroads. The oncoming driver is also turning right. Why is it safer to turn behind the car?

    • So you can see approaching trafficRight answer
    • So you can keep close to the kerb
    • So you can keep clear of following traffic
    • So you can make oncoming vehicles stop

    When turning right at this crossroads, keeping the oncoming car to your right will give you a clear view of the road ahead.

  8. What should you do when you're filtering through slow-moving or stationary traffic?

    • Watch for vehicles emerging from side roadsRight answer
    • Continually use your horn as a warning
    • Stand up on the footrests for a good view ahead
    • Ride with your hazard warning lights on

    Other road users may not expect or look for motorcycles filtering through slow-moving or stationary traffic. Your view will be reduced by the vehicles around you. Watch out for pedestrians walking between the vehicles, vehicles changing direction and vehicles turning into or out of side roads.

  9. You're riding towards roadworks where temporary traffic lights are on red. What should you do if the road ahead is clear?

    • Ride on with extreme caution
    • Ride on at normal speed
    • Carry on if approaching cars have stopped
    • Wait for the green lightRight answer

    You must obey all traffic signs and signals. Just because the lights are temporary, it does not mean that you can disregard them.

  10. What should you fit to your motorcycle if you're going abroad and you'll be riding on the right-hand side of the road?

    • Twin headlights
    • Headlight deflectorsRight answer
    • Tinted yellow brake lights
    • Tinted red indicator lenses

    When abroad and riding on the right, deflectors are usually required to prevent your headlights from dazzling approaching drivers.

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