New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before setting off on a ride, what pre-ride check does the AMS recommend a motorcyclist perform?
- Check the exhaust noise level and fuel grade only
- Inspect tyres, brakes, lights, fuel, mirrors, and chain/belt tension (Correct answer)
- Warm up the engine for at least 10 minutes at idle
- Check only the tyre pressure and engine oil
Correct answer: Inspect tyres, brakes, lights, fuel, mirrors, and chain/belt tension
The AMS pre-ride T-CLOCS or equivalent check covers tyres, controls, lights, oils, chassis, and stand — all safety-critical items.
Question 2: What minimum tyre tread depth is legally required for motorcycles in New Zealand?
- 0.5 mm
- 1 mm (Correct answer)
- 1.5 mm
- 2 mm
Correct answer: 1 mm
New Zealand law requires motorcycle tyres to have a minimum of 1 mm of tread depth across the full width of the tyre.
Question 3: A motorcyclist in New Zealand notices a large pothole just ahead. What is the best immediate action?
- Brake hard directly over the pothole to minimise speed at impact
- Brake before the pothole, release brakes before hitting it, and ride through smoothly (Correct answer)
- Swerve sharply onto the footpath to avoid it
- Accelerate through the pothole to reduce the impact duration
Correct answer: Brake before the pothole, release brakes before hitting it, and ride through smoothly
Braking before the obstacle and releasing pressure while crossing it keeps the suspension free to absorb the impact.
Question 4: In New Zealand, what is the maximum demerit points a rider can accumulate before their licence is suspended?
- 50 points
- 75 points
- 100 points (Correct answer)
- 150 points
Correct answer: 100 points
In New Zealand, accumulating 100 or more demerit points within a 2-year period results in a licence suspension.
Question 5: When riding through an intersection and turning right, where should a New Zealand motorcyclist position themselves just before turning?
- At the far left of the lane to be visible to oncoming traffic
- Just left of the centre line to minimise the turning arc (Correct answer)
- In the left wheel track of the lane
- As close as possible to the right-hand kerb
Correct answer: Just left of the centre line to minimise the turning arc
Positioning just left of the centre line before a right turn shortens the turn arc and keeps you visible to approaching drivers.
Question 6: Which of the following is a recognised hazard unique to motorcyclists compared to car drivers?
- Being blinded by dashboard reflections
- Reduced stability on painted road markings and drain covers when wet (Correct answer)
- Difficulty reading road signs at speed
- Overheating of the steering wheel in summer
Correct answer: Reduced stability on painted road markings and drain covers when wet
Painted lines, metal grates, and drain covers become extremely slippery when wet and pose a high fall risk for motorcyclists.
Question 7: Under the AMS, what is the primary purpose of the hazard perception training component?
- To teach riders how to perform emergency U-turns
- To develop the ability to identify and respond to potential dangers before they become emergencies (Correct answer)
- To train riders to navigate at night without headlights
- To assess riders on their knowledge of road construction signs
Correct answer: To develop the ability to identify and respond to potential dangers before they become emergencies
Hazard perception training builds the skill of spotting risks early so riders can react in time rather than in crisis.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme 5
Before setting off on a ride, what pre-ride check does the AMS recommend a motorcyclist perform?