Vulnerable road users questions Motorcycle theory test

This topic has 67 practice questions. Here are 10 of them with the right answer and why.

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  1. You're turning right from a main road into a side road. There's no oncoming traffic. What should you do if pedestrians are standing on the pavement waiting to cross the side road?

    • Turn in because the pedestrians are safe on the pavement
    • Wave at the pedestrians, inviting them to cross the road
    • Wait and give way to the pedestriansRight answer
    • Sound your horn to alert the pedestrians to your presence

    You should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road into which or from which you're turning. Be patient if they're cautious and take their time checking that it’s safe before they step into the road.

  2. You're travelling on a narrow section of road. What should you do if a horse rider ahead is riding in the centre of the lane?

    • Sound your horn to alert them to your presence
    • Stay behind and allow them to ride in this positionRight answer
    • Move across to the right and try to ease past them
    • Get up close behind to encourage them to move aside

    On narrow sections of road, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane. This is for their own safety as it makes them more visible. You should be patient and only pass when it’s safe to do so.

  3. You’re about to overtake a cyclist on a road that has a 30 mph speed limit. How much room should you leave them as you overtake?

    • At least as much room as you would if you were overtaking a carRight answer
    • At least a car’s width
    • At least a car’s length
    • At least 2 car widths

    You should leave cyclists at least as much room as you would if you were overtaking a car. Leave them more room if you’re overtaking at speeds over 30 mph.

  4. You're turning left from a main road into a side road. What should you do if there’s a pedestrian on the pavement waiting to cross the side road?

    • Flash your lights to encourage the pedestrian to cross
    • Carry on turning into the side road
    • Sound your horn to let the pedestrian know you’re there
    • Wait and give way to the pedestrianRight answer

    You should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road into which or from which you're turning. Be patient if they’re cautious, and let them check that it’s safe from all directions before they step into the road. Do not signal or wave them to cross.

  5. You're following a lorry. Why should you stay well back from these vehicles?

    • So you do not breathe in the lorry’s exhaust fumes
    • So wind from the lorry will not slow you down
    • So drivers behind can see you
    • So your view ahead is not obstructedRight answer

    If you follow a large vehicle too closely, your view beyond it will be restricted. Drop back. This will help you to see more of the road ahead. It will also help the driver of the large vehicle to see you in their mirrors and will give you a safe separation distance if the lorry needs to stop suddenly.

  6. You're riding a motorcycle along a country lane. What should you do if you come across cattle on the road?

    • Ride up close behind them
    • Rev your engine
    • Give them plenty of roomRight answer
    • Sound your horn

    Try not to startle the animals. They can be easily frightened by noise or by traffic passing too closely. Slow down, give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop if necessary. Obey any directions given by people in charge of the animals.

  7. What should you do if a driver begins to emerge into your path from a side road on the left?

    • Slow down and be ready to stopRight answer
    • Let them emerge, then ride close behind
    • Turn into the side road
    • Brake hard, then wave them out

    You should always be looking for vehicles emerging from side roads as you approach them. If you see another vehicle begin to emerge into your path, be ready to slow down or stop if necessary.

  8. What should you do when you're following a car that's being driven by a learner?

    • Keep calm and be patientRight answer
    • Ride close behind
    • Put your headlights on main beam
    • Sound your horn and overtake

    Learner drivers might take longer to react to traffic situations, so be patient and give them time. Do not unnerve them by riding close behind or showing signs of impatience.

  9. You're riding in fast-flowing traffic. What should you do if the vehicle behind is following too closely?

    • Slow down gradually to increase the gap in front of youRight answer
    • Slow down as quickly as possible by braking
    • Accelerate to get away from the vehicle behind you
    • Apply the brakes sharply to warn the driver behind

    By increasing the separation distance between you and the vehicle in front, you have a greater safety margin. If the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly to avoid a hazard, you'll have time to reduce speed gradually. This will reduce the risk of the close-following vehicle running into you.

  10. You're riding towards a zebra crossing. What should you do if there's a person in a wheelchair waiting to cross?

    • Continue on your way
    • Wave to the person to cross
    • Wave to the person to wait
    • Be prepared to stopRight answer

    As you would with any pedestrian, you should prepare to stop. Do not wave the person across, as other traffic may not slow down.

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