UK Motorcycle Theory Test Motorway Riding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the danger of wind buffeting from large vehicles when riding on a motorway?
- There is no danger from wind
- Turbulence from lorries and buses can push a motorcycle sideways, requiring constant correction and a firm grip (Correct answer)
- Wind buffeting only occurs in winter
- Only vehicles travelling over 100 mph create turbulence
Correct answer: Turbulence from lorries and buses can push a motorcycle sideways, requiring constant correction and a firm grip
Large vehicles create significant air turbulence that can push a motorcycle sideways. This occurs when overtaking, being overtaken by, or riding alongside lorries and coaches. Riders should anticipate the buffeting, maintain a firm grip, and avoid riding too close to large vehicles.
Question 2: What are emergency refuge areas (ERAs) on smart motorways and why are they important?
- Rest areas with toilets and food
- Laybys at regular intervals providing a safe place to stop in emergencies on motorways without a hard shoulder (Correct answer)
- Camping areas for motorcyclists
- Areas where only emergency vehicles can park
Correct answer: Laybys at regular intervals providing a safe place to stop in emergencies on motorways without a hard shoulder
Emergency refuge areas are laybys at intervals on smart motorways (which may not have a continuous hard shoulder). They provide a safe place to stop in emergencies, with an emergency phone and sometimes CCTV. Knowing their locations is vital on motorways with no hard shoulder.
Question 3: How should a motorcyclist leave a motorway?
- Move directly from any lane into the exit slip road
- Signal left, move into the left lane well before the junction, and decelerate on the slip road — not on the motorway (Correct answer)
- Stop on the motorway and reverse to the exit
- Exit at speed and brake on the slip road
Correct answer: Signal left, move into the left lane well before the junction, and decelerate on the slip road — not on the motorway
Plan your exit in advance. Move to the left lane in good time, signal left from the 300-yard marker, and maintain motorway speed until you enter the slip road. Decelerate on the slip road, not on the main carriageway. Check your speedometer as you may have speed blindness after high-speed riding.
Question 4: What is 'speed blindness' and why does it affect motorcyclists leaving a motorway?
- A medical condition affecting eyesight
- After sustained high-speed riding, your perception of speed is distorted, making slower speeds feel unnaturally slow (Correct answer)
- Inability to read speed limit signs
- Temporary blindness caused by wind
Correct answer: After sustained high-speed riding, your perception of speed is distorted, making slower speeds feel unnaturally slow
After riding at motorway speeds for an extended period, your brain adapts to the high speed. When you exit the motorway and decelerate, 30 or 40 mph can feel like walking pace. This can cause you to enter roundabouts and bends at dangerously high speeds. Always check your speedometer.
Question 5: What should a motorcyclist consider about spray in wet motorway conditions?
- Spray is not a concern on motorcycles
- Spray from other vehicles drastically reduces visibility — increase following distance and consider pulling over if conditions become too dangerous (Correct answer)
- Spray only comes from lorries
- Using a tinted visor solves the spray problem
Correct answer: Spray from other vehicles drastically reduces visibility — increase following distance and consider pulling over if conditions become too dangerous
Spray from other vehicles, particularly lorries, can dramatically reduce a motorcyclist's visibility to near zero. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists have no windscreen wipers. Riders should increase following distances, avoid sitting in spray plumes, and consider stopping if visibility becomes too poor.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure for overtaking on a motorway?
- Undertake on the left if the right lane is busy
- Check mirrors, signal right, do a lifesaver check, move to the next lane when safe, overtake, then signal left and return (Correct answer)
- Flash headlights to make the vehicle ahead move over
- Overtake on whichever side has more space
Correct answer: Check mirrors, signal right, do a lifesaver check, move to the next lane when safe, overtake, then signal left and return
Always overtake on the right. Check mirrors thoroughly, signal right, perform a lifesaver check to the right, move to the next lane when safe, complete the overtake, then signal left and return to the left when clear. Undertaking (overtaking on the left) is generally prohibited.
UK Motorcycle Theory Test Motorway Riding 2
What is the danger of wind buffeting from large vehicles when riding on a motorway?