Alertness: Motorcycle Theory Test

There are 37 motorcycle theory test Alertness questions. You must get 86% (32 out of 37) to pass the test. You may review answers after each question by clicking the 'check answer' button or you can wait until the end of the test for your final score. Good luck!

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A Get in position ready for the turn
B Give the correct signal
C Select the correct gear
D Take a lifesaver glance over your shoulder
Correct Answer: D Take a lifesaver glance over your shoulder
Explanation: When you're turning right, plan your approach to the junction. Signal and select the correct gear in good time. Just before you turn, take a lifesaver glance for a final check behind and to the side of you.
A A certificate every motorcyclist must have
B A final rearward glance before changing direction
C A mirror fitted to check blind spots
D A part of the motorcycle tool kit
Correct Answer: B A final rearward glance before changing direction
Explanation: This action makes you aware of what's happening behind and alongside you. The lifesaver glance should be timed so that you still have time to react if it isn't safe to perform the manoeuvre.
A Continue at the same speed
B Slow down as you come out of the bend
C Slow down as you go around the bend
D Slow down before the bend
Correct Answer: D Slow down before the bend
Explanation: Always look for any advance warning of hazards, such as road signs and hazard warning lines. Use this information to plan ahead and to help you avoid the need for late, harsh braking. Your motorcycle should be upright and moving in a straight line when you brake. This will help you keep maximum control when dealing with the hazard
A Close your eyes
B Flash your headlights
C Slow down or stop
D Turn your head away
Correct Answer: C Slow down or stop
Explanation: If you're dazzled by the headlights of an approaching vehicle, slow down or stop until your eyes have adjusted. A dirty or scratched visor could make the dazzle worse and further impair your vision.
A Brake earlier than normal
B Extend the mirror arms
C Fit smaller mirrors
D Indicate earlier than normal
Correct Answer: B Extend the mirror arms
Explanation: It's essential that you have a clear view all around. Adjust your mirrors to give you the best view of the road behind. If your body obscures the view, try fitting mirrors with longer stems.
A When they're carrying a pillion passenger
B When they're parked in a safe place
C When they're riding an automatic motorcycle
D When they're riding on quiet roads
Correct Answer: B When they're parked in a safe place
Explanation: It's important that you're in full control at all times. Even using a hands-free phone kit can distract your attention from the road. If you need to use a mobile phone, stop in a safe and convenient place before making the call.
A After the other vehicle pulls in front of you
B As soon as the other vehicle moves out to overtake
C As soon as the other vehicle passes you
D When the other vehicle signals to overtake
Correct Answer: C As soon as the other vehicle passes you
Explanation: At night, you should dip your headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers or those ahead of you. If you're being overtaken, dip your headlights as the other vehicle comes past. When you switch to dipped beam, your view of the road ahead will be reduced, so look ahead for hazards on your side of the road before you do so.
A Give an arm signal as well as using your indicators
B Leave your motorcycle on its stand until the road is clear
C Look over your shoulder for a final check
D Signal if other drivers will need to slow down
Correct Answer: C Look over your shoulder for a final check
Explanation: Before you move off from the side of the road, you should take a final look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. This will help you to see any road user who isn't visible in your mirrors.
A You'll be more alert
B You'll be more relaxed
C You'll lose concentration
D You'll react more quickly
Correct Answer: C You'll lose concentration
Explanation: It can be difficult to keep warm when riding a motorcycle. It's well worth buying good-quality motorcycle clothing, which will help to keep you warm and is essential for your safety. If you become very cold while riding, you'll find it difficult to concentrate on the road.
A Flash your headlights
B Slow down and stop if necessary
C Switch off your headlights
D Switch to main beam
Correct Answer: B Slow down and stop if necessary
Explanation: If your view of the road ahead is restricted because you're being dazzled by approaching headlights, slow down and, if you need to, pull over and stop.
A Changing gear
B Giving a signal
C Moving off
D Slowing down
Correct Answer: C Moving off
Explanation: Your blind spots are the areas behind and to either side of you that aren't covered by your mirrors. You should always check the relevant side when there's a risk of a hazard that isn't visible in your mirrors.
A Apply the brakes
B Change direction
C Give a signal
D Give an arm signal
Correct Answer: B Change direction
Explanation: The areas that aren't covered by your mirrors are called blind spots. They should always be checked before changing direction. This check is so important that it's called the 'lifesaver'.
A Before changing gear
B Before changing lanes
C Before giving signals
D Before slowing down
Correct Answer: B Before changing lanes
Explanation: The areas that aren't covered by your mirrors are called blind spots. Other vehicles may be hidden in these areas. Before changing lanes, you should make sure it's safe by checking the blind spot on the side you intend to move. This is called a lifesaver check.
A To give protection when riding in poor weather
B To give you the best view of the road behind
C To judge the gap when filtering in traffic
D To make your motorcycle appear larger to other drivers
Correct Answer: B To give you the best view of the road behind
Explanation: When riding on the road, you need to know as much about following traffic as you can. A mirror fitted on each side of your motorcycle will help give you the best view of the road behind.
A A final rearward glance
B A reflective jacket
C An approved safety helmet
D The two-second rule
Correct Answer: A A final rearward glance
Explanation: There are areas behind and to either side of you that aren't visible in your mirrors. These are known as blind spots. Just before turning or changing direction, you should look around to check that there's nothing hazardous in the blind spot. This check is known as a 'lifesaver'.
A Never; you should always look for yourself
B Only when they're a qualified rider
C When the roads are very busy
D When the roads are very quiet
Correct Answer: A Never; you should always look for yourself
Explanation: Your passenger may be inexperienced in judging traffic situations, may have a poor view or may not have seen a potential hazard. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your passenger. Always make your own checks to be sure it's safe to pull out.
A Move into neutral
B Put both feet down
C Select first gear
D Use your mirrors
Correct Answer: D Use your mirrors
Explanation: Check your mirrors before slowing down or stopping, as there could be vehicles close behind you. If necessary, turn and look behind before stopping.
A Mirrors don't cover blind spots
B So traffic ahead will make room for you
C So your balance won't be affected
D To avoid having to give a signal
Correct Answer: A Mirrors don't cover blind spots
Explanation: Before changing lanes, make sure there's a safe gap to move into. Looking over your shoulder allows you to check the area not covered by your mirrors, where a vehicle could be hidden from view. It also warns following drivers that you want to change lanes.
A Make a lifesaver check
B Move close to the kerb
C Select a higher gear
D Wave to the oncoming traffic
Correct Answer: A Make a lifesaver check
Explanation: Remember your lifesaver glance before you start to turn. If you've been waiting for some time and a queue has built up behind you, a vehicle further back may try to overtake. In this situation, it's especially important to look out for other motorcycles, which may be approaching at speed.
A Check that there's enough room for vehicles behind you
B Check the width of the central reservation
C Position in the left gutter of the side road
D Stop, and then select a very low gear
Correct Answer: B Check the width of the central reservation
Explanation: Before emerging right onto a dual carriageway, make sure that the central reservation is wide enough to protect your vehicle. If it isn't, you should treat it as one road and check that it's clear in both directions before pulling out.
A Ask someone to ride with you for the first time
B Just ride, as all the controls and switches are the same
C Leave your gloves behind, so the switches can be operated more easily
D Make sure you know where all the controls and switches are
Correct Answer: D Make sure you know where all the controls and switches are
Explanation: While control layouts are generally similar, different makes and models have subtle differences in the position and operation of the switches. Before you ride any motorcycle, make sure you're familiar with the layout of all the controls and switches.
A Give a left signal when it's safe for vehicles to overtake you
B Keep well out to stop vehicles overtaking dangerously
C Pull in when you can to let faster vehicles behind you overtake
D Wave vehicles behind you to pass if you think they can overtake
Correct Answer: C Pull in when you can to let faster vehicles behind you overtake
Explanation: Try not to hold up a queue of traffic. This might lead to other road users becoming impatient and attempting dangerous manoeuvres. If you're riding a slow-moving scooter or small motorcycle and a queue of traffic has built up behind you, look for a safe place to pull in so they can pass safely.
A Cancel the left indicator
B Put on your right indicator
C Take a lifesaver glance over your left shoulder
D Take a lifesaver glance over your right shoulder
Correct Answer: C Take a lifesaver glance over your left shoulder
Explanation: On busy roundabouts, traffic may be moving very quickly and changing lanes suddenly. You need to be aware of what's happening all around you. Before crossing lanes to the left, make sure you take a lifesaver glance to the left. This gives you time to react if it isn't safe to make the manoeuvre.
A Cancel the left signal
B Signal to the right
C Take a lifesaver glance over your left shoulder
D Take a lifesaver glance over your right shoulder
Correct Answer: C Take a lifesaver glance over your left shoulder
Explanation: Before you change lane you need to know whether it's safe to do so. A lifesaver glance in the direction you want to move will allow you to check your mirrors' blind spots. Your life could depend on knowing where other vehicles are.
A After leaving the roundabout
B After moving into the left-hand lane
C Before moving into the left-hand lane
D Before signalling to the right
Correct Answer: C Before moving into the left-hand lane
Explanation: The 'lifesaver' is essential to motorcyclists and does exactly what it says: it could save your life. Its purpose is to check the blind spot that isn't covered by your mirrors. Learn and understand how and when you should use it.
A Concentrate on what's happening ahead
B Leave the motorway at the next exit
C Place a warning triangle in the road
D Stop and cross the carriageway to help
Correct Answer: A Concentrate on what's happening ahead
Explanation: Always concentrate on the road ahead. Try not to be distracted by an incident on the other side of the road. Many motorway collisions occur due to traffic slowing down because drivers are looking at something on the other side of the road.
A Check signs to see that U-turns are permitted
B Give an arm signal as well as using your indicators
C Look over your shoulder for a final check
D Select a higher gear than normal
Correct Answer: C Look over your shoulder for a final check
Explanation: If you have to make a U-turn, slow down and ensure that the road is clear in both directions. Make sure that the road is wide enough for you to carry out the manoeuvre safely.
A Change gear
B Keep to 30 mph
C Move to the right
D Slow down
Correct Answer: D Slow down
Explanation: You should slow down and be cautious. The bridge is narrow and there may not be enough room for you to pass an oncoming vehicle at this point. Also, there's no footpath, so be aware of pedestrians in the road.
A Approaching a dip in the road
B In a one-way street
C Just after a bend
D On a 30 mph road
Correct Answer: A Approaching a dip in the road
Explanation: As you begin to think about overtaking, ask yourself whether it's really necessary. If you can't see well ahead, stay back and wait for a safer place to pull out.
A It's safe to overtake
B Overtaking traffic should move back to the left
C The road bends to the left
D Traffic should use the hard shoulder
Correct Answer: B Overtaking traffic should move back to the left
Explanation: In this picture, the road marking shows that overtaking drivers or riders need to return to the left before they reach the hatch markings ahead. The hatch markings are designed to separate opposing streams of traffic; for example, approaching some junctions or dual carriageways.
A Answer it immediately
B Ignore it
C Pull up at the nearest kerb
D Stop immediately
Correct Answer: B Ignore it
Explanation: It's illegal to use a hand-held mobile or similar device when driving or riding, except in a genuine emergency. The safest option is to switch off your mobile phone before you set off, and use a message service. If you've forgotten to switch your phone off and it rings, you should ignore it. When you've stopped in a safe place, you can see who called and return the call if necessary.
A To help you choose the correct lane
B To help you keep the correct separation distance
C To make you aware of your speed
D To tell you the distance to the roundabout
Correct Answer: C To make you aware of your speed
Explanation: These lines are often found on the approach to a roundabout or a dangerous junction. They give you extra warning to adjust your speed. Look well ahead and do this in good time.
A Accelerate hard
B Be ready to stop
C Brake hard
D Maintain your speed
Correct Answer: B Be ready to stop
Explanation: The longer traffic lights have been on green, the sooner they'll change. Allow for this as you approach traffic lights that you know have been on green for a while. They're likely to change soon, so you should be prepared to stop.
A Flash the headlights
B Select a higher gear
C Sound the horn
D Use the mirrors
Correct Answer: D Use the mirrors
Explanation: Before pulling up, check the mirrors to see what's happening behind you. Also assess what's ahead and make sure you give the correct signal if it will help other road users.
A You'll allow the driver to see you in their mirrors
B You'll be able to corner more quickly
C You'll help the large vehicle to stop more easily
D You'll keep out of the wind better
Correct Answer: A You'll allow the driver to see you in their mirrors
Explanation: If you're following a large vehicle but are so close to it that you can't see its exterior mirrors, the driver won't be able to see you. Keeping well back will also allow you to see the road ahead by looking past on either side of the large vehicle.
A Because you'll need to accelerate out of danger
B Because you'll need to brake sharply to a stop
C To assess how your actions will affect following traffic
D To check what's happening on the road ahead
Correct Answer: C To assess how your actions will affect following traffic
Explanation: You should be constantly scanning the road for clues about what's going to happen next. Check your mirrors regularly, particularly as soon as you spot a hazard. What's happening behind may affect your response to hazards ahead.
A Move quickly to where you can see so you only block traffic from one direction
B Stop and then move forward slowly and carefully for a clear view
C Turn your vehicle around immediately and find another junction to use
D Wait for a pedestrian to let you know when it's safe for you to emerge
Correct Answer: B Stop and then move forward slowly and carefully for a clear view
Explanation: At junctions, your view is often restricted by buildings, trees or parked cars. You need to be able to see in order to judge a safe gap. Edge forward slowly and keep looking all the time. Don't cause other road users to change speed or direction as you emerge.