SA motorcycle test braking practice questions

Question 1

Which brake can do the most work when stopping a motorcycle on a good dry surface?

• The rear brake
• The front brakeCorrect answer
• Neither, they are always equal
• The engine, through gear changes

Weight moves forward when you slow, so the front tyre is pressed into the road and can take most of the braking. Use both brakes, with the bigger share on the front.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: braking

Question 2

What is wrong with grabbing the front brake lever suddenly?

• Nothing, it gives the quickest stop
• The front wheel can lock before weight has transferred forward, which usually puts the bike downCorrect answer
• It damages the brake pads
• It makes the rear wheel lift and steer better

The front tyre needs a fraction of a second of load before it can take full braking. Squeeze progressively and firmly, and the tyre grips harder as the stop develops.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: emergency braking

Question 3

For the shortest possible stop, how should the motorcycle be positioned?

• Leaned over to one side
• Upright and travelling in a straight line, with the handlebars straightCorrect answer
• Leaned towards the kerb
• It makes no difference to stopping distance

All the available grip goes into braking only when none of it is being used for turning. Straighten the bike first, then brake with both brakes as firmly as the surface allows.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: emergency braking

Question 4

You have to slow more than expected while leaned into a corner. What is the first thing to do?

• Apply the front brake hard immediately
• Reduce the lean angle as much as the road allows, then brakeCorrect answer
• Apply the rear brake hard while fully leaned
• Change down two gears at once

Grip is a fixed budget shared between turning and braking. Standing the bike up a little frees grip for the brakes, and a light initial squeeze while you do it avoids upsetting the balance.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: braking

Question 5

How should your following distance change in steady rain?

• Keep it the same
• Increase it well beyond the usual three secondsCorrect answer
• Reduce it so spray from the vehicle ahead does not reach you
• It only needs to change at night

Wet roads lengthen the distance you need to stop and cut the margin for error. A bigger gap means you can slow gradually instead of braking hard on a surface that will not take it.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: riding in the wet

Question 6

Your rear wheel locks and skids while you are braking hard in a straight line on a motorcycle without ABS. What should you do?

• Hold the rear brake down harder
• Ease the rear brake off until the wheel rolls again, then reapply it more gentlyCorrect answer
• Release both brakes and coast
• Turn the handlebars to correct the slide

A sliding tyre gives less braking and no stability. Ease off so it rolls, then use less pressure. Keep looking well ahead at where you want to go rather than down at the road.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: braking

Question 7

How should you brake on a loose gravel road?

• Front brake only, as usual
• Mostly rear brake with a light front, bike upright, and start slowing much earlierCorrect answer
• Lock both wheels to plough to a stop
• Do not brake at all, just change down

On loose surfaces a locked front wheel tucks under instantly. Shifting the balance to the rear keeps the bike stable, and the reduced grip means you have to plan your stops much further ahead.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: unsealed roads