New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Carrying Passengers and Loads 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of bag is safest to carry items on a motorcycle while riding?
- A plastic shopping bag tied to the handlebar
- A backpack worn loosely on the rider's back
- Purpose-designed motorcycle saddlebags securely mounted to the frame (Correct answer)
- A cardboard box bungee-corded to the seat
Correct answer: Purpose-designed motorcycle saddlebags securely mounted to the frame
Purpose-designed saddlebags are engineered to mount securely to the motorcycle and keep weight low and evenly distributed without affecting rider movement.
Question 2: When riding two-up, at what point should the pillion passenger be briefed about safe riding behaviour?
- During the ride when problems arise
- After arriving at the destination
- Only if the passenger has never ridden before
- Before the ride begins (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Before the ride begins
Passengers should always be briefed on how to mount, dismount, hold on, lean, and signal before the motorcycle moves.
Question 3: How does extra combined weight affect a motorcycle's ability to handle emergency evasive manoeuvres?
- It improves evasive ability by adding stability
- It makes the bike harder to manoeuvre quickly due to increased inertia (Correct answer)
- It has no effect because brakes and steering work independently of weight
- It only affects evasion at speeds above 80 km/h
Correct answer: It makes the bike harder to manoeuvre quickly due to increased inertia
Greater inertia from extra weight means the motorcycle responds more slowly to steering and braking inputs, limiting the rider's ability to evade hazards quickly.
Question 4: What is the safest position for a motorcycle rider's arms when a pillion passenger is holding the rider's waist?
- Arms fully extended to push the passenger away
- Arms slightly bent at the elbows with normal control (Correct answer)
- Arms pulled inward so the passenger cannot restrict movement
- Arms straight and locked against the tank
Correct answer: Arms slightly bent at the elbows with normal control
Keeping arms slightly bent maintains normal control inputs while allowing the rider to absorb the passenger's grip without restricting steering movement.
Question 5: A motorcycle load must not project more than how far to the left or right beyond the widest part of the vehicle in New Zealand?
- 100 mm
- 200 mm
- 300 mm (Correct answer)
- 500 mm
Correct answer: 300 mm
New Zealand road rules specify that a load must not project more than 300 mm beyond the widest point of the vehicle on either side.
Question 6: Why is it particularly important to check bungee cords and straps securing a load at regular intervals on a long journey?
- Straps and cords expand with heat and may loosen over time
- Regulations require inspection every 30 minutes
- Vibration and wind can gradually loosen securing equipment (Correct answer)
- Load weight decreases on long trips, requiring strap readjustment
Correct answer: Vibration and wind can gradually loosen securing equipment
Continuous road vibration and wind forces can work straps and bungee cords loose over distance, so periodic checks are essential to keep the load secure.
Question 7: If a new rider on a restricted licence in New Zealand wishes to carry a pillion passenger, what must they do first?
- Complete an approved advanced riding course
- Obtain written permission from NZTA
- Hold a full motorcycle licence — restricted licence holders cannot carry passengers (Correct answer)
- Carry the passenger only during daylight hours
Correct answer: Hold a full motorcycle licence — restricted licence holders cannot carry passengers
In New Zealand, riders on a restricted licence are not permitted to carry pillion passengers; a full motorcycle licence is required.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Carrying Passengers and Loads 5
Which type of bag is safest to carry items on a motorcycle while riding?