TAS rider knowledge test weather and country riding practice questions

Question 1

On a cold Tasmanian morning, where is frost or ice most likely to remain on the road?

• On open straight sections in full sun
• In shaded areas, on bridges, and in cuttings that the sun does not reachCorrect answer
• Only on unsealed roads
• Only above 1000 metres

Bridges and shaded corners stay frozen long after the rest of the road has thawed, and black ice can be almost invisible. Slow down, stay upright, and avoid braking or steering inputs on those sections.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: cold weather riding

Question 2

You are riding on an exposed road in a strong crosswind. How should you handle it?

• Grip the bars as tightly as you can and hold a rigid position
• Slow down, relax your grip, and be ready for gusts near gaps in trees, cuttings and bridgesCorrect answer
• Speed up so the wind has less time to act on you
• Ride in the centre of the road

Wind pushes hardest where shelter ends and starts again. A relaxed grip lets the bike make small corrections on its own, and lower speed reduces how far a gust moves you.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: wind and weather

Question 3

When are you most likely to meet wildlife on Tasmanian country roads?

• Late morning
• Around dawn and dusk, and at nightCorrect answer
• Only in summer
• Only near towns

Slow down through those hours, scan the verges as well as the road, and remember that where one animal crosses others often follow. Braking in a straight line is safer than swerving.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: animals on the road

Question 4

You ride into thick fog on a highland road. What should you do?

• Use high beam so you can see further
• Slow down, use low beam, increase your following distance and be ready for stopped vehiclesCorrect answer
• Speed up to get through the fog band
• Ride close behind another vehicle and follow its tail lights

High beam reflects off the water droplets and makes seeing worse. Fog also wets your visor and the road, so grip and vision drop together.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: wind and weather

Question 5

How does getting cold on a long ride affect a rider?

• It has no effect on riding ability
• It only makes the ride less pleasant
• Cold stiffens the hands, slows reactions and dulls judgement well before you feel in troubleCorrect answer
• It improves concentration

Wind chill on a bike is far greater than the air temperature suggests. Dress in windproof layers, and stop for a warm drink and a break before you start to shiver.

Rule cited: Tasmanian motorcycle rider handbook, topic: fatigue and cold