New Zealand Motorbike Driving Carrying Passengers and Loads Questions and Answers

Question 1

A rider holds a restricted motorcycle licence (6R). Under which of the following conditions are they legally permitted to carry a pillion passenger?

Accepted Answer

They are not permitted to carry a passenger under any circumstances.

Answer

The New Zealand Road Code explicitly states that holders of a learner (6L) or restricted (6R) motorcycle licence are not permitted to carry a pillion passenger on their motorcycle or in a sidecar. This condition is only lifted upon obtaining a full (6F) licence.

Question 2

Before carrying your first pillion passenger, what is the most important advice you should give them regarding cornering?

Accepted Answer

To lean with the rider and the motorcycle through the turn.

Answer

A pillion passenger must act as part of the motorcycle. It is crucial for them to look over the rider's shoulder into the turn and lean with the bike and rider. If they stay upright or lean the opposite way, it fights the motorcycle's natural dynamics and makes steering extremely difficult and dangerous.

Question 3

Which of the following describes a correctly and legally secured load on a motorcycle in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

A correctly weighted pair of saddlebags with the load kept low and central.

Answer

Loads must be kept low and central to maintain the motorcycle's centre of gravity and stability. An uneven or high load can negatively affect balance. Loads must not be attached to the handlebars and are legally not allowed to extend more than 1 metre behind the rear axle.

Question 4

You are preparing to take a passenger on a long ride. How does the additional weight of a passenger primarily affect the motorcycle's performance?

Accepted Answer

It increases braking distances and makes acceleration slower.

Answer

Adding the significant weight of a passenger increases the total mass of the motorcycle. This means more force and distance are required to stop, and the engine has to work harder to accelerate. The added weight also changes the handling dynamics, often making steering feel slower or heavier.

Question 5

To legally carry a pillion passenger in New Zealand, what specific equipment MUST a motorcycle have?

Accepted Answer

A seat designed for two people and dedicated passenger footrests.

Answer

The law requires that a motorcycle must be fitted with a seat that is long enough to safely accommodate a passenger, as well as a separate set of footrests for that passenger to use.

New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test Practice Test

New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test Practice Test

New Zealand Motorbike Driving Carrying Passengers and Loads Questions and Answers