New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Basic Handling Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a slow-speed U-turn on a narrow road, where should you look?
- Down at the ground near the front wheel
- At the exit point of the turn (Correct answer)
- At oncoming traffic
- At your mirrors
Correct answer: At the exit point of the turn
Looking at the exit point of the turn helps you guide the motorcycle smoothly through the manoeuvre at slow speed.
Question 2: What is the correct technique for releasing the clutch when moving off from a standstill?
- Release it fully and immediately
- Hold it at the friction point then gradually release as you add throttle (Correct answer)
- Release it slowly with no throttle
- Snap it out quickly while blipping the throttle
Correct answer: Hold it at the friction point then gradually release as you add throttle
Finding and holding the friction point before gradually releasing the clutch while adding throttle ensures a smooth, stall-free take-off.
Question 3: During a figure-eight exercise at low speed, what helps prevent the motorcycle from falling?
- Keeping both feet down for balance
- Using counter-steering throughout
- Maintaining a steady throttle and using body lean (Correct answer)
- Applying the rear brake lightly while steering
Correct answer: Maintaining a steady throttle and using body lean
A steady throttle prevents power surges that could upset balance, and leaning your body helps the bike turn without excessive handlebar input.
Question 4: When riding over a railway crossing at an angle, what is the recommended technique?
- Lean the bike sharply into the rails
- Square up to the tracks as much as possible before crossing (Correct answer)
- Speed up to reduce contact time with the rails
- Use only the front brake while crossing
Correct answer: Square up to the tracks as much as possible before crossing
Squaring up to railway tracks reduces the risk of the tyre catching in the groove and causing a slide or fall.
Question 5: What does 'target fixation' mean for a motorcycle rider?
- Focusing on a safe exit line through a corner
- Staring at a hazard and riding toward it instead of around it (Correct answer)
- Keeping eyes fixed on the speedometer
- Watching only the vehicle directly ahead
Correct answer: Staring at a hazard and riding toward it instead of around it
Target fixation occurs when a rider focuses on a hazard and unintentionally steers toward it rather than looking for a safe path.
Question 6: When decelerating smoothly, in what order should controls typically be used?
- Rear brake, then front brake, then downshift
- Close throttle, apply both brakes progressively, then downshift (Correct answer)
- Downshift first, then apply brakes together
- Front brake hard, then engine braking only
Correct answer: Close throttle, apply both brakes progressively, then downshift
Closing the throttle first, then progressively applying both brakes, and downshifting keeps the bike stable and balanced during deceleration.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a 'friction zone' on a motorcycle clutch?
- To lock the rear wheel during hard stops
- To allow fine throttle-to-engine connection for slow manoeuvres (Correct answer)
- To prevent the engine from over-revving
- To engage engine braking immediately
Correct answer: To allow fine throttle-to-engine connection for slow manoeuvres
The friction zone is the range of clutch travel where power begins transferring to the wheel, giving the rider precise control at low speeds.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Basic Handling Skills 2
When performing a slow-speed U-turn on a narrow road, where should you look?