NT motorcycle test group riding and passengers practice questions

Question 1

What is the benefit of a staggered formation when a group rides on a straight sealed road?

• It keeps the group compact while giving each rider a full following gap and room to move sidewaysCorrect answer
• It lets riders overtake each other easily
• It is required by the road rules
• It reduces fuel use

In corners and on unsealed roads the group should move to single file so every rider can choose their own line and their own speed.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: riding in groups

Question 2

How many riders may ride abreast in the same marked lane under the road rules?

• One only
• Two, and not more than 1.5 metres apartCorrect answer
• Three, if the lane is wide
• As many as fit in the lane

Two abreast is the legal maximum. Many groups still prefer stagger or single file, because sitting directly beside another rider leaves nowhere to go if a hazard appears.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 151 (riding alongside more than one other rider)

Question 3

What must a pillion passenger do while the motorcycle is moving?

• Wear an approved helmet, sit astride the seat facing forward, and keep both feet on the footrestsCorrect answer
• Sit sideways with feet on one side
• Wear a helmet only outside town
• Stand on the footrests in rough sections

The motorcycle must have a proper pillion seat and footrests, and a passenger who cannot reach the footrests must not be carried at all.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 271 (riding on motorcycles)

Question 4

What should you tell a first time pillion passenger before you set off?

• Nothing, they will work it out
• To lean against the corners to keep the bike upright
• To hold on securely, keep feet on the footrests at all times, look over your inside shoulder in corners and not make sudden movementsCorrect answer
• To put their feet down at every stop

A passenger who fights the lean or shifts weight suddenly makes the bike much harder to control. Agree simple signals for slow down and stop before you leave.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: carrying a passenger

Question 5

Your group is riding a long unsealed road. How should the riders space themselves?

• Close together so nobody gets lost
• Well spread out, so each rider is clear of the dust and stones thrown up by the rider aheadCorrect answer
• Two abreast the whole way
• In a tight staggered formation

Dust hides ruts and holes and stones crack visors. Agree on regroup points at intersections so the spread out group still stays together.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: riding in groups