ACT rider knowledge test cornering and counter steering practice questions

Question 1

You are riding at 60 km/h and want to steer left quickly to avoid a hazard. What is the fastest way to make the bike go left?

• Press forward on the left handlebarCorrect answer
• Press forward on the right handlebar
• Pull back on the left handlebar
• Shift your weight to the right

Counter steering is how every motorcycle turns above walking pace. A deliberate press on the bar on the side you want to go is much quicker than trying to lean with your body.

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

Question 2

Where should the slowing and gear changing for a corner happen?

• In the middle of the corner
• Before the turn in, so the bike is settled at the right speed and gearCorrect answer
• On the exit
• It makes no difference

A tyre can only do one big job at a time. Slowing early leaves the grip available for turning and lets you roll the throttle on smoothly through the corner.

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

Question 3

Where should your eyes be as you go through a bend?

• On the road just ahead of the front wheel
• On the vehicle behind you in the mirror
• Through the bend to where you want to beCorrect answer
• On the edge line

You steer where you look. Turning your head to look through the corner smooths your line and gives you far more warning of hazards.

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

Question 4

You are approaching a blind left hand bend on a country road outside Canberra. What lane position gives the best view?

• Close to the centre line, so long as you stay in your lane and away from the oncoming laneCorrect answer
• Hard against the left edge
• Any position, view does not change
• Straddling the centre line

Sitting towards the outside of the bend on the approach opens your view through it, then move in as the exit comes into sight. Balance the extra view against the risk of oncoming traffic crossing the line.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: road position and cornering

Question 5

Mid corner you realise the bend is tighter than you expected. What is the correct response?

• Stand the bike up and brake hard
• Look further through the bend and press the inside bar harder to tighten the lineCorrect answer
• Close the throttle abruptly
• Move into the oncoming lane

Most riders use far less lean than the bike has available. Standing it up and braking sends you straight off the outside of the corner.

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

Question 6

Why is a gentle steady throttle through a corner better than closing the throttle?

• It saves fuel
• It keeps the suspension settled and the weight balanced so the bike holds its lineCorrect answer
• It makes the bike stand upright
• There is no difference

Shutting the throttle mid corner pitches weight forward, tightens the line unexpectedly and can unsettle the rear tyre.

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