New Zealand Motorbike Driving Riding in Adverse Conditions Questions and Answers

Question 1

When riding in a strong, steady crosswind coming from your left, which of the following is the most effective and stable way to maintain your intended path of travel?

Accepted Answer

Apply steady, light forward pressure to the left handlebar to lean the motorcycle slightly into the wind.

Answer

Tense your arms and shoulders to resist the wind and keep the handlebars straight.

Answer

Move to the far right-hand side of your lane to create a buffer.

Answer

Lean your upper body to the right, away from the wind, to counteract the force.

Question 2

You are riding on a country road in late autumn. What is the safest way to approach and navigate a corner that is visibly covered in damp, fallen leaves?

Accepted Answer

Slow down significantly before the corner, and ride through the leaves with the motorcycle as upright as possible.

Answer

Brake gently while riding over the leaves to maintain a slow speed throughout the patch.

Answer

Accelerate just before the leaves to pass over them quickly, minimizing contact time.

Answer

Maintain your normal cornering speed and lean angle, trusting your tyres to grip.

Question 3

Which of the following road surfaces becomes the MOST dangerously slippery when wet, requiring extreme caution?

Accepted Answer

A steel manhole cover or bridge expansion joint.

Answer

Coarse, new asphalt.

Answer

A concrete driveway crossing.

Answer

Porous 'quiet' tarmac designed to drain water.

Question 4

You are caught in a thick fog which severely limits your visibility. To be as safe as possible, what is the best practice for using your motorcycle's lights?

Accepted Answer

Use your low beam, as it is aimed downwards and reduces the amount of light reflected back at you by the fog.

Answer

Use your high beam, as its powerful light will penetrate the fog better.

Answer

Use only your park lights to avoid creating glare.

Answer

Intermittently flash your high beam to warn oncoming traffic of your presence.

Question 5

It has just started raining after a long dry spell, making the road surface greasy. What is the primary and most immediate hazard in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Oil, dust, and grime on the road mixing with the water to create an exceptionally slippery film.

Answer

Your visor will fog up instantly, obscuring your vision.

Answer

The risk of aquaplaning is at its highest.

Answer

Water getting into the engine's air intake.

Question 6

Compared to riding in dry conditions, how should you adapt your braking technique when riding on a wet road?

Accepted Answer

Increase your following distance, and apply both brakes earlier and more gently.

Answer

Rely only on the rear brake to avoid a front-wheel skid.

Answer

Apply the brakes much later, but more forcefully, to ensure you stop in time.

Answer

Brake primarily while leaned over in corners to maintain stability.