New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test NZ Motorbike Driving Behaviour 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are approaching traffic lights that have been green for a long time. What should you do?
- Accelerate to get through before they change
- Prepare to stop — the lights may change to amber soon (Correct answer)
- Sound your horn to warn pedestrians
- Move to the left lane to avoid cross-traffic
Correct answer: Prepare to stop — the lights may change to amber soon
A light that has been green for a long time is likely to change soon, so you should reduce speed and be ready to stop safely.
Question 2: A motorcyclist is lane filtering in slow-moving traffic in New Zealand. What must they ensure?
- Lane filtering is completely prohibited in New Zealand for all riders (Correct answer)
- They filter at a speed no greater than 30 km/h and only past stationary or slow traffic
- They may filter at any speed as long as they signal
- Lane filtering is only permitted on motorways
Correct answer: Lane filtering is completely prohibited in New Zealand for all riders
As of current NZ road rules, lane filtering (splitting) is not legally permitted — motorcyclists must stay in their lane like other vehicles.
Question 3: What is the main purpose of wearing high-visibility gear as a motorcyclist?
- To comply with NZ law, which requires fluorescent clothing
- To make yourself more conspicuous to other road users and reduce crash risk (Correct answer)
- To keep warm in cold weather
- To signal your lane intentions to other riders
Correct answer: To make yourself more conspicuous to other road users and reduce crash risk
High-visibility gear significantly increases the chance that other road users will see you, reducing the risk of being involved in a 'looked but failed to see' collision.
Question 4: When accelerating out of a corner on a wet road, a motorcyclist should:
- Apply full throttle as soon as the bike is upright
- Gradually roll on the throttle smoothly as the bike straightens (Correct answer)
- Use the front brake to control speed through the corner
- Reduce speed only and avoid accelerating until fully stopped
Correct answer: Gradually roll on the throttle smoothly as the bike straightens
Smooth, progressive throttle application prevents rear wheel spin on slippery surfaces and keeps the bike stable as it exits the corner.
Question 5: Which document must a motorbike owner carry or have available when stopped by police in New Zealand?
- Only their rider licence
- Rider licence, vehicle registration, and evidence of warrant of fitness (WOF) (Correct answer)
- Just the vehicle registration document
- Insurance certificate and licence
Correct answer: Rider licence, vehicle registration, and evidence of warrant of fitness (WOF)
In New Zealand, riders should be able to produce their licence, registration, and current WOF when required by police.
Question 6: You are riding on a motorway and need to exit. When should you begin signalling?
- Only after you have entered the exit lane
- At least three seconds before changing lanes toward the exit (Correct answer)
- Signalling is not required on motorway exits
- Just as you reach the exit ramp
Correct answer: At least three seconds before changing lanes toward the exit
You should signal well in advance — at least three seconds — before moving into the exit lane so other road users can anticipate your movement.
Question 7: What is 'target fixation' and why is it dangerous for motorcyclists?
- Focusing on your mirrors instead of the road ahead
- Looking at an obstacle or hazard, which tends to steer the bike toward it (Correct answer)
- Staring at the speedometer while riding
- Keeping your eyes fixed on the vehicle ahead at all times
Correct answer: Looking at an obstacle or hazard, which tends to steer the bike toward it
Target fixation occurs when a rider stares at a hazard and, because the bike tends to follow where the eyes look, inadvertently steers toward it.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test NZ Motorbike Driving Behaviour 5
You are approaching traffic lights that have been green for a long time.
What should you do?