New Zealand Motorbike Driving Basic Handling Skills Test Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is NOT one of the four official stages of the New Zealand Basic Handling Skills Test (BHST)?
- Lane positioning and hazard identification (Correct answer)
- Basic turn and stop
- Linking figures of eight
- Increased speed and emergency stop
Correct answer: Lane positioning and hazard identification
The BHST is conducted in an off-road area and consists of four specific stages: 1) Basic turn and stop, 2) Figure of eight and park, 3) Linking figures of eight, and 4) Increased speed and emergency stop. Lane positioning and hazard identification are skills assessed in on-road practical tests, not the BHST.
Question 2: During the 'Increased speed and emergency stop' stage of the BHST, what is the primary action you should take when the examiner signals you to stop?
- Slam on the rear brake only to avoid locking the front wheel.
- Apply both brakes firmly and progressively, with the front brake doing most of the work. (Correct answer)
- Quickly downshift through the gears while braking.
- Swerve slightly before braking to test the suspension.
Correct answer: Apply both brakes firmly and progressively, with the front brake doing most of the work.
The correct technique for an emergency stop is to close the throttle and apply both brakes firmly and progressively. The front brake provides the majority of the stopping power. Slamming on a single brake can cause a skid, and downshifting is not the priority during the initial stop.
Question 3: A rider is performing the 'Linking figures of eight' stage. What key skill is the examiner primarily assessing during this manoeuvre?
- High-speed cornering ability
- Ability to signal correctly while turning
- Low-speed balance, coordination, and clutch/throttle control (Correct answer)
- Rapid acceleration out of a turn
Correct answer: Low-speed balance, coordination, and clutch/throttle control
The 'Linking figures of eight' stage is designed specifically to test a rider's ability to maintain balance and control of the motorcycle at low speeds. It requires precise coordination of steering input, clutch, and throttle to perform tight turns without putting a foot down.
Question 4: What is the immediate consequence of successfully passing the Basic Handling Skills Test?
- You are issued a full motorcycle licence (Class 6F).
- You are issued a certificate which allows you to apply for a motorcycle learner licence (Class 6L) and sit the theory test. (Correct answer)
- You can immediately start riding on the road without L plates.
- You are automatically booked for the on-road restricted licence test.
Correct answer: You are issued a certificate which allows you to apply for a motorcycle learner licence (Class 6L) and sit the theory test.
Passing the BHST does not grant a licence. It provides you with a certificate. You must then take this certificate to a licensing agent (e.g., AA or VTNZ) to apply for your learner licence, which involves passing a theory test and an eyesight check.
Question 5: During any stage of the BHST, what is a critical error that could result in an immediate fail?
- Forgetting to signal once during the figure of eight.
- Stalling the motorcycle once when moving off.
- Losing control and dropping the motorcycle. (Correct answer)
- Taking slightly too long to complete a manoeuvre.
Correct answer: Losing control and dropping the motorcycle.
Losing complete control of the motorcycle, such as dropping it, is considered a critical error and would typically result in an immediate failure of the test. While stalling or forgetting a signal may incur penalty points, they are not usually grounds for automatic failure unless repeated excessively.
Question 6: In the context of the BHST, what are 'head checks' most critical for?
- Checking your speedometer to maintain the correct speed.
- Looking at the front wheel to ensure correct alignment.
- Observing your blind spots before changing position or moving off. (Correct answer)
- Making eye contact with the examiner for instructions.
Correct answer: Observing your blind spots before changing position or moving off.
Head checks are a mandatory and assessed part of the BHST. They are used to check blind spots before moving off, changing direction, or parking to ensure the path is clear. This is a crucial safety habit for all on-road riding.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Basic Handling Skills Test Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT one of the four official stages of the New Zealand Basic Handling Skills Test (BHST)?