Free Motorcycle Theory Test Practice 2024

You're on a road with passing places. It's only wide enough for one vehicle. A car is coming towards you. What should you do?

If you meet another vehicle on a narrow road and the passing place is on your left, pull into it. If the passing place is on your right, wait opposite it.

What can rapid acceleration and heavy braking lead to?

Using the controls smoothly can reduce fuel consumption by about 15%, as well as reducing wear and tear on your vehicle. Plan ahead and anticipate changes of speed well in advance. This will reduce the need to accelerate rapidly or brake sharply.

When approaching a right-hand bend, you should keep well to the left. Why is this?

Doing this will give you an earlier view around the bend and enable you to see any hazards sooner. It also reduces the risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle that may have drifted over the centre line while taking the bend.

What can incorrect wheel alignment cause?

If a motorcycle’s wheels are incorrectly aligned, tyres may wear unevenly and the motorcycle can become unstable, especially when cornering.

You're riding a motorcycle that has an engine of less than 50 cc. What should you do if you see a queue of traffic building up behind?

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.

When will your vehicle use more fuel?

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.

Which vehicles should use the left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway?

On a motorway, all traffic should use the left-hand lane unless overtaking. When overtaking a number of slower vehicles, move back to the left-hand lane when you’re safely past. Check your mirrors frequently and don’t stay in the middle or right-hand lane if the left-hand lane is free.

On a road where trams operate, which of these vehicles will be most at risk from the tram rails?

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.

You're approaching roadworks on a motorway. What should you do?

Collisions often happen at roadworks. Be aware of the speed limits, slow down in good time and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.

You're following a large vehicle. Why should you stay a safe distance behind it?

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.

You need to top up your battery. What level should you fill it to?

Top up the battery with distilled water and make sure each cell plate is covered.

What's a rumble device designed to do?

A rumble device consists of raised markings or strips across the road, designed to give drivers an audible, visual and tactile warning. These devices are used in various locations, including in the line separating the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane on the motorway and on the approach to some hazards, to alert drivers to the need to slow down.

When are you allowed to stop on a motorway?

You must stop if overhead gantry signs show flashing red lights above every lane on the motorway. If any of the other lanes doesn't show flashing red lights or a red cross, you may move into that lane and continue if it's safe to do so.

Who should obey diamond-shaped traffic signs?

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.

What should you do when riding at night?

At night, you should wear clothing with reflective material, to help other road users to see you. If your jacket doesn’t have reflective patches, you could wear garments that do, such as:

a hi-visibility vest or tabard
a reflective belt

Also use your headlights on dipped or main beam, as appropriate.

When should you wear full protective clothing while riding a motorcycle?

Protective clothing is designed to protect you from the cold and wet. It also gives you some protection from injury, so it's important that you always wear protective clothing when you ride.

What must you do before stopping normally?

Check your mirrors before slowing down or stopping, as there could be vehicles close behind you. If necessary, turn and look behind before stopping.

What's the legal minimum depth of tread for motorcycle tyres?

The law says that the entire original tread must be visible, with a depth of at least 1 mm in a continuous band across at least three-quarters of the breadth of the tread. However, your tyres are your only contact with the road, so it's recommended that you replace them before they get to this level.

You're on a three-lane motorway. There are red reflective studs on your left and white ones to your right. Which lane are you in?

The colours of the reflective studs on the motorway and their locations are:

red – between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
white – between lanes
amber – between the carriageway and the central reservation
green – along slip-road exits and entrances
bright green/yellow – at roadworks and contraflow systems

What can motorcyclists do to improve their safety on the road?

Always ride defensively. This means looking and planning ahead, as well as anticipating the actions of other road users.