New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Basic Handling Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When braking on a surface with loose gravel, which technique is safest?
- Apply maximum front brake pressure only
- Apply both brakes gently and progressively to avoid wheel lock (Correct answer)
- Use engine braking alone with no brake levers
- Brake hard with the rear brake and keep front brake off
Correct answer: Apply both brakes gently and progressively to avoid wheel lock
Gentle, progressive application of both brakes on loose surfaces reduces the chance of wheel lock and loss of control.
Question 2: How should you position your feet on the footpegs during normal riding?
- Heels on the pegs with toes pointed outward
- Balls of the feet on the pegs with feet parallel to the bike (Correct answer)
- Entire sole flat on the pegs
- Toes hanging below the pegs for quick foot-down access
Correct answer: Balls of the feet on the pegs with feet parallel to the bike
Placing the balls of your feet on the footpegs gives better control of the brake and gear levers while keeping your feet secure.
Question 3: What is the effect of excessive speed when entering a corner?
- The bike steers more precisely
- The rider may run wide and leave the lane or road (Correct answer)
- Engine braking increases automatically
- Ground clearance improves
Correct answer: The rider may run wide and leave the lane or road
Entering a corner too fast reduces the rider's ability to maintain their intended line, often causing the bike to run wide.
Question 4: When should you avoid using the front brake on a motorcycle?
- During any downhill section
- While the bike is leaned over significantly in a corner (Correct answer)
- When travelling above 60 km/h
- On dry sealed roads
Correct answer: While the bike is leaned over significantly in a corner
Applying the front brake while significantly leaned can overwhelm tyre traction and cause the front wheel to slide.
Question 5: What is 'countersteering' used for when riding at speeds above about 20 km/h?
- Straightening the bike after a corner
- Initiating turns by briefly pushing on the inside handlebar (Correct answer)
- Correcting a tank slapper wobble
- Activating engine braking
Correct answer: Initiating turns by briefly pushing on the inside handlebar
Pushing forward on the inside handlebar causes the bike to lean and steer in that direction, which is the most effective way to initiate turns at higher speeds.
Question 6: You are riding in wet conditions and approach a painted road marking (e.g., a pedestrian crossing). What should you do?
- Brake firmly on the marking to scrub speed
- Avoid braking or turning sharply while on the marking (Correct answer)
- Speed up to cross it quickly
- Steer to ride directly along the edge of the marking
Correct answer: Avoid braking or turning sharply while on the marking
Painted surfaces become extremely slippery when wet, so braking or turning sharply on them can cause wheel slip.
Question 7: When riding up a steep hill and preparing to stop, why is the rear brake particularly useful?
- It provides more braking force than the front on inclines
- It helps hold the bike stationary and prevent rolling backward (Correct answer)
- It engages the engine brake automatically
- It is safer because it cannot lock the wheel uphill
Correct answer: It helps hold the bike stationary and prevent rolling backward
Using the rear brake helps hold the motorcycle stationary on a hill while you prepare to move off, preventing backward roll.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Basic Handling Skills 3
When braking on a surface with loose gravel, which technique is safest?