SA rider knowledge test weather, animals and distance practice questions

Question 1

When are kangaroos most likely to be on a South Australian rural road?

• In the middle of the day
• Around dawn and dusk, and after darkCorrect answer
• Only in winter
• Only near towns

That is when they move to feed. Slow down at those times, scan the verges rather than just the road, and remember that where one has crossed, others are usually following.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: animals on the road

Question 2

You are riding on an exposed open road in a strong gusty crosswind. What is the best technique?

• Hold the bars rigidly and fight every gust
• Reduce speed, relax your arms, and be ready for the wind to change as you pass trees, cuttings and vehiclesCorrect answer
• Speed up so the wind has less time to act
• Sit as upright as possible to catch less wind

Tense arms turn every gust into a steering input. Slower speed and loose arms let the motorcycle move under you, and you should expect a sideways push the moment you leave any shelter.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: wind and weather

Question 3

Light rain falls on a road that has been dry for weeks. What happens to grip?

• It improves because the dust is washed away instantly
• It drops sharply for the first few minutes while water floats oil and rubber to the surfaceCorrect answer
• It stays the same until the road is fully wet
• It only changes on concrete roads

A thin film of water and oil is more slippery than a properly wet road. Slow down as soon as it starts, avoid painted surfaces, and be gentle with the brakes and throttle.

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

Question 4

What does getting cold do to a rider on a long ride?

• Nothing, as long as you keep moving
• It slows reactions and weakens grip strength and fine control, often before the rider noticesCorrect answer
• It sharpens concentration
• It only affects riders without heated grips

Wind chill takes heat away fast even on a mild day. Cold hands cannot work a brake lever properly, so dress for it and stop to warm up rather than pushing on.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: fatigue and conditions

Question 5

Why does fatigue build up faster on a motorcycle than in a car on the same trip?

• Motorcycles travel faster
• Wind pressure, noise, vibration and constant balancing all take physical effortCorrect answer
• Riders sleep less the night before
• It does not, both are the same

Riding is physical work that a car driver does not do. Plan a real break at least every two hours, eat and drink at stops, and treat early fatigue as a signal to stop rather than push on.

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