Motorcycle Mock Test 4

With-flow bus lane which pedal cycles and taxis may also use ahead.

Aim to ride in the middle of your lane. Avoid riding in the gutter or in the centre of the road, where you might

• obstruct overtaking traffic
• put yourself in danger from oncoming traffic
• encourage other traffic to overtake you on the left

Tyre pressures should be checked regularly. Look in your vehicle handbook for the correct pressures to use.

Batteries contain acid, which is hazardous, and they must be disposed of safely. This means taking them to an appropriate disposal site.

Always use your headlights at night on a motorway, unless you've had to stop on the hard shoulder. If you have to use the hard shoulder, switch off your headlights but leave your parking lights on, so that your motorcycle can be seen by other road users.

Oncoming large vehicles may need to move to the middle of the road to pass safely under the bridge. There won't be enough room for you to continue, so you should be ready to stop and wait.

You must comply with all traffic signs and be especially aware of those signs that apply specifically to the type of vehicle you're using.

Don't wait until the last moment before moving into the left-hand lane. Plan ahead and don't rely on other traffic letting you in.

Stop signs have a distinctive octagon shape, while an upside down triangle with a red outline is used for give way signs.

As you approach a roundabout, look well ahead and check all signs. Decide which exit you wish to take and move into the correct position as you approach the roundabout, signalling as required.

No-one likes to spend time in traffic queues. Try to avoid busy times related to school or work travel.

Panniers or saddlebags should be loaded so that you carry about the same weight in each bag. Uneven loading could make the motorcycle unstable, especially when cornering.

A mandatory speed limit sign above the hard shoulder shows that it can be used as a running lane between junctions. You must stay within the speed limit. Look out for vehicles that may have broken down and could be blocking the hard shoulder.

After refitting the rear wheel or adjusting the drive chain, you should check your wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment will result in excessive tyre wear and poor roadholding.

Look out for signs above your lane or on the central reservation. These will give you importantn information or warnings about the road ahead. To allow for the high speed of motorway traffic, these signs may light up some distance from any hazard. Don't ignore the signs just because the road looks clear to you.

A second-hand helmet may look in good condition but it could have received damage that isn't visible externally. A damaged helmet could be unreliable in a crash. Don't take the risk.

There's a 30 mph speed limit where there are street lights unless signs show another limit.

Theft of motorcycles is a very common crime. If you can, secure your vehicle to a lamppost or other such object, to help reduce the chances of it being stolen.

When traffic travels at a constant speed over a longer distance, journey times normally improve. You may feel that you could travel faster for short periods, but this generally leads to bunching and increased overall journey time.

Plan well ahead when approaching a slip road. If you see traffic joining the motorway, move to another lane if it's safe to do so. This can help the flow of traffic joining the motorway, especially at peak times.

Every vehicle on the road has a registration document. This records any change of ownership and gives specific information relating to the vehicle and owner. This includes the date of first registration, the registration number, the make and colour of the vehicle, and the registered keeper's name.

Solid white lines are used where it would be dangerous to overtake. If the solid line is on your side of the road, you may cross it to pass a stationary vehicle, or to overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road-maintenance vehicle that's travelling at 10 mph or less. You may also cross the solid line to enter premises or a side road.

A motorcycle is most stable when it's upright and moving in a straight line. This is the best time to brake. With independent front and rear brakes, both brakes should be used, with the front brake being applied just before the rear brake.

Practise good observation in all directions before you emerge or make a turn. Proceed only when you're sure it's safe to do so.

It's your legal responsibility to keep the details on your vehicle registration certificate (V5C) up to date. You should tell the licensing authority about any changes. These include your name, address or vehicle details. If you don't do this, you may have problems when you try to sell your vehicle.

If you feel tired, stop at the nearest service area. If that's too far away, leave the motorway at the next exit and find a safe place to stop. You mustn't stop on the carriageway or hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency, when in a traffic queue, or when signalled to do so by a police officer, a traffic officer or traffic signals. Plan your journey so that you have regular rest stops.

Alcohol will severely reduce your ability to drive or ride safely and there are serious consequences if you're caught over the drink-drive limit. It's known that alcohol can

• affect your judgement
• cause overconfidence
• reduce coordination and control

If you're involved in a collision, using the engine cut-out switch will help to reduce the risk of fire. When stopping the engine normally, use the ignition switch.

The lifesaver glance makes you aware of what's happening behind and alongside you before you alter your course. This glance must be timed so that you still have time to react if it isn't safe to carry out your manoeuvre.

Take notice of any instructions given on variable message signs or by tunnel officials. They will warn you of any incidents or congestion ahead and advise you what to do.

The engine cut-out switch is used to stop the engine in an emergency. In the event of a crash, this may help to reduce any fire risk.

This sign gives you advance warning of a junction where the permanent sign is obscured by roadworks.

Take care when using single-track roads. It can be difficult to see around bends, because of hedges or fences, so expect to meet oncoming vehicles. Drive carefully and be ready to pull into or stop opposite a passing place, where you can pass each other safely.

If a casualty is bleeding heavily, raise the limb to a higher position. This will help to reduce the blood flow. Before raising the limb you should make sure that it is not broken.

Drive chains are subject to wear and need frequent adjustment to maintain the correct tension. Allowing the drive chain to run dry will greatly increase the rate of wear, so it's important to keep it lubricated. If the chain becomes worn or slack, it can jump off the sprocket and lock the rear wheel.

Emergency refuge areas are built at the side of the hard shoulder. If you break down, try to get your vehicle into the refuge, where there's an emergency telephone. The phone connects directly to a control centre. Remember to take care when rejoining the motorway, especially if the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane.

If possible, lay the casualty down. Protect yourself from exposure to blood and, when you're sure there's nothing in the wound, apply firm pressure to it using clean material.

When the amber light is flashing, you must give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. Don't be impatient or encourage pedestrians to cross by waving or flashing your headlights; they or other road users may misunderstand your signal.

Long vehicles might have to take a slightly different position when approaching the roundabout or going around it. This is to stop the rear of the vehicle cutting in and mounting the kerb.

Some road surfaces can affect the stability of a motorcycle far more than they affect other vehicles. Look out for loose or slippery road surfaces and be aware of any traffic around you. You may need to take avoiding action and change direction quickly.

Cyclists and motorcyclists are smaller than other vehicles and so are more difficult to see. They can easily be hidden from your view by cars parked near a junction.

As a learner motorcyclist, you aren't allowed to carry a pillion passenger, even if they hold a full motorcycle licence. You mustn't carry a passenger, or tow a trailer, until you've passed your test.

The narrow wheels of a bicycle can become stuck in the tram rails, causing the cyclist to stop suddenly, wobble or even lose balance altogether. The tram lines are also slippery, which could cause a cyclist to slide or fall off.

It's illegal to park in a space reserved for disabled users unless you're permitted to do so. These spaces are provided for people with limited mobility, who may need extra space to get into and out of their vehicle.

Don't be tempted to use harsh braking to stop swerving or snaking, as this could make things worse. You should reduce your speed gradually by easing off the throttle.

Try to give way to buses if you can do so safely, especially when the driver signals to pull away from a bus stop. Look out for people getting off the bus or running to catch it, because they may cross the road without looking. Don't accelerate to get past the bus, and don't flash your lights, as this could mislead other road users.

Check your drive chain regularly; adjust and lubricate it if necessary. It needs to be adjusted until the 'free play' is as it says in the vehicle handbook. If the chain is too loose, it can jump off its sprocket and lock your rear wheel while you're riding.

If you're following a cyclist who's signalling to turn right at a roundabout, leave plenty of room. Give them space and time to get into the correct lane.

You should overtake only when it's really necessary and you can see it's clear ahead. Look out for road signs and markings that show it's illegal or would be unsafe to overtake; for example, approaching junctions or bends. In many cases, overtaking is unlikely to significantly improve your journey time.

When riding, make sure you wear suitable clothing for the conditions. Getting cold and wet will make you uncomfortable. This can cause you to lose concentration and considerably slow down your reaction time. Stop in a safe place to have a hot drink and warm up before this happens.

In normal riding, you should always use both brakes. Braking when the motorcycle is upright and travelling in a straight line helps you to keep control. If your motorcycle has linked brakes, refer to the vehicle handbook.

Check your tyre pressures frequently - normally once a week. If they're lower than those recommended by the manufacturer, there will be more 'rolling resistance'. The engine will have to work harder to overcome this, leading to increased fuel consumption.

A pillion passenger shouldn't give signals or look around for you - that's your responsibility as the rider. If your passenger has never been on a motorcycle before, make sure they know that they need to lean with you when going around bends.

These signs apply only to tram drivers, but you should know their meaning so that you're aware of the priorities and are able to anticipate the actions of the driver.

If there's other traffic on the road at night, use your headlights on dipped beam. Only switch to main beam when you won't dazzle other road users. At night, don't wear tinted glasses or contact lenses, or use a tinted visor, because these make it more difficult to see the road ahead.

You should always use the steering lock when leaving your motorcycle. Also consider using additional locking devices, such as a U-lock, disc lock or chain. If possible, fasten the motorcycle to an immovable post or another machine.

The first priority with a casualty is to make sure their airway is clear and they’re breathing. Any wounds should be checked for objects and bleeding stemmed using clean material. Ensure the emergency services are called as they’re the experts. If you’re not first aid trained consider getting training. It might save a life.

Most motorcycles are fitted with an engine cut-out switch. This is designed to stop the engine in an emergency and so reduce the risk of electrical sparks starting a fire.

These signals can be found at level crossings, some airfields, bridges and emergency access sites. You must stop if the red lights are flashing. At level crossings, if the lights continue to flash after a train has passed, continue to wait because another train is coming.

If a tyre bursts, close the throttle smoothly and slow gently to a stop, holding the handlebars firmly to help you keep a straight course.

Always plan ahead and be aware of lanes and areas designated for specific road users only. The restrictions are sometimes in force only at certain times of day, and signs will show when they apply. In some towns, motorcycles are permitted to use bus lanes - check the signs carefully.

Fairings give protection to the hands, legs and feet. They also make riding more comfortable by keeping you out of the wind.

Where there are extra hazards, such as at roadworks, it's often necessary to slow traffic down by imposing a lower speed limit. These speed limits aren't advisory; they must be obeyed.

Skids are a lot easier to get into than they are to get out of. Riding at a suitable speed for the conditions, planning, looking ahead for hazards and braking in good time will all help you to avoid skidding or losing control.

Avoid riding over the painted area of a mini-roundabout, as this can become very slippery - especially when wet. At any given moment, only a small part of a motorcycle tyre makes contact with the road, so any reduction in grip can seriously affect stability.

At a pelican crossing, the green light means you may proceed as long as the crossing is clear. If someone hasn't finished crossing, be patient and wait until the road is clear.

Even a small amount of alcohol will impair a person's judgement. It can increase confidence to a point where a person's behaviour may become 'out of character'. Someone who normally behaves sensibly may take risks and could endanger themselves and others. Don't drink and ride, or accept a lift from anyone who's been drinking.

Where there's a cycle route ahead, a sign will show a bicycle in a red warning triangle. Watch out for children on bicycles and cyclists rejoining the main road.

Never attempt to change direction to the right without first checking your right-hand mirror and blind spot. A motorcyclist might not have seen your signal and could be hidden by other traffic. This observation should become a matter of routine.

A motorcycle is most stable when it's upright and moving in a straight line. This is the best time to brake. With independent front and rear brakes, both brakes should be used, with the front brake being applied just before the rear brake.

Carrying extra weight, such as luggage or a pillion passenger, can affect the feel and handling of your motorcycle. If possible, some items may need to be adjusted to help overcome this. These adjustments include the aim of the headlights, the suspension settings, the tyre pressures and the mirrors.

A toucan crossing is designed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time. Look out for cyclists approaching the crossing at speed.

When you're carrying a passenger on a motorcycle, the overall weight will be much more than when you're riding alone. This additional weight will make it harder for you to stop quickly in an emergency, so you'll need to increase the distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front.

If a school crossing patrol steps out into the road with a 'stop' sign, you must stop. Don't wave anyone across the road and don't get impatient or rev your engine.

Some helmet straps have a velcro tab in addition to the main fastening, which is intended to secure the strap so that it doesn't flap in the wind. It shouldn't be used on its own to fasten the helmet.

For your own safety, you need other road users to see you easily. Wearing brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing will help you to achieve this during daylight. At night, wearing clothing that includes reflective material is the best way of helping others to see you.

Cyclists approaching a roundabout in the left-hand lane may be turning right but may not have been able to get into the correct lane due to heavy traffic. They may also feel safer keeping to the left all the way around the roundabout. Be aware of them and give them plenty of room.

A long vehicle may need to swing out in the opposite direction as it approaches a turn, to allow the rear wheels to clear the kerb. Don't try to filter through if you see a gap; as the lorry turns, the gap will close.

CBT courses can only be given by training bodies that are approved by DVSA. The standard of training is monitored by DVSA examiners. The course is designed to give you basic skills before riding on the road.

If you borrow a motorcycle, you must make sure that you're insured to ride it. It's better to find this out for yourself, rather than taking somebody else's word for it.

When you tow a trailer, remember that you must obey the reduced speed limits of 50 mph on a single carriageway and 60 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. Make sure that the trailer is hitched correctly and that any load in the trailer is secure. You should also bear in mind that your stopping distance may increase.

Sometimes your separation distance is shortened by a driver moving into the gap you've allowed. When this happens, react positively, stay calm and drop further back to re-establish a safe following distance.

Drinking even the smallest amount of alcohol can affect your judgement and reactions. The safest and best option is to avoid any alcohol at all when riding or driving.

Carrying a heavy load in your top box could make your motorcycle unstable, because the weight is high up and at the very back of the machine.

Do not move a casualty unless therev is further danger, for example, from other traffic or fire. They may unseen or internal injuries. Moving them unnecessarily could cause further injury. Do NOT remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential.

The 'dual carriageway ends' sign appears in a red triangle. It shows two carriageways coming together to indicate two-way traffic will continue ahead on a single carriageway road. You'll soon notice the central reservation coming to an end and lanes beginning to merge.

This sign marks a shared route which may only be used by pedal cycles and pedestrians. Category: Bus and cycle signs.

Your horn mustn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7 am in a built-up area or when you're stationary, unless a moving vehicle poses a danger. Its function is to alert other road users to your presence.

Other motorcyclists and cyclists may be difficult to see on the road, particularly at junctions. If your view is blocked by other traffic, you may not be able to see them approaching.

You can help to dry out brakes by riding slowly and applying light pressure to the brake pedal/lever. Don't ride at normal speeds until they're working normally again.

Take care if you have to pass a parked vehicle on your side of the road. Give way to oncoming traffic if there isn't enough room for you both to continue safely.

Water can make your brakes less effective. If they've been affected, ride slowly while gently applying them until normal braking is restored.

If you're taking medicine or drugs prescribed by your doctor, check to make sure they won't make you drowsy. If you forget to ask when you're at the surgery, check with your pharmacist.

To make sure a sidecar outfit doesn't roll away after you've parked it, you should leave it in a low gear and wedge it against the kerb or place a block behind the wheel.

Before carrying a passenger on a motorcycle, the rider must hold a full licence for the category of motorcycle being ridden. They must also ensure that a proper passenger seat and footrests are fitted.

When you see this sign, you must give way to traffic from the opposite direction, regardless of the size of your vehicle.

Remember this procedure by saying DR ABC. This stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Give whatever first aid you can and stay with the injured person until the emergency services arrive.

When the central reservation is narrow, you should treat a dual carriageway as one road. Wait until the road is clear in both directions before emerging to turn right. If you try to treat it as two separate roads and wait in the middle, you're likely to cause an obstruction and possibly a collision.

At some junctions, there may be separate signals for different lanes. These are called 'filter' lights. They're designed to help traffic flow at major junctions. Make sure that you're in the correct lane and proceed if the way is clear and the green light shows for your lane.

Your headlights must be properly adjusted to avoid dazzling other road users. You'll probably need to do this when carrying a heavy load or the extra weight of a pillion passenger. You may also need to adjust the tyre pressures and the suspension.