SA motorcycle test riding in a group practice questions

Question 1

What is the purpose of a staggered formation on a straight road?

• To make the group look organised
• To give each rider a full braking gap to the rider ahead while keeping sideways room to moveCorrect answer
• To let riders talk to each other
• To reduce fuel use for the whole group

In a staggered formation nobody is directly behind the rider in front at close range, and every rider still has space to swerve. It keeps the group compact without stacking riders up.

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

Question 2

The group reaches a winding hills road. What should the riders do?

• Keep the staggered formation exactly as it was
• Move into single file so every rider can use the whole lane to set their own lineCorrect answer
• Ride two abreast for company
• Close up to half a second spacing

A staggered formation on a twisty road pins riders onto lines they did not choose and takes away their escape room. Single file with generous gaps is the safe way through corners.

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

Question 3

Before a group ride sets off, what is worth agreeing?

• Nothing, everyone just follows the leader
• The route, the fuel and rest stops, the hand signals to be used and how the group will regroup after a turnCorrect answer
• Only who will pay for lunch
• That the fastest rider leads and nobody stops

Most group riding problems come from riders not knowing what happens next. A short briefing before you leave means nobody has to ride hard to catch up or guess at a junction.

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

Question 4

You are riding with faster and more experienced riders. What should you do?

• Ride at their pace to keep up
• Ride at your own pace within your own skill, and let the group regroup at agreed stopsCorrect answer
• Take shortcuts to arrive at the same time
• Overtake on blind corners to keep contact

Riding beyond your ability to keep up with a group is a common way to crash. A good group sets regrouping points and never leaves the slower riders chasing.

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