NT motorcycle test lane position and buffering practice questions

Question 1

A road train is coming towards you on a two lane highway. What should you do?

• Hold your line close to the centre line
• Move to the left of your lane, slow a little, and hold the bars firmly but not stiffly to absorb the air blastCorrect answer
• Speed up so you pass it sooner
• Brake hard as it reaches you

A long combination pushes a wall of air ahead of it and drags a strong wake behind, and its trailers may not track exactly where the prime mover did. Space is your protection.

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

Question 2

You want to overtake a road train on a single lane each way highway. What must you consider?

• Nothing special, overtake as you would a car
• A road train can be more than 50 metres long, so you need a very long clear stretch, and you must complete the pass without hesitatingCorrect answer
• You should sit close behind it first for a better run up
• Overtake on the left where the shoulder is wide

Sitting alongside a long combination leaves you in a blind spot, in buffeting air, and exposed to stones. Hang well back where the driver can see you, wait for a genuinely long gap, then pass decisively.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: overtaking heavy vehicles

Question 3

A vehicle is coming towards you on a dirt road, throwing up a thick dust plume. What is the safest action?

• Ride into the dust at the same speed
• Slow right down, move well to the left, and if the dust blocks your view stop clear of the road until it settlesCorrect answer
• Speed up to get past quickly
• Ride in the middle of the road so you can see the edges

A dust cloud can hide a second vehicle, an animal or a washout completely. Riding blind at speed on a loose surface is a serious risk.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: unsealed roads

Question 4

You are riding past angle parked cars in a town centre. What should you watch for and how should you position yourself?

• Ride close to the cars so traffic can pass you
• Buffer away from the cars, watch for reversing lights, exhaust smoke and front wheels turning, and cover the brakesCorrect answer
• Ride in the centre of the road
• Speed up to clear the row of cars

A driver reversing out of an angle park has very poor vision to the side and is not looking for a narrow motorcycle. Space and early warning signs give you time.

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

Question 5

You are following a vehicle that is throwing up stones from an unsealed section. What should you do?

• Move up close so the stones pass over you
• Drop well back and move to one side of the lane so stones lose energy before they reach youCorrect answer
• Overtake immediately regardless of visibility
• Ride directly in its wheel tracks

A flying stone can crack a visor or hit you hard enough to cause a crash. Extra distance also gets you out of the dust and gives you a better view.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: following distance

Question 6

You are approaching a side road where a vehicle is waiting to pull out. What should you do with your position and speed?

• Hold your speed and expect the driver to see you
• Move to the part of your lane that gives the driver the clearest view of you, cover the brakes and be ready to slowCorrect answer
• Move as close to the kerb as possible
• Sound the horn continuously

Vehicles pulling out of side roads are one of the biggest causes of rider injury. Being visible and being ready to stop are worth more than assuming you have right of way.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: intersections