TAS rider knowledge test motorcycle control practice questions

Question 1

Which set of checks should you make before every ride?

• Fuel only
• Tyres, brakes, lights, chain and controlsCorrect answer
• Mirrors and horn only
• Nothing, if the bike was serviced this year

A motorcycle has two tyres and no spare margin. A quick walk around that covers tyre condition and pressure, brake feel, working lights, chain tension and free moving controls takes a minute and catches most faults.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: machine checks

Question 2

Why does correct tyre pressure matter more on a motorcycle than on a car?

• It only affects fuel use
• You have two contact patches the size of a hand, so pressure changes grip, steering and stability directlyCorrect answer
• It only matters for the front tyre
• It changes the speedometer reading and nothing else

Low pressure makes the bike feel vague and slow to turn and builds heat in the tyre. Check pressures when the tyres are cold, at least once a week.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: tyres

Question 3

What can happen if your drive chain is far too loose or far too tight?

• Nothing, chains self adjust
• The bike will only be noisier
• A loose chain can jump off or jam the rear wheel, and a tight chain wears out sprockets and bearingsCorrect answer
• The chain will stretch back to the right length

A chain that comes off at speed can lock the rear wheel. Adjust and lubricate the chain to the figures in the owner handbook.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: machine checks

Question 4

Why should throttle, brake and steering inputs on a motorcycle be smooth?

• Smoothness only matters for fuel economy
• Sudden inputs shift weight quickly and can break the grip of a tyre that has very little contact areaCorrect answer
• It makes the engine last longer and has no safety effect
• It is only important for racing

Grip is a limited budget shared between braking, turning and driving. Smooth inputs let the suspension settle and keep enough grip in reserve for a surprise.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: control and balance

Question 5

You are pulling out from the kerb. Mirrors show a clear road. What else must you do?

• Nothing more, the mirrors show everything
• Sound the horn
• Turn your head and check the blind spot before you move outCorrect answer
• Rev the engine so others hear you

Motorcycle mirrors are small, they vibrate and they leave a blind area beside and behind you. A head check is the only way to see a vehicle or a bicycle rider sitting there.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: observation

Question 6

You are riding down a long steep descent on a Tasmanian mountain road. What is the best technique?

• Pull in the clutch and coast down
• Use a lower gear so the engine helps hold your speed, with light use of both brakesCorrect answer
• Ride the rear brake the whole way down
• Use the front brake only and keep it applied

Engine braking shares the work and keeps the brakes cool and effective. Coasting with the clutch in removes engine braking and leaves you with no drive if you need it.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: hills and gear selection