New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Carrying Passengers and Loads 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following loads is NOT acceptable to carry on a New Zealand motorcycle?
- A load that projects no more than 200 mm beyond the handlebars
- A load secured with tie-down straps and bungee cords
- A load that obscures the rear number plate (Correct answer)
- A load carried in a properly fitted rear rack
Correct answer: A load that obscures the rear number plate
Any load that obscures the rear number plate is illegal in New Zealand as the plate must remain visible to other road users and enforcement cameras.
Question 2: What is the primary reason a novice rider should not carry a pillion passenger immediately after obtaining their licence?
- Insurance policies do not cover new riders with passengers
- Carrying a passenger requires additional skills the rider may not yet have (Correct answer)
- New riders are legally prohibited from carrying passengers for 12 months
- Passengers add too much noise and distract inexperienced riders
Correct answer: Carrying a passenger requires additional skills the rider may not yet have
Managing the changed handling, weight, and communication with a passenger requires riding experience that a brand-new licence holder has not yet developed.
Question 3: If a motorcycle's rear suspension sags noticeably after a passenger boards, what adjustment may be required?
- Increase tyre pressure to maximum rating
- Increase rear shock preload to suit the combined weight (Correct answer)
- Deflate the tyres slightly to increase grip
- No adjustment is necessary — modern suspension self-adjusts
Correct answer: Increase rear shock preload to suit the combined weight
Increasing rear shock preload compensates for the extra weight of a passenger and restores correct ride height and handling.
Question 4: When should a pillion passenger hold on during a ride?
- Only during sharp corners
- Only when braking hard
- At all times while the motorcycle is moving (Correct answer)
- Only on unsealed roads
Correct answer: At all times while the motorcycle is moving
A passenger must hold on throughout the ride because unexpected movements can occur at any time, not just during obvious manoeuvres.
Question 5: How does a top-box mounted high on a motorcycle affect its handling?
- It lowers the centre of gravity, improving stability
- It raises the centre of gravity, making the bike less stable (Correct answer)
- It shifts weight forward, improving steering precision
- It has no measurable effect on motorcycle handling
Correct answer: It raises the centre of gravity, making the bike less stable
A heavily loaded top-box raises the centre of gravity, which reduces stability and makes the motorcycle more sensitive to side forces and cornering.
Question 6: What communication method should a rider agree on with their passenger BEFORE setting off?
- Shouting instructions at traffic lights
- A simple tap or squeeze signal system (Correct answer)
- Using hand signals directed at the rider
- No communication is needed — the passenger just holds on
Correct answer: A simple tap or squeeze signal system
Agreeing on simple tap or squeeze signals before riding allows the passenger to alert the rider to problems without dangerous distractions.
Question 7: A motorcycle rated to carry 180 kg has a rider weighing 85 kg. What is the maximum passenger weight permitted?
- 95 kg (Correct answer)
- 85 kg
- 90 kg
- 180 kg
Correct answer: 95 kg
The remaining load capacity is 180 − 85 = 95 kg, which is the maximum allowable weight for the passenger.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Carrying Passengers and Loads 3
Which of the following loads is NOT acceptable to carry on a New Zealand motorcycle?