NT rider knowledge test motorcycle control practice questions

Question 1

Before a long ride on a remote road, which checks matter most?

• Only the fuel level
• Tyres and pressures, brakes, oil and coolant, chain, lights and fuel rangeCorrect answer
• The horn and the mirrors
• Nothing, if the bike started first time

Help can be a long way off in the Territory. A fault that is a nuisance in town becomes serious when the next fuel stop is 200 km away.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: machine checks

Question 2

You are checking tyre pressures on a hot day after an hour of highway riding. What should you do?

• Set them to the cold figures anyway
• Let air out until they read the cold figure
• Check them when the tyres are cold, because heat raises the readingCorrect answer
• Add air until they feel firm by hand

Bleeding a hot tyre down to the cold figure leaves it badly underinflated once it cools, which makes the bike wallow, builds more heat and can damage the tyre.

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

Question 3

You are packing luggage for a touring ride. How should the load be arranged?

• As high and as far back as possible
• Low, as far forward as practical, balanced side to side and firmly securedCorrect answer
• All on one side for easy access
• Loosely strapped so it can move with the bike

Weight high or far behind the rear axle makes the steering light and can start a weave at speed. Never hang a bag over the handlebars or where it can foul the controls or a wheel.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: loading and luggage

Question 4

Why does a rider need a light, relaxed grip on the handlebars rather than a tight one?

• It saves energy and nothing more
• A tight grip feeds every bump into your steering and stops the bike making its own small correctionsCorrect answer
• It makes the throttle smoother only
• It only matters on unsealed roads

Motorcycles are naturally stable and will settle themselves if you let them. Grip the bike with your knees, keep your arms loose, and steer with deliberate light pressure.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: control and balance

Question 5

What is the correct use of the clutch friction zone at very low speed, such as a U turn in a car park?

• Hold the clutch fully in and coast
• Slip the clutch with a steady throttle and light rear brake to keep the bike smooth and balancedCorrect answer
• Release the clutch fully and use the throttle alone
• Use the front brake to control the speed

Drive to the rear wheel keeps the bike stable at walking pace. Using the front brake at full lock at low speed usually drops the bike, so keep the front brake off and look where you want to finish.

Rule cited: Northern Territory motorcycle rider handbook, topic: slow speed control

Question 6

You are about to move off from the side of a highway after a rest stop. What is the last check before you pull out?

• A look in the mirrors only
• A head check over your shoulder, because mirrors leave a blind areaCorrect answer
• A rev of the engine to warn traffic
• Nothing, if you signalled

Closing speeds on a highway are high and a vehicle can appear in the blind area in seconds. Signal, head check, and accelerate briskly up to traffic speed.

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