Vehicle loading: motorcycle theory test questions

1. As many as can sit safely on the seat
2. Two
3. Three
4. One ✓

Answer: One. You must not carry more than one pillion passenger, and they must sit astride the machine on a proper passenger seat.

Highway Code rule 85

1. Yes, if they hold a full licence
2. Yes, on short journeys
3. No ✓
4. Yes, if they wear a helmet

Answer: No. Riders with a provisional licence must not carry a pillion passenger, even after passing CBT. You'll need to pass your full test first.

Highway Code rule 85

1. Tyre pressures and suspension settings ✓
2. Insurance renewal date
3. Paint colour
4. Fuel brand

Answer: Tyre pressures and suspension settings. Adjust tyre pressures and suspension for the extra weight as shown in the handbook.

Highway Code rule 98

1. Heaviest on one side
2. With loose items on top
3. Evenly on both sides ✓
4. Only on one side

Answer: Evenly on both sides. Uneven panniers can make the bike pull to one side and feel unstable. Spread the weight evenly and stay within the maximum load in your handbook.

Highway Code rule 98

1. High up in a top box
2. On your back in a large rucksack
3. Hung from the handlebars
4. Low and close to the centre of the motorcycle ✓

Answer: Low and close to the centre of the motorcycle. Weight carried high up or far back makes a motorcycle less stable. Keep heavy items low and central, and use a top box only for light items.

Highway Code rule 98

1. Match your bike's colour
2. Interfere with your steering or controls ✓
3. Have a map pocket
4. Be waterproof

Answer: Interfere with your steering or controls. A tank bag that's too large or badly fitted can restrict steering or get in the way of your controls. Check you can turn the bars fully from lock to lock.

Highway Code rule 98

1. Lean with you and sit still ✓
2. Lean the opposite way
3. Stand on the footrests
4. Put their feet down

Answer: Lean with you and sit still. A pillion should lean with you and sit still. Leaning the other way or shifting about upsets the bike's balance.

Highway Code rule 85

1. No, they should have both feet on the footrests ✓
2. Yes, if you ride slowly
3. Yes, if they hold on tight
4. Yes, if they wear a helmet

Answer: No, they should have both feet on the footrests. The Highway Code says a pillion should face forward with both feet on the footrests. A passenger who can't reach them can't sit securely.

Highway Code rule 85

1. That the cords are new
2. That the cords are colourful
3. That the hooks are secure and nothing can catch in the wheels or chain ✓
4. That they're tight enough to snap

Answer: That the hooks are secure and nothing can catch in the wheels or chain. A loose strap or hook caught in the wheel or chain could lock it and cause a crash. Check all fixings before you set off and again on longer trips.

Highway Code rule 98

1. 40 mph
2. 50 mph ✓
3. 60 mph
4. 70 mph

Answer: 50 mph. A motorcycle towing a trailer has the same limits as a car towing one: 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

Highway Code rule 124

1. It will stop more quickly
2. It will handle exactly the same
3. It will accelerate faster
4. It will take longer to stop ✓

Answer: It will take longer to stop. A passenger adds a lot of weight, so the bike takes longer to stop and may feel different in bends. Leave bigger gaps and brake earlier.

Highway Code rule 85

1. Your engine will overheat
2. Your headlight may dazzle oncoming drivers ✓
3. Your indicators will stop working
4. Your horn will be quieter

Answer: Your headlight may dazzle oncoming drivers. Extra weight at the back tilts the headlight upwards, which can dazzle oncoming drivers. Adjust the beam and suspension as your handbook advises.

Highway Code rule 114

1. The passenger must be over 18
2. The passenger must wear a protective helmet ✓
3. The rider must have held a full licence for 3 years
4. The passenger must hold a provisional licence
5. The passenger must sit astride a proper seat ✓

Answer: The passenger must wear a protective helmet; The passenger must sit astride a proper seat. Both rider and pillion must wear helmets, and the passenger must sit astride a proper seat.

Highway Code rules 83 and 85

1. It's only a problem at night
2. It's fine if it's tied with string
3. It must not stick out dangerously ✓
4. It can stick out as far as needed

Answer: It must not stick out dangerously. You must secure your load and it must not stick out dangerously. Long or wide items can strike other road users or upset your balance.

Highway Code rule 98

1. Put their feet on the ground
2. Hold the handlebars
3. Get off at every stop
4. Keep their feet on the footrests until you say ✓

Answer: Keep their feet on the footrests until you say. A pillion putting their feet down can upset the bike's balance. Agree before you set off that they keep their feet on the footrests until you say.

General safe riding advice