New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test NZ Motorbike Driving Behaviour 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A motorcyclist wants to turn right from a two-lane road. Where should they position their bike before turning?
- In the left lane close to the kerb
- In the right lane or as close to the centre line as safely possible (Correct answer)
- In the centre of the road regardless of lane markings
- On the left shoulder to allow traffic to pass
Correct answer: In the right lane or as close to the centre line as safely possible
Before turning right, position your motorbike in the right-hand lane or close to the centre line to signal your intention clearly and make the turn safely.
Question 2: You are riding behind a large truck and cannot see past it. What is the safest action?
- Follow as closely as possible to reduce wind resistance
- Increase following distance so you can see further ahead and have more stopping time (Correct answer)
- Change lanes immediately to overtake
- Flash your headlights to signal the truck to speed up
Correct answer: Increase following distance so you can see further ahead and have more stopping time
Increasing your following distance behind a large vehicle improves your view of the road ahead and gives you more time to react to hazards.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the 'two-second rule' for motorcyclists?
- You must wait two seconds at every intersection before proceeding
- You should maintain a gap of at least two seconds from the vehicle ahead in ideal conditions (Correct answer)
- You must check your mirrors every two seconds
- You should signal at least two seconds before turning
Correct answer: You should maintain a gap of at least two seconds from the vehicle ahead in ideal conditions
The two-second rule means keeping at least a two-second time gap behind the vehicle ahead under dry, good-visibility conditions — more in poor conditions.
Question 4: Why is it especially dangerous for motorcyclists to ride across tram or train tracks at a shallow angle?
- The tracks cause excessive vibration that damages the bike
- The front wheel can drop into the rail groove, causing a loss of control (Correct answer)
- Train tracks are always slippery regardless of angle
- Crossing at a shallow angle is slower and wastes time
Correct answer: The front wheel can drop into the rail groove, causing a loss of control
Crossing tracks at a shallow angle risks the front tyre slipping into the groove, which can deflect or trap the wheel and cause a fall.
Question 5: A motorcyclist is riding in a group. What is the recommended formation for safe group riding?
- Ride side by side in pairs to save road space
- Ride in a staggered formation, with each rider offset in their lane (Correct answer)
- Ride in a single file touching the centre line
- Follow in a tight convoy with minimal gaps
Correct answer: Ride in a staggered formation, with each rider offset in their lane
A staggered formation gives each rider a clear view ahead, maintains safe following distances, and reduces the group's overall length.
Question 6: When should you perform a head check (shoulder check) while riding a motorbike?
- Only when changing lanes on a motorway
- Before changing lanes, merging, or turning, to check blind spots mirrors cannot show (Correct answer)
- Only when no mirrors are fitted
- Once per kilometre as a general safety habit
Correct answer: Before changing lanes, merging, or turning, to check blind spots mirrors cannot show
A head check before any lane change, merge, or turn ensures you see vehicles in the blind spots that mirrors cannot fully cover.
Question 7: What effect does riding with an underinflated rear tyre have on a motorbike?
- It improves grip by increasing the contact patch in all conditions
- It reduces handling precision, increases heat buildup, and raises the risk of a blowout (Correct answer)
- It has no significant effect at normal riding speeds
- It only affects fuel economy, not safety
Correct answer: It reduces handling precision, increases heat buildup, and raises the risk of a blowout
An underinflated tyre flexes excessively, generates dangerous heat, reduces steering accuracy, and greatly increases the risk of a sudden blowout.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test NZ Motorbike Driving Behaviour 4
A motorcyclist wants to turn right from a two-lane road.
Where should they position their bike before turning?