UK Motorcycle Theory Test Hazard Awareness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main risk when riding through a ford (water across the road)?
- The water splashes the rider and reduces visibility
- The water depth may be greater than it appears, causing the engine to cut out or the front wheel to deflect, and wet brakes temporarily lose effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Riding through water voids the motorcycle's warranty
- Water cools the brakes making them more effective
Correct answer: The water depth may be greater than it appears, causing the engine to cut out or the front wheel to deflect, and wet brakes temporarily lose effectiveness
Fords can be deeper than they appear; sudden contact with deep water can flood the engine and cause a dangerous loss of momentum; wet brakes are also temporarily less effective after a water crossing.
Question 2: What is the risk of following another vehicle too closely on a motorway?
- The slipstream makes the motorcycle unstable
- Tailgating reduces the rider's view ahead and leaves no stopping distance — if the vehicle brakes suddenly the motorcyclist cannot stop in time (Correct answer)
- The exhaust gases from the vehicle can overwhelm the rider
- The motorcycle overheats following at motorway speed
Correct answer: Tailgating reduces the rider's view ahead and leaves no stopping distance — if the vehicle brakes suddenly the motorcyclist cannot stop in time
Following too closely (tailgating) removes the rider's view of the road ahead and eliminates the safety margin needed to stop; at motorway speeds the required stopping distance is well over 100 m.
Question 3: When riding on a motorway, what specific risks should a motorcyclist prepare for?
- Frequent junctions and pedestrian crossings
- Higher speeds increasing the severity of any collision, crosswinds affecting stability, and debris on the road surface (Correct answer)
- Frequent speed limit changes
- Heavy goods vehicles having priority in lane 1
Correct answer: Higher speeds increasing the severity of any collision, crosswinds affecting stability, and debris on the road surface
Motorway speeds mean greater injury severity in any collision; crosswinds from bridges and HGVs can destabilise a motorcycle; and road debris at speed is a significant puncture and crash risk.
Question 4: What should a motorcyclist do when they feel a speed wobble (tank slapper) developing?
- Apply the front brake firmly to stabilise the bike
- Grip the tank firmly with knees, ease off the throttle smoothly without braking and let the bike stabilise gradually (Correct answer)
- Steer sharply to one side to counteract the oscillation
- Open the throttle to accelerate through the wobble
Correct answer: Grip the tank firmly with knees, ease off the throttle smoothly without braking and let the bike stabilise gradually
A speed wobble is a resonant oscillation of the front wheel; sharp inputs worsen it; the correct response is to grip with the knees (removing weight from bars), gently close the throttle and allow the oscillation to dampen.
Question 5: At dusk and dawn, why are motorcyclists at increased risk from other drivers?
- Motorcycle lights are required by law to be dimmer at these times
- Low sun angle creates glare that makes motorcycles particularly hard for other drivers to see against (Correct answer)
- Dusk reduces the rider's vision but not that of other drivers
- Speed limits are lower at dusk but riders ignore them
Correct answer: Low sun angle creates glare that makes motorcycles particularly hard for other drivers to see against
At dusk and dawn, low sun angles create intense glare in drivers' eyes; a motorcycle's small profile means it can disappear into this glare, making the rider invisible to oncoming or crossing traffic.
Question 6: What should a motorcyclist check immediately after a road traffic collision that appears minor?
- Only if the motorcycle can still be ridden away
- Themselves and the motorcycle for damage including structural damage not visible externally, fluid leaks and brake and steering function before riding on (Correct answer)
- Exchange details and ride immediately without delay
- Check only the tyres for punctures
Correct answer: Themselves and the motorcycle for damage including structural damage not visible externally, fluid leaks and brake and steering function before riding on
Even a minor collision can damage the frame, steering geometry or brake lines in ways not visible externally; riding an undetected structurally compromised motorcycle is highly dangerous.
UK Motorcycle Theory Test Hazard Awareness 2
What is the main risk when riding through a ford (water across the road)?