Attitude: motorcycle theory test questions

1. Quickly, so you spend as little time as possible between vehicles
2. With your hazard warning lights flashing
3. Close to the centre line so oncoming traffic moves over
4. At a low speed, ready to stop if anything moves into your path ✓

Answer: At a low speed, ready to stop if anything moves into your path. The Highway Code advises keeping your speed low when filtering. Vehicles may change lanes and pedestrians may cross between them with little warning.

Highway Code rule 88

1. Overtake straight away and slow down in front of it
2. Stay calm, let it go and carry on riding safely ✓
3. Ride up close behind the car to show your annoyance
4. Sound your horn repeatedly and gesture at the driver

Answer: Stay calm, let it go and carry on riding safely. Everyone makes mistakes, and reacting angrily only raises the risk of a crash. Keep calm, leave a safe gap and concentrate on your own riding.

Highway Code rule 147

1. In a staggered formation, each keeping a safe gap ✓
2. Side by side in pairs so the group stays together
3. Nose to tail so other traffic can't cut in
4. All in the centre of the lane behind the leader

Answer: In a staggered formation, each keeping a safe gap. A staggered formation gives each rider space and a clear view ahead while keeping a safe gap. Single file is better on narrow or twisty roads.

Highway Code rule 126

1. Tell them to follow your line through every bend
2. Ride fast so they learn by keeping up
3. Let them ride at a pace they're comfortable with ✓
4. Ask them to ride at the front and set a quick pace

Answer: Let them ride at a pace they're comfortable with. Riders who push beyond their skill to keep up with a group are at greater risk. Each person should ride at their own safe pace and meet up at agreed points.

Highway Code rule 147

1. Wave the driver past even when it's unsafe
2. Brake sharply to warn the driver to drop back
3. Gently increase the gap in front of you so you have more time to stop ✓
4. Speed up to get away from the car

Answer: Gently increase the gap in front of you so you have more time to stop. A bigger gap ahead means you can slow gradually if needed, which lowers the risk of the tailgater running into you. Let them pass when it's safe.

Highway Code rule 126

1. Be patient and only overtake when you can see it's safe ✓
2. Ride very close so the driver pulls over
3. Use your horn until the driver lets you past
4. Overtake on the next bend while the tractor slows down

Answer: Be patient and only overtake when you can see it's safe. Your bike can overtake quickly, but that doesn't make every gap safe. Wait until you have a clear view of the road ahead and enough space to get back in.

Highway Code rule 162

1. Agree, as long as there's no other traffic
2. Refuse, because racing on public roads is dangerous and illegal ✓
3. Race only on the straight sections
4. Agree, but keep within the speed limit

Answer: Refuse, because racing on public roads is dangerous and illegal. Racing on the road puts you, your friend and others at serious risk, and you could face prosecution for dangerous riding. Save that for a properly organised track day.

Highway Code rule 144

1. Sounding your horn as you start to pass
2. Quickly, so the horse is startled for only a moment
3. Close to the horse, revving to warn the rider
4. Slowly and wide, keeping your engine quiet ✓

Answer: Slowly and wide, keeping your engine quiet. Slow to no more than 10 mph, allow at least 2 metres of space and avoid revving your engine. Horses can be frightened by sudden noise.

Highway Code rule 215

1. Make sure it's safe before you act, as you can't be sure what they mean ✓
2. Treat it as a sign that they'll wait for you
3. Accelerate past before they change their mind
4. Flash your headlight back and carry on

Answer: Make sure it's safe before you act, as you can't be sure what they mean. Flashing headlights should only be used to let others know you're there. Never assume it means the driver is giving way to you.

Highway Code rule 111

1. At least 0.5 metres
2. At least 1 metre
3. At least 1.5 metres ✓
4. As little as needed to get past

Answer: At least 1.5 metres. Give cyclists at least 1.5 metres when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. Riders deserve the same care you'd want from drivers.

Highway Code rule 163

1. Between 9 pm and 7 am
2. Between 11.30 pm and 7 am ✓
3. Between 10 pm and 6 am
4. Between midnight and 8 am

Answer: Between 11.30 pm and 7 am. You must not use your horn while moving in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am, except to avoid danger from a moving vehicle.

Highway Code rule 112

1. Warming the engine damages the clutch
2. It's only allowed in a private car park after 8 am
3. It drains the battery very quickly
4. You must not leave an engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road ✓

Answer: You must not leave an engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road. Leaving the engine running causes needless pollution and noise. Start up when you're ready and ride off gently until the engine is warm.

Highway Code rule 123

1. Keep a steady course and speed, slowing down if needed to let it pass ✓
2. Speed up so the driver has to give up
3. Move towards the centre of the road
4. Brake hard so the driver gets past quickly

Answer: Keep a steady course and speed, slowing down if needed to let it pass. Don't make it harder for someone to overtake you. Holding your line and slowing slightly if needed helps them pass safely.

Highway Code rule 168

1. Ride up onto the pavement to get out of the way
2. Speed up to clear the queue ahead of it
3. Stop immediately where you are, even in a narrow gap
4. Look for a safe place to pull in and let the emergency vehicle pass ✓

Answer: Look for a safe place to pull in and let the emergency vehicle pass. Help the emergency vehicle through, but don't put yourself or others in danger or break the law to do it. Avoid stopping where you'd block its path.

Highway Code rule 219

1. Riding side by side on narrow roads
2. Each rider keeping to their own safe pace ✓
3. Following the leader through lights that have turned amber
4. Closing up so cars can't cut into the group
5. Leaving gaps so other vehicles can overtake the group ✓

Answer: Each rider keeping to their own safe pace; Leaving gaps so other vehicles can overtake the group. Responsible group riding means nobody rides beyond their ability and other traffic can pass safely. Never follow the leader through a junction or light without checking for yourself.

Highway Code rules 126 and 147