ACT rider knowledge test motorcycle control practice questions

Question 1

Which checks should you make before riding?

• Tyres and pressures, brakes, lights, chain and controlsCorrect answer
• Fuel and mirrors only
• Nothing if the bike was ridden yesterday
• Oil level only

A motorcycle gives you no margin if something fails. A quick walk around takes a minute and catches most of the faults that matter.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: machine checks

Question 2

Why do tyre pressures matter so much on a motorcycle?

• They only change fuel use
• The two small contact patches carry everything, so pressure directly affects grip, steering and stabilityCorrect answer
• They only matter above 100 km/h
• They only affect the rear tyre

Underinflated tyres make the bike feel vague, slow the steering and build heat. Check them cold, at least weekly, against the figures in the owner handbook.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: tyres

Question 3

What should you look for when checking your tyres?

• Colour and cleanliness
• Tread depth, even wear, cuts, embedded objects and correct pressureCorrect answer
• Only whether they are flat
• The brand name

A nail or a cut in a motorcycle tyre can let go without warning. Uneven wear also tells you about pressures, alignment and how you have been riding.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: tyres

Question 4

Why should you grip the motorcycle with your knees and keep your arms relaxed?

• It looks more controlled
• It lets the bike make its own small corrections instead of feeding every bump into the steeringCorrect answer
• It reduces fuel use
• It is only useful at low speed

A tense rider fights the bike's natural stability. Holding on with your legs frees your hands to make deliberate, light steering and brake inputs.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: control and balance

Question 5

You are making a slow tight turn in a car park. Which technique keeps the bike stable?

• Clutch fully in and coasting
• Front brake applied at full lock
• Steady throttle with the clutch in the friction zone and a light rear brake, looking where you want to end upCorrect answer
• Feet down and paddling

Drive to the rear wheel keeps the bike balanced at walking pace. Grabbing the front brake at full lock is the classic way to drop a motorcycle.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: slow speed control

Question 6

You are riding down a long steep hill. What is the best way to control your speed?

• Coast with the clutch in
• Select a lower gear so engine braking helps, and use both brakes lightly as neededCorrect answer
• Hold the rear brake on the whole way down
• Use the front brake hard in short bursts only

Engine braking shares the work and keeps the brakes cool. Coasting removes engine braking and leaves you with nothing in reserve if you need to accelerate out of trouble.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: hills and gear selection