Safety margins: motorcycle theory test questions

1. One second
2. Two seconds ✓
3. Four seconds
4. Ten seconds

Answer: Two seconds. Keep at least a two-second gap on fast roads in good conditions. That gives you time to react and stop if the vehicle in front brakes.

Highway Code rule 126

1. At least four seconds ✓
2. At least three seconds
3. At least one second
4. At least two seconds

Answer: At least four seconds. In the wet the gap should be at least doubled. Stopping distances are longer and tyres have less grip on wet roads.

Highway Code rules 126 and 227

1. Up to five times longer
2. Up to three times longer
3. Up to twice as long
4. Up to ten times longer ✓

Answer: Up to ten times longer. On ice, stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads. For a motorcyclist, ice is particularly dangerous because grip can be lost without warning.

Highway Code rule 230

1. 12 metres
2. 23 metres ✓
3. 36 metres
4. 53 metres

Answer: 23 metres. The Highway Code gives 23 metres (about six car lengths) at 30 mph: 9 metres thinking distance plus 14 metres braking distance.

Highway Code rule 126

1. 53 metres
2. 73 metres
3. 96 metres ✓
4. 120 metres

Answer: 96 metres. At 70 mph the Highway Code gives a typical stopping distance of 96 metres, about 24 car lengths. It's much longer in wet or icy conditions.

Highway Code rule 126

1. On the way out of the bend
2. In the middle of the bend, while leaning over
3. Before the bend, while the motorcycle is upright ✓
4. As you start to lean into the bend

Answer: Before the bend, while the motorcycle is upright. Braking while leaning uses up grip the tyres need for cornering. Slow down in a straight line before the bend, then ride through it smoothly.

General safe riding technique

1. Your brakes will be less effective
2. Your engine may cut out
3. Your tyres will grip better
4. A sudden gust may push you off course ✓

Answer: A sudden gust may push you off course. Strong gusts can blow a motorcyclist off course, especially at gaps in hedges, gateways, bridges and the ends of buildings. Slow down and leave more space around you.

Highway Code rule 232

1. Slowly enough to stop within the distance you can see to be clear ✓
2. Slowly, but only on bends
3. At the speed limit as long as you use dipped headlights
4. Fast enough to keep up with the tail lights ahead

Answer: Slowly enough to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. In fog you must be able to stop within the distance you can see. Use dipped headlights and leave a bigger gap than usual.

Highway Code rule 235

1. Spilt diesel; slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering ✓
2. Melted ice; brake hard before you reach it
3. Rubber dust; it gives extra grip, so carry on
4. Fresh road paint; speed up to get over it quickly

Answer: Spilt diesel; slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering. A rainbow sheen often shows spilt fuel such as diesel, which is very slippery for two-wheelers. Ride over it upright and smoothly if you can't avoid it.

Highway Code rule 213

1. Lean further over than usual on bends
2. Ride faster to keep your wheels from sliding
3. Brake firmly on the leaves to test the grip
4. Slow down and keep your braking and steering gentle ✓

Answer: Slow down and keep your braking and steering gentle. Wet leaves are very slippery and can hide potholes. Reduce speed and avoid harsh actions that could make your tyres lose grip.

Highway Code rule 125

1. You don't need to leave any extra gap in the wet
2. You can halve the gap because ABS stops you quicker
3. You should still leave the same safe gap, as ABS doesn't remove the need for space ✓
4. You only need a one-second gap on dry roads

Answer: You should still leave the same safe gap, as ABS doesn't remove the need for space. ABS helps you keep control when braking hard, but it won't always shorten your stopping distance, especially on loose or wet surfaces. Keep a safe gap.

Highway Code rule 120

1. About one bike length
2. At least a two-second gap ✓
3. Half a second, so the group stays together
4. No gap is needed in a staggered formation

Answer: At least a two-second gap. Staggering lets riders see ahead, but you still need a proper gap from the rider in your own line. Keep at least two seconds in good conditions.

Highway Code rule 126

1. The road is now completely safe from ice
2. Gritted roads give more grip than dry roads
3. Grit and salt can be loose, and there may still be icy patches ✓
4. You can brake harder than normal

Answer: Grit and salt can be loose, and there may still be icy patches. Grit doesn't guarantee a safe surface. Loose grit can make tyres slide, and ice can remain in shaded places. Keep your speed down and your actions gentle.

Highway Code rule 231

1. Riding closer to the centre line
2. Following the vehicle ahead more closely to see its lights
3. Using only your rear brake
4. Increasing your gap to at least four seconds ✓
5. Braking earlier and more gently ✓

Answer: Increasing your gap to at least four seconds; Braking earlier and more gently. In the wet, tyres have less grip and you need more time to stop. Double your gap and brake earlier and smoothly using both brakes.

Highway Code rule 227

1. Your tyres may lose contact with the road surface ✓
2. Your engine will overheat
3. Your lights will become brighter
4. Your tyres will grip better than normal

Answer: Your tyres may lose contact with the road surface. In deep standing water a tyre can ride up on a film of water and lose grip. Slow down before you reach it and keep the bike upright.

Highway Code rule 227