Motorcycle Loading: Motorcycle Theory Test

There are 32 motorcycle theory test Motorcycle Loading questions. You must get 86% (28 out of 32) to pass the test. You may review answers after each question by clicking the 'check answer' button or you can wait until the end of the test for your final score. Good luck!

Tests Taken

Last Score

Average Score

Your Progress

1121 votes - average 4.8 out of 5

Motorcycle Loading: Motorcycle Theory Test Quick View

Click the question box to reveal the correct answer. You can print the Motorcycle Loading: Motorcycle Theory Test questions and answers by clicking the printer icon below.

A Accelerate until it stabilises itself
B Brake hard and hold the brake on
C Ease off the throttle and reduce your speed
D Let go of the handlebars and let it correct itself
Correct Answer: C Ease off the throttle and reduce your speed
Explanation: Don't be tempted to use harsh braking to stop swerving or snaking, as this could make things worse. You should reduce your speed gradually by easing off the throttle.
A You can approach corners without braking
B You need time to get used to it
C You need to accelerate around bends
D You'll be able to stop in a shorter distance
Correct Answer: B You need time to get used to it
Explanation: A motorcycle with a sidecar, or a trike, will feel very different to ride than a solo motorcycle. It requires a specific technique, especially when cornering, with different methods used for right and left turns. Keep your speed down until you get used to the outfit, especially when negotiating bends and junctions.
A The footrests
B The gear lever
C The seat height
D The tyre pressure
Correct Answer: D The tyre pressure
Explanation: Carrying extra weight, such as luggage or a pillion passenger, can affect the feel and handling of your motorcycle. If possible, some items may need to be adjusted to help overcome this. These adjustments include the aim of the headlights, the suspension settings, the tyre pressures and the mirrors.
A Fitted with a sidecar, and with a maximum power of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp)
B Solo, with a maximum power of at least 11 kW (14.6 bhp)
C Solo, with a maximum power of at least 25 kW (33 bhp)
D Solo, with a maximum power of at least 40 kW (53.6 bhp)
Correct Answer: D Solo, with a maximum power of at least 40 kW (53.6 bhp)
Explanation: To obtain the full category 'A' on your driving licence, the motorcycle you use for your practical test must be a solo machine with a cylinder capacity of at least 595 cc and a power output of at least 40 kW (53.6 bhp).
A The load must be covered with plastic sheeting
B The load must be highly visible
C The load must be securely fastened
D The load must be unevenly balanced
Correct Answer: C The load must be securely fastened
Explanation: Don't risk losing any luggage while riding: it could fall into the path of following vehicles and cause danger. It's an offence to travel with an insecure load.
A Be lighter than the rider
B Give signals for the rider
C Have a provisional motorcycle licence
D Wear a motorcycle helmet
Correct Answer: D Wear a motorcycle helmet
Explanation: Pillion passengers must sit astride the motorcycle, on a proper passenger seat, and passenger footrests must be fitted. They must also wear a correctly fastened motorcycle helmet.
A Give arm signals for the rider
B Give the rider directions
C Lean with the rider when going around bends
D Take rear observation for the rider
Correct Answer: C Lean with the rider when going around bends
Explanation: When you ride with a pillion passenger, your motorcycle may feel unbalanced and its acceleration and braking distance may also be affected. Make sure your passenger knows they must lean with you while cornering. If they don't, they could cause the motorcycle to become unstable and difficult to control.
A Check behind for other vehicles
B Give arm signals for you
C Lean to one side to see ahead
D Lean with you on bends
Correct Answer: D Lean with you on bends
Explanation: A pillion passenger shouldn't give signals or look around for you - that's your responsibility as the rider. If your passenger has never been on a motorcycle before, make sure they know that they need to lean with you when going around bends.
A Exhaust
B Fairing
C Headlights
D Indicators
Correct Answer: C Headlights
Explanation: Your headlights must be properly adjusted to avoid dazzling other road users. You'll probably need to do this when carrying a heavy load or the extra weight of a pillion passenger. You may also need to adjust the tyre pressures and the suspension.
Correct Answer: B 50 mph
Explanation: When you tow a trailer, remember that you must obey the reduced speed limits of 50 mph on a single carriageway and 60 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. Make sure that the trailer is hitched correctly and that any load in the trailer is secure. You should also bear in mind that your stopping distance may increase.
A Improved braking
B Improved stability
C Reduced stability
D Reduced tyre wear
Correct Answer: C Reduced stability
Explanation: Carrying a heavy load in your top box could make your motorcycle unstable, because the weight is high up and at the very back of the machine.
A The licensing authority
B The owner of the items being carried
C The owner of the motorcycle
D The rider of the motorcycle
Correct Answer: D The rider of the motorcycle
Explanation: Correct loading is the responsibility of the rider. Overloading a motorcycle can seriously affect the control and handling. It could result in a crash, with serious or even fatal consequences.
A Check that the motorcycle is suitable
B Have the engine tuned
C Have the wheels balanced
D Pass the extended motorcycle test
Correct Answer: A Check that the motorcycle is suitable
Explanation: If you want to fit a sidecar to your motorcycle, check that the motorcycle is suitable and can cope with the extra load. Make sure that the sidecar is securely fixed and properly aligned. If your motorcycle was registered on or after 1 August 1981, the sidecar must be fitted on the left-hand side of the motorcycle.
A Uneven loads can make the battery overcharge
B Uneven loads can make the engine overheat
C Uneven loads can make the motorcycle uncomfortable
D Uneven loads can make the motorcycle unstable
Correct Answer: D Uneven loads can make the motorcycle unstable
Explanation: Panniers or saddlebags should be loaded so that you carry about the same weight in each bag. Uneven loading could make the motorcycle unstable, especially when cornering.
A Your ability to accelerate
B Your ability to steer
C Your insurance premium
D Your view ahead
Correct Answer: B Your ability to steer
Explanation: If your tank bag is too bulky, it could get in the way of your arms or restrict the movement of the handlebars.
A You must be over the age of 21
B You must be over the age of 25
C You must hold a full car licence
D You must hold a full motorcycle licence
Correct Answer: D You must hold a full motorcycle licence
Explanation: Before you can carry a pillion passenger, the law requires you to have a full licence for the category of motorcycle you're using.
A Carburettor
B Fuel tap
C Seating position
D Tyre pressures
Correct Answer: D Tyre pressures
Explanation: Take care if you're carrying a heavy load on your motorcycle. Try to carry the weight as low down as possible - ideally in panniers, with the weight evenly spread on each side. You may need to adjust your tyre pressures, your headlight aim and your rear shock-absorber preload setting.
A Get your passenger to keep checking behind
B Get your passenger to signal for you
C Keep further back than you normally would
D Keep to your normal following distance
Correct Answer: C Keep further back than you normally would
Explanation: The extra weight of a passenger may increase your stopping distance. Allow for this when following another vehicle by increasing the separation distance.
A When they can reach the floor from the seat
B When they can reach the handholds and footrests
C When they're over 14 years old
D When they're over 16 years old
Correct Answer: B When they can reach the handholds and footrests
Explanation: Any passenger you carry - no matter how old they are - must be able to reach the footrests and handholds properly to remain safe on your machine. Also make sure they're wearing protective weatherproof clothing and a properly fitting helmet.
A That the sidecar has a registration plate
B That the sidecar has a spare wheel
C That the sidecar has a waterproof cover
D That the sidecar is correctly aligned
Correct Answer: D That the sidecar is correctly aligned
Explanation: If the sidecar isn't correctly aligned with the mounting points, the outfit will be difficult to control and could be dangerous. Riding with a sidecar attached requires a different technique from riding a solo motorcycle. You should keep your speed down while learning this skill.
A It will allow you to brake later for hazards
B It will allow you to corner more quickly
C It will improve your fuel consumption
D It will require a different riding technique
Correct Answer: D It will require a different riding technique
Explanation: You'll need to adapt your riding technique when riding a motorcycle fitted with a sidecar. The extra weight will affect the handling and may increase your overall stopping distance.
A The balance of the rear wheel
B The front and rear wheel alignment
C The preload on the front forks
D The preload on the rear shock absorber(s)
Correct Answer: D The preload on the rear shock absorber(s)
Explanation: When carrying a passenger or other extra weight, you may need to make adjustments, particularly to the rear shock absorber(s), tyre pressures and headlight alignment. Check your vehicle handbook for details.
A 0.5 metres (1 foot 8 inches)
B 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches)
C 1.5 metres (4 feet 11 inches)
D 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches)
Correct Answer: B 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches)
Explanation: When you're towing a trailer, you must remember that you may not be able to filter through traffic. Don't forget that the trailer is there, especially when riding round bends and negotiating junctions.
A The motorcycle should be attached to a sidecar
B The trailer should be fitted with brakes
C The trailer should weigh more than the motorcycle
D The trailer shouldn't be more than 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) wide
Correct Answer: D The trailer shouldn't be more than 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) wide
Explanation: To tow a trailer behind a motorcycle, you must have a full motorcycle licence and a motorcycle with an engine larger than 125 cc. Motorcycle trailers mustn't exceed 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) in width.
A It will increase the fuel economy
B It will increase the stopping distance
C It will make the steering lighter
D It will reduce the motorcycle's stability
Correct Answer: B It will increase the stopping distance
Explanation: A sidecar will alter the handling considerably. Give yourself time to adjust to the different characteristics and allow a greater stopping distance.
A They mustn't carry a pillion passenger
B They mustn't carry panniers on their motorcycle
C They mustn't ride faster than 30 mph
D They mustn't use the right-hand lane on dual carriageways
Correct Answer: A They mustn't carry a pillion passenger
Explanation: Learner motorcyclists aren't allowed to
  • tow a trailer
  • carry a pillion passenger
  • use the motorway.
In addition, they must display red L plates (D plates in Wales) to the front and rear of the motorcycle.
A Display a 'long vehicle' sign on the back of the trailer
B Fit a larger battery to your motorcycle
C Hold a full motorcycle licence
D Use a motorcycle that has shaft drive
Correct Answer: C Hold a full motorcycle licence
Explanation: You may not ride a motorcycle towing a trailer if you only hold a provisional motorcycle licence. When you tow a trailer, you need to be aware that lower speed limits apply and the trailer must be no more than 1 metre wide. The trailer's laden weight should be no more than 150 kg or two-thirds of the kerbside weight of the motorcycle - whichever is less.
A A passenger communication system
B A passenger luggage box
C Passenger footrests
D Passenger grab handles
Correct Answer: C Passenger footrests
Explanation: When carrying a pillion passenger, you should explain to them that they must keep their feet on the footrests. Tell them not to give hand signals, lean away from the rider when cornering, fidget or move around. Also check that they aren't wearing anything long or loose that could get caught in the rear wheel or drive chain.
A Emergency items
B Heavy items
C Lightweight items
D Personal items
Correct Answer: C Lightweight items
Explanation: Carrying a heavy weight high up and at the very back of the motorcycle can cause problems in maintaining control, particularly when riding at speed. If you have heavy items to carry, it's better to carry them in panniers and keep the weight roughly the same on either side.
A Not at any time
B Not unless you're undergoing training
C Only if the passenger holds a full licence
D Only if the passenger is under 21
Correct Answer: A Not at any time
Explanation: You aren't allowed to carry a pillion passenger until you hold a full motorcycle licence. This gives you time to gain riding experience. Even when you've passed your test, don't carry a passenger if you aren't confident that you can do so safely. You're responsible for their safety.
A The battery life
B The gearbox
C The handling
D The weather protection
Correct Answer: C The handling
Explanation: Any load will affect the handling of your motorcycle by changing its centre of gravity. When using panniers, spread the weight evenly on each side. Avoid carrying heavy items in a top box, as this could make your steering dangerously light.
A Have a stabiliser fitted
B Not exceed 50 mph
C Not overtake
D Use only the left-hand and centre lanes
Correct Answer: D Use only the left-hand and centre lanes
Explanation: The motorway regulations for towing a trailer state that you mustn't
  • use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway unless directed to do so (for example, at roadworks or due to a lane closure)
  • exceed 60 mph