ACT rider knowledge test road rules practice questions

Question 1

You are entering a Canberra roundabout. Who do you give way to?

• All traffic already in the roundaboutCorrect answer
• Only traffic on your right that is not yet in the roundabout
• Nobody, if you are signalling
• Only heavy vehicles

Signal left as you leave, and watch the surface, because roundabouts collect oil, diesel and painted markings that all cut grip.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: roundabouts

Question 2

You are riding in the left lane of a multi lane roundabout and intend to go straight ahead. What should you watch for?

• Nothing, other drivers must stay in their lanes
• Vehicles in the right lane crossing your path as they leave the roundabout, and drivers who do not see a narrow motorcycleCorrect answer
• Only pedestrians
• Only vehicles entering from the left

Multi lane roundabouts are a common place for riders to be hit by a vehicle changing lanes or exiting from the wrong lane. Position yourself where you are visible and keep a way out in mind.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: roundabouts

Question 3

You are passing a bicycle rider in the ACT on a road with a 60 km/h speed limit. What is the minimum passing distance?

• 1 metreCorrect answer
• 1.5 metres
• 2 metres
• There is no set distance

The ACT sets a minimum of 1 metre where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less, and 1.5 metres where it is over 60 km/h. If you cannot leave that space, wait until you can.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: minimum passing distance for bicycle riders

Question 4

A school zone sign shows 40 km/h with times listed beneath it. When does the limit apply?

• Only when children are visible
• During the times shown on the sign, on school daysCorrect answer
• At all times, all year
• Only during term one

Obey the limit whether or not you can see any children. School zones are also busy with people stepping between parked cars, which is a serious hazard for a rider.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: school zones

Question 5

You are riding beside a light rail line and a light rail vehicle is approaching a crossing point. What must you do?

• Give way to the light rail vehicle and never stop on the tracksCorrect answer
• Proceed, because road vehicles have priority
• Sound the horn and cross quickly
• Stop on the tracks and wait for a gap

A light rail vehicle cannot steer around you and needs a long distance to stop. Only cross when the far side is clear enough for you to get right across.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: light rail and tram tracks

Question 6

On a road with a speed limit of 90 km/h or more, which lane must you use?

• Any lane
• The left lane, unless you are overtaking, turning right or the left lane is blockedCorrect answer
• The right lane, so you are visible
• The centre lane

The same applies wherever a keep left unless overtaking sign is displayed. Staying left also keeps faster traffic from closing on you from behind.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 129 (keeping to the left)

Question 7

When is it lawful to pass a vehicle on its left side?

• Whenever there is room beside it
• Only where there are two or more lanes in your direction, or the vehicle is signalling and turning right or making a U turnCorrect answer
• Whenever traffic is slow
• Never, in any circumstances

Drivers do not look for anything appearing on their left in a single lane. Doing it anyway is both an offence and a common way for riders to be hit.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 141 (no overtaking to the left of a vehicle)

Question 8

What does the rule about marked lanes require of a rider?

• The motorcycle must be ridden entirely within a single marked laneCorrect answer
• A motorcycle may ride along the lane line at any time
• A motorcycle may use half of each of two lanes
• Marked lane rules do not apply to motorcycles

Section 146 requires the vehicle to be completely within a marked lane. Section 146(1)(ea) makes lawful lane filtering under section 151A one of the listed exceptions, along with a lane change and avoiding an obstruction.

Rule cited: Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 (ACT), s 146(1) and s 151A

Question 9

You are riding through a busy shopping street and pedestrians are stepping out between parked cars. What is the safest approach?

• Hold your speed and expect pedestrians to wait
• Slow down, buffer away from the parked cars, cover the brakes and watch for legs and movement below window levelCorrect answer
• Sound the horn and keep going
• Ride closer to the parked cars so pedestrians see you sooner

Pedestrians hear a car more easily than they notice a motorcycle, and parked vehicles hide them until the last moment. Space and lower speed give you the time you need.

Rule cited: ACT motorcycle rider handbook, topic: pedestrians