New Zealand Motorbike Driving Pre-Ride Vehicle Checks Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to New Zealand law, what is the minimum legal tread depth required for a motorcycle tyre?
- 1.0mm
- 2.0mm
- 1.5mm (Correct answer)
- 0.8mm
Correct answer: 1.5mm
The minimum legal tread depth for a motorcycle tyre in New Zealand is 1.5mm. For most modern tyres, this depth must be present in all principal grooves that contain moulded tread-depth indicators around the entire circumference of the tyre.
Question 2: During your pre-ride check, you notice the drive chain has excessive slack, hanging down much more than usual. What is the most significant and immediate risk this poses?
- The chain could come off the sprockets, locking the rear wheel. (Correct answer)
- It will cause the engine to consume more fuel.
- The motorcycle will make a loud rattling noise while riding.
- It will cause the tyres to wear out unevenly.
Correct answer: The chain could come off the sprockets, locking the rear wheel.
An excessively loose chain is at high risk of derailing from the sprockets. If this happens while riding, it can jam between the engine and the frame or wrap around the front sprocket, causing the rear wheel to lock up suddenly and leading to a complete loss of control.
Question 3: Before setting off, you perform a check on your motorcycle's lights. Which of the following is a complete and correct check of the headlight function?
- Turning on the ignition to see if the daytime running light comes on.
- Ensuring the headlight is clean and free of dirt.
- Confirming the headlight turns on and then testing the horn.
- Switching between the high and low beams to ensure both are working. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Switching between the high and low beams to ensure both are working.
A complete pre-ride check of the headlight involves verifying that both the high and low beams are operational. This ensures you have appropriate lighting for all conditions—low beam for normal traffic and high beam for visibility on open, unlit roads.
Question 4: You are checking your controls before a ride. After starting the engine, you gently twist the throttle and then release it. What is the correct and safe response you should expect from the throttle?
- It should return to idle slowly and smoothly over a few seconds.
- It should 'snap' back to the closed (idle) position instantly. (Correct answer)
- The engine RPM should stay slightly elevated for a moment before returning to idle.
- It should only return to idle after you squeeze the clutch lever.
Correct answer: It should 'snap' back to the closed (idle) position instantly.
For safety, the throttle must operate smoothly and snap back to its closed position without any assistance as soon as you release it. A sticky or slow-to-return throttle can cause unintended acceleration, creating a very dangerous situation.
Question 5: When performing a stationary check of your front brake before riding, what is the standard and most effective procedure?
- Visually inspect the brake fluid level and colour.
- Pump the brake lever several times to build pressure.
- Squeeze the brake lever firmly and try to push the motorcycle forward. (Correct answer)
- Ride forward at 5 km/h and apply the brake gently.
Correct answer: Squeeze the brake lever firmly and try to push the motorcycle forward.
The standard check is to apply the front brake lever firmly while the motorcycle is stationary and then attempt to rock or push it forward. The motorcycle should not move, confirming that the brake is engaging correctly and has sufficient force to hold the bike before you enter traffic.
Question 6: Which of the following checks is NOT part of the widely recognized 'T-CLOCS' pre-ride inspection mnemonic?
- Tyres and Wheels
- Registration and Licence (Correct answer)
- Controls
- Chassis
Correct answer: Registration and Licence
T-CLOCS is a mnemonic for checking the physical condition of the motorcycle. It stands for T-Tyres/Wheels, C-Controls, L-Lights/Electrics, O-Oil/Fluids, C-Chassis, S-Stands. While ensuring your registration and licence are current is a legal pre-ride requirement, it is not part of the T-CLOCS mechanical inspection checklist.
