TAS rider knowledge test lane position and buffering practice questions

Question 1

You are riding past a line of parked cars. Where should you position yourself and why?

• As close to the parked cars as possible to leave room for traffic
• Away from the parked cars, buffering out to leave room for an opening door or a car pulling outCorrect answer
• In the middle of the road
• Directly behind the vehicle in front to stay hidden

A door opens in less than a second and a rider has no time to react at close range. Look through rear windows and at wheels for signs of movement as well.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: road position and buffering

Question 2

What does buffering mean for a motorcycle rider?

• Riding as close to the kerb as you can
• Keeping space between yourself and a hazard by choosing your position in the laneCorrect answer
• Braking early at every hazard
• Riding in the blind spot of the vehicle ahead

Space is time. Moving within your lane away from parked cars, oncoming traffic or a wandering vehicle costs nothing and gives you room to react.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: road position and buffering

Question 3

Why do many riders avoid the exact centre strip of a lane on an older road?

• It is illegal to ride there
• Oil and grease dropped by vehicles build up along that strip and reduce gripCorrect answer
• It is where potholes always form
• Because the lane centre is reserved for buses

Wheel tracks either side of centre are usually cleaner and offer better grip. The build up is worst in slow traffic and at intersections.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: road position and buffering

Question 4

A car is following you far too closely. What is the safest thing to do?

• Brake sharply to warn the driver
• Speed up until the driver falls back
• Increase your own gap to the vehicle ahead so you can slow gradually, and let the driver pass when it is safeCorrect answer
• Ride down the centre of the lane and hold your speed

You cannot control the driver behind, but you can control how suddenly you have to stop. Brake testing a tailgater simply moves the crash closer.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: following and being followed

Question 5

A large truck is coming towards you on a two lane road. What should you expect and do?

• Nothing changes for a motorcycle
• Expect a push of air and spray, so move towards the left of your lane and hold the bars firmly but not stifflyCorrect answer
• Move to the centre line for a better view
• Brake hard as it passes

A large vehicle pushes air ahead of it and drags air behind it, which can move a bike sideways. Extra space and a relaxed but positive grip absorb it.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: sharing the road with heavy vehicles

Question 6

You are approaching a crest on a narrow rural road and cannot see over it. What is the safest lane position?

• Close to the centre line so you can see oncoming traffic sooner
• Towards the left of your lane, with your speed low enough to stop in the distance you can seeCorrect answer
• Wherever the surface is smoothest
• In the middle of the road

Anything could be just over the crest, including a stopped vehicle, stock or a wide farm machine using both lanes. Keep left and keep your speed matched to your sight distance.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: rural road hazards