VIC motorcycle test riding in a group practice questions

Question 1

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

• It looks better
• It gives every rider room to move sideways while keeping the group compactCorrect answer
• It is required by law
• It saves fuel

In a staggered formation each rider keeps a full space cushion to the rider directly ahead and still has somewhere to go if a hazard appears. Riding side by side in pairs removes that escape room.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: riding in groups

Question 2

The group reaches a stretch of tight winding road. What should the formation become?

• Stay staggered and keep the same spacing
• Move to single file so each rider can use the full width of the laneCorrect answer
• Ride two abreast for safety
• Close right up so nobody gets separated

Cornering needs the whole lane for the entry line and the exit. Single file through bends means no one is boxed in on a line they did not choose.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: riding in groups

Question 3

How many riders may ride alongside each other in the same marked lane?

• No more than two, and they must not be more than 1.5 m apartCorrect answer
• As many as fit across the lane
• Three, if they are all fully licensed
• Riding alongside another rider is never permitted

Riders must not travel more than two abreast, and when two abreast they must stay within 1.5 m of each other. Even where it is legal, single file or a staggered formation is usually safer.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 151 (riding alongside another rider)

Question 4

You are the slowest rider in a group and the others are pulling away. What should you do?

• Ride beyond your ability to stay with them
• Ride at your own safe pace and agree meeting points, so nobody has to chaseCorrect answer
• Take a different route without telling anyone
• Overtake on blind corners to catch up

Most group riding crashes involve someone riding beyond their skill to keep up. A well run group sets regular regrouping points, or uses a system where each rider waits at turns for the one behind.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: riding in groups