What is the purpose of the motorcycle's brakes?
Answer: To slow or stop the motorcycle
Brakes reduce the motorcycle's speed and can bring it to a stop. Riders should use the controls smoothly and appropriately for the conditions.
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On a motorcycle fitted with a manual gearbox, what does the clutch allow the rider to do?
Answer: Disconnect and reconnect engine drive to the transmission
The clutch temporarily separates engine drive from the transmission, allowing gear changes and controlled take-off.
ClutchWhy should a motorcycle rider maintain a safe following distance?
Answer: To give the rider enough time to react if the vehicle ahead slows or stops
A safe following distance provides time and space to react to changing traffic conditions.
Following distanceWhat is the purpose of wearing an approved motorcycle helmet?
Answer: To reduce the risk of serious head injury in a crash
A properly worn approved helmet is an important protective measure for motorcycle riders.
HelmetWhat is the purpose of a motorcycle's direction indicators?
Answer: To show other road users the rider's intention to turn or change direction
Indicators communicate an intended change of direction to other road users.
IndicatorsWhen riding on a road, where should a motorcycle normally be positioned?
Answer: As close to the left edge as is safe and practical
A motorcycle must be positioned safely in relation to the road, traffic and hazards. Keeping left is a fundamental South African road rule, subject to situations where another position is required or safer.
Motorcycle positioningBefore overtaking another vehicle, what should the rider first establish?
Answer: That the manoeuvre can be completed safely and legally
Overtaking must only be undertaken when the road, traffic, visibility and other conditions make the manoeuvre safe and lawful.
OvertakingBefore changing direction, what should a rider do?
Answer: Signal the intention and make sure the manoeuvre can be performed safely
A signal communicates intention, but a signal does not give the rider permission to move without checking that the manoeuvre is safe.
SignalsWhich control is used to increase or decrease the motorcycle engine's power while riding?
Answer: Throttle
The throttle controls engine power by controlling the amount of fuel/air supplied to the engine.
ThrottleWhy is it important for a motorcycle rider to make the motorcycle visible to other road users?
Answer: Motorcycles can be smaller and easier for other road users to overlook
A motorcycle's smaller size can make it harder for other road users to notice. Visibility and appropriate positioning are therefore important safety considerations.
Visibility