Motorway & Adverse Conditions Flashcards
6 cards from real DVSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Motorway & Adverse Conditions flashcards as text
What technique helps maintain stability when a side wind gust hits a motorcycle?
Answer: Lean gently into the wind, maintain firm grip but relaxed arms, and progressively adjust lean to compensate for gusts
Leaning slightly into the wind counteracts lateral displacement; relaxed but firm grip allows the bike to move slightly with gusts rather than fighting them rigidly; sudden braking or steering inputs in a crosswind can destabilise the bike.
Why is riding in heavy rain significantly more tiring than riding in dry conditions?
Answer: Constant concentration on hazards, cold, wet discomfort and physical tension of managing reduced grip increase both mental and physical fatigue
Adverse conditions demand higher levels of concentration, produce physical discomfort from cold and wet, and require constant grip management; the combined effect significantly increases fatigue rate compared to good conditions.
What does 'progressive braking' mean for a motorcyclist?
Answer: Increasing brake pressure smoothly and progressively — starting gently then building force — to maximise tyre grip and avoid sudden lock-up
Progressive braking gradually increases brake force, allowing tyre grip to build progressively; sudden full brake application compresses the suspension and unweights the rear, increasing the risk of tyre lock or high-side.
A motorcyclist who has been riding in very cold conditions should be aware that:
Answer: Cold tyres are stiffer and have less grip — they must be warmed up gently for several miles before any spirited riding
Motorcycle tyres develop maximum grip at operating temperature; in cold conditions they are stiffer and their chemical bonding with the road surface is reduced — aggressive cornering or braking on cold tyres risks tyre slip.
What is the main danger of 'target fixation' when a motorcyclist approaches a hazard?
Answer: The rider steers towards whatever they look at — fixating on the hazard causes the bike to head towards it rather than away from it
Motorcycle dynamics mean the bike follows the rider's eye direction; fixating on a kerb, barrier or obstacle causes the rider to steer into it rather than around it — the remedy is to look towards the escape route.
When should a motorcyclist switch from full beam to dipped headlights on a rural road at night?
Answer: When an oncoming vehicle is visible in the distance — switch to dipped beam in time to avoid dazzling them before they can see you
Dipped beam should be switched on when an oncoming vehicle appears in the distance — not waiting until they are close; dazzling an oncoming driver causes them to lose sight of the road and could result in a head-on collision.