Motorcycle learner and instructor reviewing training notes beside a parked motorcycle

Motorcycle study notes

Alertness

Staying focused: observation, anticipation, concentration and avoiding distraction and fatigue.

What this topic covers

Staying focused: observation, anticipation, concentration and avoiding distraction and fatigue. The full Motorcycle Theory Test app contains 33 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Observation, Anticipation, Concentration, Awareness, Distraction, Boredom.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

Why should you check over your shoulder before you change lanes in busy, slow-moving traffic?

A. So your balance will not be affected
B. So traffic ahead will make room for you
C. Mirrors do not cover blind spots ✓ correct
D. To avoid having to give a signal

Explanation: Before changing lanes, make sure there's a safe gap to move into. Looking over your shoulder allows you to check the area not covered by your mirrors, where a vehicle could be hidden from view. It also warns following drivers that you want to change lanes.

Example 2

What will happen if you become very cold while you're riding your motorcycle?

A. You'll lose concentration ✓ correct
B. You'll react more quickly
C. You'll be more relaxed
D. You'll be more alert

Explanation: It can be difficult to keep warm when riding a motorcycle. It's well worth buying good-quality motorcycle clothing, which will help to keep you warm and is essential for your safety. If you become very cold while riding, you'll find it difficult to concentrate on the road.

Example 3

When riding some motorcycles, your shoulders and arms can obstruct your view in the mirrors. What can you do to overcome this difficulty?

A. Indicate earlier than normal
B. Brake earlier than normal
C. Extend the mirror arms ✓ correct
D. Fit smaller mirrors

Explanation: It's essential that you have a clear view all around. Adjust your mirrors to give you the best view of the road behind. If your body obscures the view, try fitting mirrors with longer stems.

Example 4

You're riding a motorcycle that's towing a trailer. What should you do before turning right onto a dual carriageway?

A. Check that there's enough room for vehicles behind you
B. Assess the width of the central reservation ✓ correct
C. Position in the left gutter of the side road
D. Stop, and then select a very low gear

Explanation: Before emerging right onto a dual carriageway, make sure that the central reservation is wide enough to protect both your motorcycle and its trailer. If it's not, you should treat it as one road and check that it's clear in both directions before pulling out.

Ready to test yourself?

Take the interactive quiz for Alertness.

Start Alertness quiz →

More Motorcycle study notes

Get all 33 questions on this topic in the Motorcycle Theory Test app.