RTT On Motorways 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On an all-lane running (ALR) smart motorway, what replaces the traditional hard shoulder?
- A dedicated motorcycle lane
- A running lane with emergency refuge areas (ERAs) (Correct answer)
- A bus and emergency vehicle lane
- A wider central reservation
Correct answer: A running lane with emergency refuge areas (ERAs)
ALR motorways convert the hard shoulder into a permanent running lane and provide emergency refuge areas at intervals for breakdowns.
Question 2: You break down on a section of motorway with no hard shoulder. What should you do first?
- Stop in lane 1 and wait
- Get to an emergency refuge area if possible (Correct answer)
- Ride slowly on the painted edge line
- Call for help from lane 1
Correct answer: Get to an emergency refuge area if possible
Reaching an ERA gets you out of live traffic; if you cannot move, switch on hazard lights and call for help immediately.
Question 3: What effect can slipstreaming behind a large lorry have on a motorcyclist on a motorway?
- Improved fuel economy with no safety risk
- Reduced wind resistance but sudden turbulence when pulling out (Correct answer)
- Increased stability due to sheltered airflow
- None — motorcycles are too small to be affected
Correct answer: Reduced wind resistance but sudden turbulence when pulling out
Drafting a lorry reduces wind resistance but exposes the rider to dangerous turbulence when leaving the slipstream.
Question 4: Which of these is a sign that aquaplaning may be occurring on a wet motorway?
- Increased engine noise
- Steering feels unusually light or unresponsive (Correct answer)
- Brakes become more responsive
- Vibration through the handlebars increases
Correct answer: Steering feels unusually light or unresponsive
Aquaplaning occurs when the tire rides on a film of water; the loss of contact makes steering feel light and ineffective.
Question 5: When should a motorcyclist use hazard warning lights while moving on a motorway?
- Whenever riding slower than 60 mph
- Never — hazard lights must not be used while moving
- To warn of a queue of stationary traffic ahead (Correct answer)
- When overtaking in lane 3
Correct answer: To warn of a queue of stationary traffic ahead
In some jurisdictions, hazard lights may be briefly used while moving to warn following traffic of a sudden hazard such as queuing traffic.
Question 6: Why is lane filtering on a stationary motorway more risky than on urban roads?
- Motorway vehicles move slower so gaps close faster
- Vehicles may move lanes suddenly without signaling when traffic starts moving (Correct answer)
- Motorcycles overheat at low speed on motorways
- Police enforce filtering bans more strictly on motorways
Correct answer: Vehicles may move lanes suddenly without signaling when traffic starts moving
When stationary motorway traffic begins moving, drivers often change lanes without signaling, creating sudden hazards for filtering riders.
Question 7: A motorcyclist sees debris in their lane on the motorway ahead. What is the safest response?
- Brake hard and stop immediately in the lane
- Check mirrors, signal, and move to a clear lane early if safe (Correct answer)
- Swerve sharply at the last moment
- Maintain speed and straddle the debris
Correct answer: Check mirrors, signal, and move to a clear lane early if safe
Early mirror checks and a smooth lane change well before the debris are safer than late swerving or stopping in a live lane.
RTT On Motorways 4
On an all-lane running (ALR) smart motorway, what replaces the traditional hard shoulder?