TAS rider knowledge test braking practice questions

Question 1

On a motorcycle braking in a straight line, which brake does most of the stopping?

• The rear brake, because it keeps the bike stable
• The front brake, because weight shifts forward and loads the front tyreCorrect answer
• Both brakes contribute equally in every situation
• Neither, engine braking does most of the work

As you slow, weight transfers onto the front wheel and the front tyre can then carry a much larger share of the braking force. Ignoring the front brake throws away most of your stopping power.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking

Question 2

What is the recommended way to use the brakes for a normal stop?

• Front brake only
• Rear brake only
• Both brakes together, applied progressivelyCorrect answer
• Alternate between front and rear

Both tyres have grip to offer. Squeezing the front lever progressively while applying the rear gives the shortest controlled stop and keeps the bike settled.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking

Question 3

You are part way through a corner when a hazard appears ahead and you must brake hard. What is the safest response?

• Brake as hard as you can while still leaned over
• Straighten the bike up as much as the road allows, then brake firmlyCorrect answer
• Use the rear brake only and stay leaned over
• Release both brakes and steer around the hazard at the same speed

A leaned tyre is already using much of its grip for cornering. Heavy braking on top of that will usually break traction, so trade lean angle for braking force where the road lets you.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking and cornering

Question 4

During a hard stop on a motorcycle without ABS, the front wheel locks and starts to skid. What should you do?

• Hold the lever harder and wait for the bike to stop
• Release the front brake at once, then reapply it more gentlyCorrect answer
• Let go of the handlebars
• Apply the rear brake as hard as possible as well

A locked front wheel gives you no steering and the bike falls very quickly. Release, let the wheel roll again, then squeeze back on with less force.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking

Question 5

Your motorcycle has ABS and you need to stop in an emergency. What should you do with the brakes?

• Pump the brakes on and off
• Apply firm steady pressure to both brakes and keep it on until you stopCorrect answer
• Use the rear brake only, because ABS works on the rear
• Apply the brakes gently so the ABS does not switch on

ABS releases and reapplies pressure for you many times a second. You may feel a pulse at the lever or pedal. That is the system working, so do not back off.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: braking systems

Question 6

You need to slow down on a loose gravel surface. How should you brake?

• Hard on the front brake only
• Gently, with more use of the rear brake and the bike uprightCorrect answer
• Hard on both brakes to get it over with
• Not at all, only close the throttle

Gravel offers little grip and a locked front wheel on loose surfaces almost always puts the bike down. A sliding rear wheel is far easier to control, so bias your braking to the rear and stay upright.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: unsealed and loose surfaces

Question 7

Rain starts after a long dry spell. Why are the first few minutes especially dangerous for a rider?

• Rain makes tyres colder and that is the only effect
• Water lifts oil and rubber dust off the surface and grip drops sharply until the road is washed cleanCorrect answer
• Brakes stop working entirely when wet
• Nothing changes until the road is fully flooded

The greasy film is worst in the first rain after dry weather, and it builds up most at intersections, roundabouts and bus stops where vehicles sit and drip.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: riding in the wet

Question 8

You normally keep a two second gap behind the vehicle in front. It is now raining. What gap should you keep?

• Still two seconds
• One second, so you are not overtaken
• At least four secondsCorrect answer
• Half a second, because you can stop faster than a car

Wet roads, worn tyres and poor visibility all stretch the distance you need. Doubling the gap in the wet gives you time to see a problem and to brake gently rather than sharply.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: following distance