TAS motorcycle test group riding and passengers practice questions

Question 1

Why do groups of riders often use a staggered formation on a straight road?

• It looks tidier
• It gives each rider a longer gap to the rider directly ahead while keeping the group compactCorrect answer
• It is required by law
• It lets riders talk to each other

In stagger you sit on the opposite side of the lane to the rider in front, which gives you room to move and a bigger buffer. On bends, riders should move back to single file and take their own line.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: riding in groups

Question 2

What does the road rule say about riding alongside other riders in the same marked lane?

• You may ride three abreast on a wide lane
• You must not ride alongside more than one other rider, and you must not be more than 1.5 metres from that riderCorrect answer
• You may not ride alongside any other rider at any time
• There is no limit as long as you stay in the lane

Two abreast is the legal maximum in a lane, and even then many riders prefer stagger or single file because it leaves more room to move around a hazard.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 151 (riding alongside more than one other rider)

Question 3

You hold a full motorcycle licence and are carrying a pillion passenger. What must the passenger do?

• Wear an approved helmet, sit astride the pillion seat facing forward and keep both feet on the footrestsCorrect answer
• Wear a helmet only if the trip is over 5 km
• Sit sideways so the rider has more room
• Hold the rider's shoulders and keep their feet up

The motorcycle must have a proper pillion seat and footrests, and the passenger must be big enough to use them. Anyone who cannot reach the footrests must not be carried.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 271 (riding on motorcycles)

Question 4

How does carrying a pillion passenger change the way the motorcycle handles?

• It does not change anything
• It shortens the braking distance
• It adds weight high and to the rear, so braking takes longer, steering feels slower and the bike is less stable at low speedCorrect answer
• It only affects fuel use

Allow longer distances, brake earlier, and warn your passenger to look over your shoulder on the inside of a corner rather than leaning against the turn. Suspension and tyre pressures may also need adjusting.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: carrying a passenger

Question 5

You are on a group ride and the riders ahead are going faster than you are comfortable with. What should you do?

• Keep up so the group does not split
• Ride at your own safe pace and arrange to meet the group at the next stopCorrect answer
• Take shortcuts to catch up
• Ride closer to the rider ahead to save time

Riding beyond your own skill to keep up is a common cause of group ride crashes. Well run groups agree on regroup points before setting off so nobody feels pushed.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: riding in groups