Vulnerable Road Users: Motorcycle Theory Test

There are 66 motorcycle theory test Vulnerable Road Users questions. You must get 86% (57 out of 66) 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!

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A So drivers behind can see you
B So wind from the lorry won't slow you down
C So you don't breathe in the lorry's exhaust fumes
D So your view ahead isn't obstructed
Correct Answer: D So your view ahead isn't obstructed
Explanation: If you follow a large vehicle too closely, your view beyond it will be restricted. Drop back. This will help you to see more of the road ahead. It will also help the driver of the large vehicle to see you in their mirrors and will give you a safe separation distance if the lorry needs to stop suddenly.
A Give them plenty of room
B Rev your engine
C Ride up close behind them
D Sound your horn
Correct Answer: A Give them plenty of room
Explanation: Try not to startle the animals. They can be easily frightened by noise or by traffic passing too closely. Slow down, give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop if necessary. Obey any directions given by people in charge of the animals.
A Be ready to slow down and stop
B Brake hard, then wave them out
C Let them emerge, then ride close behind
D Turn into the side road
Correct Answer: A Be ready to slow down and stop
Explanation: You should always be looking for vehicles emerging from side roads as you approach them. If you see another vehicle begin to emerge into your path, be ready to slow down or stop if necessary.
A Keep calm and be patient
B Put your headlights on main beam
C Ride close behind
D Sound your horn and overtake
Correct Answer: A Keep calm and be patient
Explanation: Learner drivers might take longer to react to traffic situations, so be patient and give them time. Don't unnerve them by riding close behind or showing signs of impatience.
A Accelerate to get away from the vehicle behind you
B Apply the brakes sharply to warn the driver behind
C Slow down as quickly as possible by braking
D Slow down gradually to increase the gap in front of you
Correct Answer: D Slow down gradually to increase the gap in front of you
Explanation: By increasing the separation distance between you and the vehicle in front, you have a greater safety margin. If the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly to avoid a hazard, you'll have time to reduce speed gradually. This will reduce the risk of the close-following vehicle running into you.
A Be prepared to stop
B Continue on your way
C Wave to the person to cross
D Wave to the person to wait
Correct Answer: A Be prepared to stop
Explanation: As you would with any pedestrian, you should prepare to stop. Don't wave the person across, as other traffic may not slow down.
A The rider may be blown across in front of you
B The rider may be travelling faster than normal
C The rider may stop suddenly
D The rider may turn off suddenly to get out of the wind
Correct Answer: A The rider may be blown across in front of you
Explanation: On a windy day, be aware that the blustery conditions might blow you or other motorcyclists out of position. Think about this before deciding to overtake.
A Allow the person to finish crossing
B Edge forward slowly
C Ride behind the person
D Sound your horn
Correct Answer: A Allow the person to finish crossing
Explanation: At a pelican crossing, the green light means you may proceed as long as the crossing is clear. If someone hasn't finished crossing, be patient and wait until the road is clear.
A At junctions
B At zebra crossings
C On dual carriageways
D On one-way streets
Correct Answer: A At junctions
Explanation: Other motorcyclists and cyclists may be difficult to see on the road, particularly at junctions. If your view is blocked by other traffic, you may not be able to see them approaching.
A To check for any overtaking traffic
B To check that the rear indicator is flashing
C To confirm that they're about to turn
D To make sure the side road is clear
Correct Answer: A To check for any overtaking traffic
Explanation: The lifesaver glance makes you aware of what's happening behind and alongside you before you alter your course. This glance must be timed so that you still have time to react if it isn't safe to carry out your manoeuvre.
A Giving arm signals
B Revving your engine
C Riding slowly
D Your dipped headlights
Correct Answer: B Revving your engine
Explanation: When passing horses, allow them plenty of space and slow down. Animals can be frightened by sudden or loud noises, so don't sound your horn or rev your engine.
A They don't maintain their motorcycles
B They lack experience and judgement
C They ride in bad weather conditions
D They use borrowed equipment
Correct Answer: B They lack experience and judgement
Explanation: Young and inexperienced motorcyclists are far more likely to be involved in incidents than more experienced riders. The reasons for this include natural exuberance, showing off, competitive behaviour and overconfidence. Don't overestimate your abilities and never ride too fast for the conditions.
A Getting cheap insurance
B Having faster reactions than older riders
C Overestimating their own ability
D Wearing newer gear than experienced riders
Correct Answer: C Overestimating their own ability
Explanation: Young and inexperienced motorcyclists often have more confidence than ability. It takes time to gain experience and become a good rider. Make sure you have the right attitude and put safety first.
A You may park on the lines when dropping off schoolchildren
B You may park on the lines when picking up schoolchildren
C You must not wait or park your motorcycle here
D You must stay with your motorcycle if you park here
Correct Answer: C You must not wait or park your motorcycle here
Explanation: Parking here will block the view of the road, endangering the lives of children crossing the road on their way to and from school.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Always check the road signs. Triangular signs are warning signs: they inform you about hazards ahead and help you to anticipate any problems. There are a number of different signs showing pedestrians. Learn the meaning of each one.
A Give way to them
B Go around them, leaving plenty of room
C Sound your horn and proceed
D Stop and wave at them to cross
Correct Answer: A Give way to them
Explanation: When you're turning into a side road, pedestrians who are crossing have priority. You should wait to allow them to finish crossing safely. Be patient if they're slow or unsteady. Don't try to rush them by sounding your horn, flashing your lights, revving your engine or giving any other inappropriate signal.
A One-way street
B Parked vehicles
C Pedestrians
D Traffic congestion
Correct Answer: C Pedestrians
Explanation: Make sure that you've reduced your speed and are in the correct gear for the turn. Look into the road before you turn and always give way to any pedestrians who are crossing.
A They may be emerging from the side road
B They may be following you closely
C They may be overtaking on your left
D They may be overtaking on your right
Correct Answer: D They may be overtaking on your right
Explanation: Never attempt to change direction to the right without first checking your right-hand mirror and blind spot. A motorcyclist might not have seen your signal and could be hidden by other traffic. This observation should become a matter of routine.
A Cyclists can use it
B It's controlled by a traffic warden
C It's controlled by two flashing lights
D Moped riders can use it
Correct Answer: A Cyclists can use it
Explanation: Toucan crossings are shared by pedestrians and cyclists, who are permitted to cycle across. They're shown the green light together. The signals are push-button-operated and there's no flashing amber phase.
A By displaying a 'stop' sign
B By displaying a red light
C By giving you an arm signal
D By pointing to children on the opposite pavement
Correct Answer: A By displaying a 'stop' sign
Explanation: If a school crossing patrol steps out into the road with a 'stop' sign, you must stop. Don't wave anyone across the road and don't get impatient or rev your engine.
A At playground areas
B At the side of the road
C In the window of a car taking children to school
D On the rear of a school bus or coach
Correct Answer: D On the rear of a school bus or coach
Explanation: Vehicles that are used to carry children to and from school will be travelling at busy times of the day. If you're following a vehicle with this sign, be prepared for it to make frequent stops. It might pick up or set down passengers in places other than normal bus stops.
A A route for cyclists only
B A route for pedestrians and cyclists
C A route for pedestrians only
D No route for pedestrians and cyclists
Correct Answer: B A route for pedestrians and cyclists
Explanation: This sign shows a shared route for pedestrians and cyclists: when it ends, the cyclists will be rejoining the main road.
A They have limited mobility
B They're blind
C They're deaf
D They're deaf and blind
Correct Answer: D They're deaf and blind
Explanation: When someone is deaf as well as blind, they may carry a white stick with a red reflective band. They may not be aware that you're approaching and they may not be able to hear anything; so, for example, your horn would be ineffective as a warning to them.
A Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time
B Rev the engine to let them know that you're waiting
C Tap the horn in case they're hard of hearing
D Wave them across so they know that you've seen them
Correct Answer: A Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time
Explanation: Be aware that older people might take a long time to cross the road. They might also be hard of hearing and not hear you approaching. Don't hurry older people across the road by getting too close to them or revving your engine.
A Be careful; they may misjudge your speed
B Expect them to wait for you to pass
C Speed up to get past them quickly
D Stop and wave them across the road
Correct Answer: A Be careful; they may misjudge your speed
Explanation: Older people may have impaired hearing, vision, concentration and judgement. They may also walk slowly and so could take a long time to cross the road.
A Give a warning with your horn
B Give the cyclist plenty of room
C Overtake on the right
D Signal the cyclist to move across
Correct Answer: B Give the cyclist plenty of room
Explanation: If you're following a cyclist who's signalling to turn right at a roundabout, leave plenty of room. Give them space and time to get into the correct lane.
A Bicycle
B Lorry
C Road-sweeping vehicle
D Tractor
Correct Answer: A Bicycle
Explanation: Don't pass cyclists too closely, as they may
  • need to veer around a pothole or other obstacle
  • be buffeted by side wind
  • be made unsteady by your vehicle.
Always leave as much room as you would for a car, and don't cut in front of them.
A They may slow down to let you turn
B They may want to turn into the side road
C They might not see you turn
D They're harder to see
Correct Answer: D They're harder to see
Explanation: Cyclists and motorcyclists are smaller than other vehicles and so are more difficult to see. They can easily be hidden from your view by cars parked near a junction.
A Motorcycles are usually faster than cars
B Motorcycles can easily be hidden behind obstructions
C Motorcycles have right of way
D Police patrols often use motorcycles
Correct Answer: B Motorcycles can easily be hidden behind obstructions
Explanation: If you're waiting to emerge from a side road, look carefully for motorcycles: they can be difficult to see. Be especially careful if there are parked vehicles or other obstructions restricting your view.
A So that the rider can be seen more easily
B The rider is inviting you to proceed
C To improve the rider's vision
D To stop the battery overcharging
Correct Answer: A So that the rider can be seen more easily
Explanation: A motorcycle can be lost from sight behind another vehicle. The use of the headlights helps to make it more conspicuous and therefore more easily seen.
A Drivers often do not see them
B It helps keep them cool in summer
C The colours are popular
D They must do so by law
Correct Answer: A Drivers often do not see them
Explanation: Motorcycles and scooters are generally smaller than other vehicles and can be difficult to see. Wearing bright clothing makes it easier for other road users to see a motorcyclist approaching, especially at junctions.
A Move closer
B Pass on the left
C Pass on the right
D Stay behind
Correct Answer: D Stay behind
Explanation: When a motorcyclist is travelling slowly, it's likely that they're looking for a turning or entrance. Be patient and stay behind them in case they stop or change direction suddenly.
A It helps them balance as they turn
B Motorcycles don't have mirrors
C To check for traffic in their blind area
D To listen for following traffic
Correct Answer: C To check for traffic in their blind area
Explanation: When you see a motorcyclist take a glance over their shoulder, they're probably about to change direction. Recognising a clue like this helps you to anticipate their next action. This can improve road safety for you and others.
A Car driver
B Lorry driver
C Motorcyclist
D Tractor driver
Correct Answer: C Motorcyclist
Explanation: Pedestrians and riders on two wheels can be harder to see than other road users. Make sure you look for them, especially at junctions. Effective observation, coupled with appropriate action, can save lives.
A Accelerate past as quickly as possible
B Give them plenty of room
C Sound your horn as a warning
D Treat them like any other vehicle
Correct Answer: B Give them plenty of room
Explanation: Horse riders often keep to the outside of the roundabout even if they're turning right. Give them plenty of room and remember that they may have to cross lanes of traffic.
A Flash your lights in case they haven't noticed you
B Rev your engine to make them hurry
C Wait patiently because they'll probably take longer to cross
D Wave them to cross as quickly as they can
Correct Answer: C Wait patiently because they'll probably take longer to cross
Explanation: If the lights turn to green, wait for any pedestrians to clear the crossing. Allow them to finish crossing the road in their own time, and don't try to hurry them by revving your engine.
A Increase your speed to clear the area quickly
B Keep up your speed and sound the horn
C Reduce speed until you're clear of the area
D Wait at the lights until they change to green
Correct Answer: C Reduce speed until you're clear of the area
Explanation: The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Slow down and take extra care, as you may have to stop.
A To allow a clear view of the crossing area
B To allow schoolchildren to be dropped off
C To allow schoolchildren to be picked up
D To allow teachers to park
Correct Answer: A To allow a clear view of the crossing area
Explanation: The markings are there to show that the area must be kept clear. This is to allow an unrestricted view for
  • approaching drivers and riders
  • children wanting to cross the road

A At a 'pedestrians only' area
B At a playground entrance
C Near a school crossing
D On a school bus
Correct Answer: D On a school bus
Explanation: Watch out for children crossing the road from the other side of the bus.
Correct Answer: A Any direction
Explanation: Cyclists approaching a roundabout in the left-hand lane may be turning right but may not have been able to get into the correct lane due to heavy traffic. They may also feel safer keeping to the left all the way around the roundabout. Be aware of them and give them plenty of room.
A Overtake the moped before the junction
B Pull alongside the moped and stay level until just before the junction
C Sound your horn as a warning and pull in front of the moped
D Stay behind until the moped has passed the junction
Correct Answer: D Stay behind until the moped has passed the junction
Explanation: Passing the moped and turning into the junction could mean that you cut across the front of the rider. This might force them to slow down, stop or even lose control. Stay behind the moped until it has passed the junction and then you can turn without affecting the rider.
A Cut in front of them
B Keep close to them
C Proceed as normal
D Stay well back
Correct Answer: D Stay well back
Explanation: Allow the horse rider to enter and exit the roundabout in their own time. They may feel safer keeping to the left all the way around the roundabout. Don't get up close behind or alongside them, because that would probably upset the horse and create a dangerous situation.
A Be patient and prepare for them to react more slowly
B Flash your headlights to indicate that it's safe for them to proceed
C Overtake them as soon as possible
D Sound your horn to warn them of your presence
Correct Answer: A Be patient and prepare for them to react more slowly
Explanation: Learners might not have confidence when they first start to drive. Allow them plenty of room and don't react adversely to their hesitation. We all learn from experience, but new drivers will have had less practice in dealing with all the situations that might occur.
A Be patient, as you expect them to make mistakes
B Immediately steer around them and drive on
C Start to rev your engine if they take too long to restart
D Stay very close behind and flash your headlights
Correct Answer: A Be patient, as you expect them to make mistakes
Explanation: Learning to drive is a process of practice and experience. Try to understand this and tolerate those who make mistakes while they're learning.
Correct Answer: D Pedestrians
Explanation: On a quiet country road, always be aware that there may be a hazard just around the next bend, such as a slow-moving vehicle or pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised to walk on the right-hand side of the road if there's no pavement, so they may be walking towards you on your side of the road.
A Be aware that their reactions may be slower than yours
B Expect the driver to drive badly
C Flash your lights and overtake
D Stay very close behind but be careful
Correct Answer: A Be aware that their reactions may be slower than yours
Explanation: You must show consideration to other road users. The reactions of older drivers may be slower and they might need more time to deal with a situation. Be tolerant and don't lose patience or show annoyance.
A Go around the cyclist on the junction
B Hold back until the cyclist has passed the junction
C Overtake the cyclist before you reach the junction
D Pull alongside the cyclist and stay level until after the junction
Correct Answer: B Hold back until the cyclist has passed the junction
Explanation: Make allowances for cyclists, and give them plenty of room. Don't overtake and then immediately turn left. Be patient and turn behind them when they've passed the junction.
A In any direction
B Straight ahead
C To the left
D To the right
Correct Answer: A In any direction
Explanation: Horses and their riders move more slowly than other road users. They might not have time to cut across heavy traffic to take up a position in the right-hand lane. For this reason, a horse and rider may approach a roundabout in the left-hand lane even though they're turning right.
A They'll have a flashing amber light
B They'll have a flashing blue light
C They'll have a flashing green light
D They'll have a flashing red light
Correct Answer: A They'll have a flashing amber light
Explanation: Powered vehicles used by disabled people are small, low, hard to see and travel very slowly. On a dual carriageway, a flashing amber light will warn other road users.
A Just before you turn left
B On a dual carriageway
C On a left-hand bend
D On a one-way street
Correct Answer: A Just before you turn left
Explanation: If you want to turn left and there's a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them. Don't try to intimidate them by driving too closely.
A The vehicle belongs to a school crossing patrol
B The vehicle has broken down
C The vehicle is a doctor's car
D The vehicle is slow moving
Correct Answer: D The vehicle is slow moving
Explanation: Different coloured beacons warn of different types of vehicle needing special attention. Blue beacons are used on emergency vehicles that need priority. Green beacons are found on doctors' cars. Amber beacons generally denote slower moving vehicles, which are often large. These vehicles are usually involved in road maintenance or local amenities and make frequent stops.
A Contraflow cycle lane
B Cycles and buses only
C No cycles or buses
D With-flow cycle lane
Correct Answer: D With-flow cycle lane
Explanation: Usually, a picture of a cycle will also be painted on the road, and sometimes the lane will have a different coloured surface. Leave these areas clear for cyclists and don't pass too closely when you overtake.
A Accelerate around them
B Pull out to the middle of the road
C Signal right
D Slow down and be ready to stop
Correct Answer: D Slow down and be ready to stop
Explanation: Be particularly careful when approaching horse riders - slow down and be prepared to stop. Always pass wide and slowly, and look out for signals given by the riders. Horses are unpredictable: always treat them as potential hazards and take great care when passing them.
A To enable parents to pick up or drop off children safely
B To enable teachers to have clear access to the school
C To ensure children have a clear view from the crossing area
D To ensure delivery vehicles have easy access to the school
Correct Answer: C To ensure children have a clear view from the crossing area
Explanation: These markings are found on the road outside schools. Don't stop or park on them, even to set down or pick up children. The markings are there to ensure that drivers, riders, children and other pedestrians have a clear view of the road in all directions.
A Position close to the left-hand kerb
B Speed up to get past the roadworks more quickly
C Use your right-hand mirror more often
D Watch out for pedestrians walking in the road
Correct Answer: D Watch out for pedestrians walking in the road
Explanation: Where street repairs have closed off pavements, proceed carefully and slowly, as pedestrians might have to walk in the road.
A Allow extra room in case they swerve to avoid potholes
B Allow the same room as normal to avoid wasting road space
C Drive closely so they can see you in their mirrors
D Overtake immediately to avoid delays
Correct Answer: A Allow extra room in case they swerve to avoid potholes
Explanation: To avoid being unbalanced, a motorcyclist might swerve to avoid potholes and bumps in the road. Be prepared for this and allow them extra space.
A Cycle parking only
B Cycle route ahead
C End of cycle route
D No cycling
Correct Answer: B Cycle route ahead
Explanation: With people's concern today for the environment, cycle routes are being extended in our towns and cities. Respect the presence of cyclists on the road and give them plenty of room if you need to pass.
A It's a quicker route for the cyclist
B The cyclist is going to turn left instead
C The cyclist is slower and more vulnerable
D The cyclist thinks The Highway Code doesn't apply to bicycles
Correct Answer: C The cyclist is slower and more vulnerable
Explanation: Cycling in today's heavy traffic can be hazardous. Some cyclists may not feel happy about crossing the path of traffic to take up a position in an outside lane. Be aware of this and understand that, although they're in the left-hand lane, the cyclist might be turning right.
A Continue unless the pedestrians step out
B Prepare to slow down and stop
C Speed up and pass by quickly
D Stop and wave the pedestrians across
Correct Answer: B Prepare to slow down and stop
Explanation: Be courteous and prepare to stop. Don't wave people across, because this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching the crossing.
A The pedestrian is a dog trainer
B The pedestrian is colour-blind
C The pedestrian is deaf
D The pedestrian is elderly
Correct Answer: C The pedestrian is deaf
Explanation: Dogs trained to help deaf people have a yellow or burgundy coat. If you see one, you should take extra care, as the pedestrian may not be aware of vehicles approaching.
A Cyclists and pedestrians
B Motorcyclists and cyclists
C Motorcyclists and pedestrians
D Only cyclists
Correct Answer: A Cyclists and pedestrians
Explanation: There are some crossings where cycle routes lead cyclists to cross at the same place as pedestrians. These are called toucan crossings. Always look out for cyclists, as they're likely to be approaching faster than pedestrians.
A To allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross the road together
B To allow cyclists to position in front of other traffic
C To allow people with disabilities to cross the road
D To allow taxis to position in front of other traffic
Correct Answer: B To allow cyclists to position in front of other traffic
Explanation: These are known as advanced stop lines. When the lights are red (or about to become red), you should stop at the first white line. However, if you've crossed that line as the lights change, you must stop at the second line even if it means you're in the area reserved for cyclists.
A The cyclist might get off their bike
B The cyclist might have to make a left turn
C The cyclist might speed up
D The cyclist might swerve
Correct Answer: D The cyclist might swerve
Explanation: Before overtaking, assess the situation. Look well ahead to see whether the cyclist will need to change direction. Be especially aware of a cyclist approaching parked vehicles, as they'll need to alter course. Don't pass too closely or cut in sharply.
A Briefly sound your horn
B Go very slowly
C Herd them to the side of the road
D Pass quickly but quietly
Correct Answer: B Go very slowly
Explanation: Slow down and be ready to stop if you see animals in the road ahead. Animals are easily frightened by noise and vehicles passing too close to them. Stop if signalled to do so by the person in charge.
A You're approaching a slow-moving vehicle
B You're approaching a traffic danger spot
C You're approaching an organised walk
D You're approaching roadworks
Correct Answer: C You're approaching an organised walk
Explanation: The people on the walk should be keeping to the left, but don't assume this. Pass carefully, making sure you have time to do so safely. Be aware that the pedestrians have their backs to you and may not know that you're there.
A By always staying close to the vehicle in front
B By never going over 40 mph
C By staying in the left-hand lane on all roads
D By taking further training
Correct Answer: D By taking further training
Explanation: New drivers and riders are often involved in a collision or incident early in their driving career. Due to a lack of experience, they may not react to hazards appropriately. Approved training courses are offered by driver and rider training schools for people who have passed their test but want extra training.