WA motorcycle test lane position and buffering practice questions

Question 1

What is the safest position when riding past parked cars?

• Close to the parked cars so you are out of the traffic lane
• Buffered away from the parked cars, clear of the space an opening door would fillCorrect answer
• Straddling the lane line
• In the gutter

A door opening or a car pulling out gives you no warning at all. Buffering creates distance and therefore time. Where the lane is too narrow to buffer, slow down instead.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: road position and buffering

Question 2

What minimum following distance should a rider use in good conditions?

• One second
• Two seconds
• Three seconds, increased in rain, dust or poor lightCorrect answer
• A fixed two bike lengths

Three seconds gives you time to see a problem and slow smoothly instead of braking hard. Add more whenever grip or visibility is reduced, or when you are behind a large vehicle.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: following distance

Question 3

You are following a road train. Why should your gap be far larger than usual?

• Because road trains stop very quickly
• Because you cannot see past it at all, the driver cannot see you close behind, and its tyres throw up stones and debrisCorrect answer
• Because it is illegal to follow a road train
• Because the driver may reverse

A long combination blocks the whole road ahead and drags dust and stones behind it. Backing well off restores your view, puts you in the mirrors and keeps you out of the debris.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: heavy vehicles

Question 4

You want to overtake a road train on a single carriageway highway. What should you consider?

• It is the same as overtaking a car
• A road train can be over 50 m long, so you need a very long clear view and a much longer overtaking distance than you thinkCorrect answer
• You should overtake on the left shoulder
• You should overtake on a crest so you can see further

Overtaking a long combination takes far more road than a car, and dust and turbulence make it harder again. If you are not certain you have the distance, wait for an overtaking lane or a long straight.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: overtaking

Question 5

A large truck is about to pass you in the opposite direction on a narrow road. What should you do?

• Move as close to the centre line as possible
• Move to the left of your lane while staying on the sealed surface, slow slightly and hold a relaxed gripCorrect answer
• Speed up to pass it sooner
• Brake hard just as it reaches you

A big vehicle pushes a wall of air ahead of it and drags turbulence behind. Extra space and loose arms let the motorcycle absorb the push, while riding onto a loose shoulder creates a new problem.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: heavy vehicles

Question 6

A car is waiting at a T junction on your left, ready to pull out. What is the safest thing to do?

• Hold your speed, you have right of way
• Move to the right of your lane, ease off the throttle, cover the brakes and watch the car's front wheelsCorrect answer
• Move to the left of your lane so the driver sees you sooner
• Sound the horn and keep your speed

This is one of the most common crashes involving a motorcycle. Space, reduced speed and covered brakes buy the time you need, and the front wheels move before the body of the car does.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: intersections