ACT rider knowledge test lane position and buffering practice questions

Question 1

What does buffering mean when you are riding?

• Keeping space between yourself and a hazard by choosing your position in the laneCorrect answer
• Braking early for every hazard
• Riding as close to the kerb as possible
• Following closely behind a car for shelter

Space buys you time. Moving away from parked cars, oncoming traffic or a wandering vehicle costs nothing and gives you room to react.

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

Question 2

You are riding along a suburban street lined with parked cars. Where should you ride?

• As close to the parked cars as you can
• Far enough out that an opening door cannot reach you, while still leaving room to be passed safelyCorrect answer
• In the middle of the road
• Right behind the vehicle in front

A door opens faster than you can react at close range. Watch for occupied seats, brake lights, exhaust smoke and front wheels turning as early warnings.

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

Question 3

Why do riders often avoid the exact centre strip of an older lane?

• It is reserved for buses
• Oil and grease dropped by vehicles collect there and reduce gripCorrect answer
• It is where the camber is steepest
• It is illegal to ride there

The wheel tracks either side are usually cleaner. The build up is worst in stop start traffic, at intersections and at bus stops.

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

Question 4

A driver is following your motorcycle far too closely. What is the safest response?

• Brake sharply to make a point
• Increase your gap to the vehicle ahead so you can slow gradually, and let the driver past when it is safeCorrect answer
• Accelerate hard away
• Ride in the centre of the lane and hold your speed

You cannot control the driver behind, but you can control how suddenly you need to stop. Being rear ended on a motorcycle is far more serious than in a car.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: following and being followed

Question 5

You are approaching a green light at an intersection where a car opposite is waiting to turn right across your path. What should you do?

• Hold your speed because you have right of way
• Slow slightly, cover the brakes, move to the part of the lane where the driver can see you best, and be ready to stopCorrect answer
• Move as far left as possible so you are out of the way
• Sound the horn and continue at the same speed

A vehicle turning across a rider's path is one of the most common serious crashes. Right of way does not protect you if the driver has not registered a narrow motorcycle.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: intersections

Question 6

A large truck is coming the other way on a two lane road. What should you expect?

• Nothing changes for a motorcycle
• A push of air and spray, so buffer left and hold the bars firmly but not stifflyCorrect answer
• The truck will move over for you
• Better grip in its wheel tracks

A big vehicle pushes air ahead and drags air behind, which can move a bike sideways. Space and a relaxed but positive grip absorb it.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: sharing the road with heavy vehicles