ACT rider knowledge test braking practice questions

Question 1

In a straight line stop, which brake provides most of the braking force?

• The rear brake
• The front brake, because weight transfers forward onto the front tyreCorrect answer
• Both equally in all conditions
• Neither, engine braking does the work

Load on the front wheel rises as you slow, and grip rises with it. Riders who avoid the front brake give away most of their stopping ability.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking

Question 2

What is the right technique for the shortest safe emergency stop?

• Grab the front lever as hard as possible
• Rear brake only, to avoid a front lock
• Squeeze the front brake progressively while applying the rear, keeping the bike upright and the bars straightCorrect answer
• Brake while leaning the bike over

Progressive pressure loads the front tyre before you ask everything of it. Practise emergency stops somewhere quiet so the technique is automatic when you need it.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking

Question 3

You need to brake hard while already leaned into a corner. What should you do first?

• Apply full brakes immediately at the same lean angle
• Straighten the bike as much as the road allows, then brake firmlyCorrect answer
• Use the rear brake hard while leaned
• Release the throttle and do nothing else

The tyres are already spending most of their grip on cornering. Trade lean angle for braking force, and use the space you have rather than asking for grip that is not there.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking and cornering

Question 4

The front wheel locks briefly during a hard stop on a bike without ABS. What is the correct action?

• Hold the lever harder
• Release the front brake immediately, then reapply with less pressureCorrect answer
• Apply the rear brake as hard as you can
• Let the bars go loose

A locked front tyre has no steering grip and the bike falls in a fraction of a second. Release, let the wheel spin up, then squeeze back on.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking

Question 5

What should you do with the brakes on a motorcycle fitted with ABS during an emergency stop?

• Pump them on and off
• Apply firm continuous pressure to both brakes until the bike stopsCorrect answer
• Ease off as soon as you feel the lever pulse
• Use the rear brake only

The pulsing you feel is the system releasing and reapplying pressure many times a second. ABS still cannot create grip, so it does not shorten stops on gravel or ice.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking systems

Question 6

What following gap should a rider keep in dry conditions, and how should it change in the wet?

• One second dry, two seconds wet
• Two seconds dry, at least four seconds wetCorrect answer
• One car length at any speed
• Three metres at any speed

The gap in seconds works at any speed. Extend it further at night, in traffic, behind a vehicle that blocks your view, or when carrying a passenger.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: following distance

Question 7

Why is a Canberra roundabout a place to brake early rather than late?

• Roundabouts are always uphill
• The surface collects oil, diesel and paint, and the bike is leaning as you go aroundCorrect answer
• Brakes fade at roundabouts
• There is no reason to brake early

Do your slowing on the straight approach while the bike is upright, then hold a smooth steady throttle around the circle.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: roundabouts