WA rider knowledge test pillion passengers and loads practice questions

Question 1

What must a motorcycle have before carrying a pillion passenger?

• A seat designed for a passenger and footrests for their feetCorrect answer
• A windscreen
• A top box for the passenger's helmet
• Nothing in particular

A passenger must sit astride a proper seat, facing forward, with both feet on footrests. A single seat machine, or one without pillion pegs, cannot legally carry anyone.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 271 (riding on motorcycles)

Question 2

What helmet requirement applies to a pillion passenger?

• An approved motorcycle helmet, properly fitted and fastenedCorrect answer
• Any helmet, including a bicycle helmet
• No helmet is required for a passenger
• A helmet only on roads over 60 km/h

The helmet requirement covers passengers in the same way as riders. Check the fit and the strap yourself before moving off, because you are in charge of the motorcycle.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules, rule 270 (motorcycle helmets)

Question 3

How does carrying a passenger affect the motorcycle?

• It has no effect once you are moving
• Acceleration slows, steering feels heavier and stopping distances increaseCorrect answer
• The bike stops more quickly because it is heavier
• Only fuel use changes

The extra weight sits high and well back. Set tyre pressures and rear preload for two up riding, practise slow manoeuvres before you set off, and leave a much larger gap ahead.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: carrying a passenger

Question 4

What should you tell a new pillion passenger before you ride?

• To lean against each corner to keep the bike upright
• To hold on, stay in line with you, look over your shoulder on the inside of a turn and keep both feet on the pegs even at a stopCorrect answer
• To put a foot down at every stop
• To move around freely to help the bike balance

A passenger who resists the lean or shifts suddenly makes the motorcycle very hard to control. Agree a tap signal for slow down or stop, and pull away and brake more gently than usual.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: carrying a passenger

Question 5

You are packing for a long trip through the wheatbelt. How should the luggage be loaded?

• As high as possible so it stays clean
• Low, central and strapped down tight, with nothing covering the lights or number plate, and straps checked at every stopCorrect answer
• Hung from the handlebars for easy access
• Loose on the pillion seat under a bungee

Weight carried high or off to one side changes the handling and can start a weave at speed. Corrugations and vibration work straps loose, so recheck them every time you stop.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: loads and luggage