QLD motorcycle test braking practice questions

Question 1

How should the braking effort be shared between the two brakes for a normal firm stop?

• Rear brake only
• Both brakes together, with the larger share on the frontCorrect answer
• Front brake only, never the rear
• Both brakes equally at all times

The front tyre carries most of the load when you slow, so it can do most of the braking. The rear still helps, keeps the bike settled and stops the back stepping out.

Rule cited: A Guide to Riding Safely (Queensland), topic: braking

Question 2

Why does weight transfer matter when you brake a motorcycle?

• It does not, the weight stays where it is
• Weight shifts forward, which increases front tyre grip and reduces rear tyre gripCorrect answer
• Weight shifts backwards, which improves rear braking
• It only matters when carrying a passenger

As you slow, load moves onto the front wheel. That is why the front can be squeezed harder as the stop develops, and why the rear locks easily if you stamp on it.

Rule cited: A Guide to Riding Safely (Queensland), topic: braking

Question 3

What is the correct technique for an emergency stop in a straight line?

• Grab the front lever as hard as possible immediately
• Squeeze the front brake progressively while applying the rear, keep the bars straight, and pull the clutch in as you come to a stopCorrect answer
• Use the rear brake alone and steer around the hazard
• Change down through every gear before touching the brakes

Progressive pressure loads the front tyre before you ask everything of it. Keeping the bars straight stops a lock up turning into a fall, and the clutch comes in at the end so the engine does not stall and jerk the bike.

Rule cited: A Guide to Riding Safely (Queensland), topic: emergency braking

Question 4

A vehicle stops suddenly while you are already leaned into a corner. What should you do?

• Brake as hard as you can while still leaned
• Reduce lean as much as the road allows, then brake in as straight a line as you canCorrect answer
• Accelerate and swerve without slowing
• Lock the rear wheel to scrub off speed

Grip is shared between turning and stopping. Every degree of lean you give up frees up grip for the brakes, so straighten first and then brake hard.

Rule cited: A Guide to Riding Safely (Queensland), topic: braking

Question 5

Roughly how does a wet sealed road affect the distance you need to stop?

• It makes no difference with modern tyres
• It can take much longer to stop, so allow a considerably larger gapCorrect answer
• It shortens the distance because water cools the brakes
• It only matters above 80 km/h

Less grip means a longer stop and less margin for a mistake. Increase your following distance in the wet, brake earlier and more smoothly, and avoid the painted lines.

Rule cited: A Guide to Riding Safely (Queensland), topic: riding in the wet

Question 6

Your motorcycle has ABS. What should you still do on a gravel road?

• Brake as hard as you like, ABS will handle it
• Ride slower and brake gently and early, because ABS cannot create grip that the surface does not haveCorrect answer
• Turn the ABS off and lock the rear wheel deliberately
• Use only the front brake

ABS stops the wheels locking and keeps you steering, which is a big help. It does not change how much grip loose gravel offers, so your speed and your following distance still have to suit the surface.

Rule cited: A Guide to Riding Safely (Queensland), topic: braking systems

Question 7

You are slowing on a loose unsealed surface. How should you change the way you use the brakes?

• Use more front brake than usual
• Use more rear brake and a lighter front, keep the bike upright and brake earlyCorrect answer
• Use no brakes at all and coast
• Lock both wheels to dig into the surface

A front wheel that locks on gravel tucks under and you are down immediately. Shifting the balance towards the rear and staying upright keeps the bike stable while you scrub off speed.

Rule cited: A Guide to Riding Safely (Queensland), topic: unsealed roads