Safety margins questions Motorcycle theory test
This topic has 37 practice questions. Here are 10 of them with the right answer and why.
When will your overall stopping distance be increased?
- When you're riding at night
- When you're riding in fog
- When you're riding with a passengerRight answer
- When you're riding up a hill
When you're carrying a passenger on a motorcycle, the overall weight will be much more than when you're riding alone. This additional weight will make it harder for you to stop quickly in an emergency, so you'll need to increase the distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front.
What's the safest way to stop when the road is wet?
- Change gear without braking
- Use the back brake only
- Use the front brake only
- Use both brakesRight answer
Motorcyclists need to take extra care when stopping on wet road surfaces. Plan well ahead so that you’re able to brake in good time. For maximum stability, you should use both brakes, and brake when your motorcycle is upright and travelling in a straight line.
You're riding in heavy rain. Your rear wheel skids as you accelerate. What must you do to regain control?
- Change down to a lower gear
- Ease off the throttleRight answer
- Brake to reduce speed
- Put your feet down
If you feel your back wheel beginning to skid as you accelerate, ease off the throttle. This will give your rear tyre the chance to grip the road and stop the skid.
What should you do before starting a journey in the snow?
- Consider whether your journey is essentialRight answer
- Try to avoid taking a passenger
- Plan a route avoiding towns
- Have a hot drink and a meal
Do not ride in snowy or icy conditions unless your journey is essential. If you must go out, try to keep to main roads, which are more likely to be treated and clear.
Why should you ride with dipped headlights on in the daytime?
- They help other road users to see youRight answer
- They mean that you can ride faster
- Other vehicles will get out of the way
- So that they’re already on when it gets dark
Making yourself as visible as possible is a positive step towards defensive riding. Having your headlights on, even in good daylight, makes it easier for other road users to see you approaching.
When are motorcyclists allowed to use high-intensity rear fog lights?
- When a pillion passenger is being carried
- When they ride a large touring machine
- When visibility is 100 metres (328 feet) or lessRight answer
- When they're riding on the road for the first time
If your motorcycle is fitted with high-intensity rear fog lights, you must only use them when visibility is seriously reduced. That's when you can see no further than 100 metres (328 feet). This rule about high-intensity rear fog lights applies to all motor vehicles.
When must you use your headlights?
- When riding in a group
- When visibility is poorRight answer
- When carrying a passenger
- When parked on an unlit road
Your headlights help you to see in the dark, and help other road users to see you. Use your headlights whenever visibility is poor. Using them at other times may also help other road users to see you. On modern motorcycles, the headlights are switched on automatically when you start the engine.
You're riding in town at night. The roads are wet after rain. How will the reflections from wet surfaces affect your safety?
- They’ll make it easier to stop
- They’ll make it harder to accelerate
- They’ll make it easier to see unlit objects
- They’ll make it harder to see unlit objectsRight answer
After rain, the reflections from wet surfaces will make it hard to see unlit objects. Make sure that your visor or goggles are clean, so your vision is as clear as possible. Pedestrians will be difficult to see, especially if they're wearing dark clothing.
What should you test when you've just ridden through shallow flood water?
- The starter motor
- The headlights
- The steering
- The brakesRight answer
Water can make your brakes less effective. When you're clear of the water, ride slowly while gently applying the brakes; this will dry the brakes and normal braking performance will be restored. Never ride into deep flood water because unseen hazards and strong currents can be dangerous.
What should you do if you ride through shallow flood water?
- Ride quickly, in a high gear
- Ride slowly, in a high gear
- Ride quickly, in a low gear
- Ride slowly, in a low gearRight answer
If you have to ride through a flood, first check its not too deep. Deep water is dangerous due to unseen hazards and strong currents. To ride through shallow flood water, ride slowly in a low gear. Keep the engine running fast enough to keep water out of the exhaust. You may need to slip the clutch to do this.