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.
