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Motorcycle study notes

Hazard Awareness

Spotting and reacting to developing hazards — children, cyclists, animals, weather and your own condition.

What this topic covers

Spotting and reacting to developing hazards — children, cyclists, animals, weather and your own condition. The full Motorcycle Theory Test app contains 51 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Anticipation, Hazard awareness, Attention, Speed and distance, Reaction time, The effects of alcohol and drugs, Tiredness.

Worked examples

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

Example 1

Why should you wear ear plugs when you're riding a motorcycle?

A. To help prevent hearing damage ✓ correct
B. To make your helmet fit better
C. To help keep you warm
D. To make you less aware of traffic

Explanation: The use of ear plugs is recommended to protect your hearing from being damaged by the noise of air turbulence around your helmet. Staying within the national speed limit, a rider may experience noise levels in excess of 100 decibels.

Example 2

A driver's behaviour has upset you. How can you get over this incident safely?

A. Follow them, flashing your headlights
B. Gesture to them with your hand
C. Shout abusive language
D. Stop and take a break ✓ correct

Explanation: If you feel yourself becoming tense or upset, stop in a safe place and take a break. Tiredness can make things worse and may cause a different reaction to upsetting situations.

Example 3

What should you do if you think the driver of the vehicle in front has forgotten to cancel their right indicator?

A. Stay behind and do not overtake ✓ correct
B. Overtake on the left if there's room
C. Sound your horn before overtaking
D. Flash your lights to alert the driver

Explanation: Be cautious and do not attempt to overtake. The driver may be unsure of the location of a junction and may turn suddenly.

Example 4

Do you need to plan rest stops when you're planning a long journey?

A. No, only fuel stops will be needed
B. No, you'll be less tired if you get there as soon as possible
C. Yes, regular stops help concentration ✓ correct
D. Yes, you should plan to stop every half an hour

Explanation: Try to plan your journey so that you can take rest stops. It's recommended that you take a break of at least 15 minutes after every 2 hours of driving or riding. This should help to maintain your concentration.

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More Motorcycle study notes

Get all 51 questions on this topic in the Motorcycle Theory Test app.