AF Motorcycle Driving Theory cheat sheet

Red circular signs are prohibitions or restrictions; blue circular signs are mandatory instructions; triangular signs with red borders are warnings.

A solid white centre line means no crossing or straddling; a broken white line may be crossed when it is safe and the manoeuvre is legal.

Double white lines with a solid line nearest the rider: crossing is prohibited except to pass a stationary obstruction, a pedal cycle, or a horse.

At a STOP sign the rider must stop completely at the line and give way to traffic on the major road; at a GIVE WAY sign, stop only if traffic requires it.

Speed limits: 30 mph in lit built-up areas unless signed otherwise, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways for motorcycles.

A motorcycle may filter between lanes but must not cross a solid white line, use a bus lane outside its hours, or ride on a footpath or pavement.

Traffic light sequence: red, red and amber, green, amber, red; amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

Overtaking on the left is permitted only in slow-moving queued traffic where lanes are moving at different speeds, or where the vehicle ahead is signalling to turn right.

Two-second following gap in dry conditions; double it to four seconds in rain and at least ten times (20 seconds) on ice or snow.

Stopping distance rises with the square of speed: doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

Lifesaver checks: a shoulder glance over the relevant side before changing lane, joining a carriageway, or moving off from a stop.

Position for visibility: ride where the rider can see and be seen, avoiding a vehicle's blind spot and the centre of the lane at junctions.

Limit point analysis: the furthest point of the road the rider can see clearly indicates whether current speed allows stopping within that distance.

Target fixation on a hazard increases collision risk; look at the escape route, not the obstacle.

In rain, the first ten minutes are most slippery as oil and rubber lift from the surface; painted lines, manhole covers and tram rails lose grip when wet.

At night, dip the headlight for oncoming traffic and never over-ride the range of the beam; ride so stopping distance fits within the lit area.

Front brake provides the majority of stopping power as weight transfers forward; apply it progressively and use the rear brake for balance and low-speed control.

Countersteering: at speeds above walking pace, push the bar on the side you want to turn toward in order to lean and turn that way.

Tyre pressures are checked cold; under-inflation reduces grip, worsens handling and increases heat build-up and blowout risk.

Tread depth legal minimum for motorcycles over 50cc is 1 mm across three-quarters of the tread breadth around the entire circumference.

Chain slack should be checked against the manufacturer's specification; too tight damages bearings, too loose risks derailment.

The friction zone of the clutch plus rear brake use enables slow-speed control and U-turns without putting a foot down.

Engine braking is achieved by rolling off the throttle in a lower gear; it reduces brake fade on long descents.

A steering head shake or wobble is countered by easing off the throttle and relaxing grip, not by braking hard or fighting the bars.

A legal motorcycle helmet must carry the correct approval marking; it must be correctly fastened whenever the machine is in motion on a public road.

Helmet fit rule: the shell should not rotate independently of the scalp when twisted, and the strap should allow no more than a finger's width under the chin.

Replace a helmet after a significant impact or drop, as the energy-absorbing liner may be compromised even without visible damage.

CE-approved armour at shoulders, elbows, back and knees reduces injury; abrasion-resistant textile or leather covers the whole body.

Hi-visibility or reflective material improves detection at night; a dark visor must not be used at night or in poor light.

Gloves with palm sliders and reinforced knuckles protect the most commonly injured contact points in a fall.

Boots should cover the ankle and have oil-resistant soles; trainers offer little abrasion or crush protection.

Hearing damage rises with speed due to wind noise; earplugs reduce noise while still allowing sirens and horns to be heard.

Braking in an emergency: apply both brakes firmly and progressively, keep the machine upright where possible, and avoid locking the front wheel.

If the front wheel locks, release the front brake immediately and reapply; a locked front wheel causes a loss of steering and a fall.

A rear-wheel skid is controlled by keeping the rear brake applied and steering into the skid, not by releasing suddenly.

At a collision scene: make the area safe, alert the emergency services, then assess casualties; do not move an injured rider unless there is immediate danger.

DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation - the primary survey sequence for a casualty.

Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless the airway is obstructed and it cannot be cleared with the helmet in place.

Severe bleeding is controlled by direct pressure on the wound; a tourniquet is a last resort for life-threatening limb bleeding.

Recovery position is used for an unconscious but breathing casualty; suspected spinal injury requires the casualty to be kept still until help arrives.

The legal blood alcohol limit in England and Wales is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood; Scotland applies a lower limit of 50 mg per 100 ml.

Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs balance and reduces peripheral vision - all critical for motorcycle control - well below the legal limit.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair riding; the label warning must be heeded and the rider must not ride if affected.

Riding while unfit through drink or drugs is an offence even if below the prescribed limit, when the rider's ability is impaired.

Cannabis and other drugs impair coordination and judgment; the drug-driving limits apply regardless of whether the rider feels impaired.

Fatigue: micro-sleeps and loss of concentration are signs to stop; a short break or caffeine is a temporary measure, not a substitute for rest.

Illness, injury and emotional stress reduce fitness to ride; the rider is responsible for assessing their own fitness before setting off.

A rider who has been drinking should never use a motorcycle; there is no reliable way to speed up the elimination of alcohol from the body.

To ride on a public road a motorcycle requires valid insurance, a current MOT certificate (if over three years old), and valid vehicle tax.

A provisional motorcycle licence holder must display L plates front and rear, and must not carry a pillion passenger or use a motorway.

Compulsory third-party insurance covers injury or damage to others; it does not cover damage to the rider's own machine unless a comprehensive policy is held.

A CBT certificate is valid for two years; the rider must pass the theory and practical tests within that period to progress to a full licence.

The registered keeper is responsible for the vehicle's documentation and for notifying the DVLA of a change of address or keeper.

Riding without insurance carries penalty points, a fine and possible seizure of the motorcycle.

A rider must stop and exchange details after a collision involving injury or damage; failing to stop is an offence.

A pillion passenger must be carried on a proper seat with footrests, and must wear an approved helmet.

A red triangle with a red border warns of a hazard ahead; a red circle prohibits; a blue circle instructs.

Box junctions: do not enter unless the exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic.

Zebra crossing: give way to pedestrians on the crossing; do not park within the marked area.

Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time; single yellow means no waiting during the times shown on nearby signs.

At a roundabout, give way to traffic from the right and signal left to leave; signal right only when taking an exit past twelve o'clock.

A 'no through road' sign means the road has no exit for vehicles, but does not necessarily mean it is closed to cyclists or pedestrians.

Motorways are prohibited for provisional licence holders, motorcycles under 50cc, and vehicles incapable of 25 mph or more.

Approach junctions at a speed that allows stopping if a vehicle emerges; cover the brakes when a hazard is developing.

Look for clues of hidden hazards: brake lights ahead, side roads, parked cars, and gaps between vehicles where a pedestrian could emerge.

In slow traffic, filtering is legal but must be done at a speed that allows reaction to a door opening or a vehicle changing lane.

Riding close behind large vehicles obscures the view ahead; drop back to see past and to be seen in the mirrors.

On bends, the rider should be able to stop within the distance visible; adjust speed before the bend, not during it.

Wind gusts, especially from gaps between buildings or when passing high-sided vehicles, can push a motorcycle off line; anticipate and allow space.

Wet leaves, mud and gravel on rural bends reduce grip; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering inputs on these surfaces.

A vehicle's blind spot is largest behind and to the side; avoid lingering alongside a lorry or bus where the driver cannot see the rider.

The clutch lever is on the left bar, the front brake lever on the right; the throttle is a twist grip on the right.

The rear brake pedal is operated by the right foot; the gear lever is operated by the left foot.

The side stand should be raised before moving off; a side-stand cut-out switch stops the engine if a gear is engaged with the stand down.

Check the brake fluid level and pad thickness regularly; spongy brake feel indicates air in the system or low fluid.

The tyre must be replaced when tread depth reaches the legal minimum or when the sidewall shows cracking or damage.

Suspension and steering should be checked for play; a worn steering head bearing causes vague handling and wobble.

Lights, horn, indicators and brake light must all function; a faulty brake light is a common cause of rear-end collisions.

A cold engine needs a brief warm-up before full throttle; a choke or fuel enrichment may be required on carburettor machines.

Helmet standards: look for the correct approval mark; a helmet without it is not legal for road use.

Jacket and trousers should be CE-rated for abrasion and impact; armour at joints is more effective than padding alone.

A back protector reduces spinal injury risk; a separate CE-approved protector is generally more protective than a thin foam pad.

Gloves should be worn at all times; hands are the first part of the body to contact the road in a fall.

Boots with ankle protection and a non-slip sole are recommended; laces should be tucked in to avoid catching on controls.

Reflective or hi-vis clothing improves conspicuity, especially in low light; a dark visor must not be used at night.

A helmet should be replaced after any impact or drop, and the strap must be fastened whenever the machine is moving.

Ear protection reduces wind noise and fatigue; it must not prevent the rider hearing sirens or horns.

Emergency braking: apply both brakes firmly and progressively; the front brake provides most of the stopping power.

If the front wheel locks, release the brake immediately and reapply; a locked front wheel causes loss of steering.

If the rear wheel skids, keep the rear brake applied and steer into the skid; do not release suddenly.

At a collision: make the scene safe, call the emergency services, then assess casualties; do not move an injured rider unless in immediate danger.

DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation - the primary survey sequence.

Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless the airway is obstructed and cannot be cleared with the helmet in place.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure; a tourniquet is a last resort for life-threatening limb bleeding.

Place an unconscious but breathing casualty in the recovery position; suspected spinal injury requires the casualty to be kept still.

The legal blood alcohol limit in England and Wales is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood; Scotland applies a lower limit of 50 mg per 100 ml.

Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs balance and reduces peripheral vision - all critical for motorcycle control - well below the legal limit.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair riding; the label warning must be heeded.

Riding while unfit through drink or drugs is an offence even if below the prescribed limit, when ability is impaired.

Cannabis and other drugs impair coordination and judgment; drug-driving limits apply regardless of whether the rider feels impaired.

Fatigue: micro-sleeps and loss of concentration are signs to stop; a short break or caffeine is a temporary measure, not a substitute for rest.

Illness, injury and emotional stress reduce fitness to ride; the rider is responsible for assessing their own fitness before setting off.

There is no reliable way to speed up the elimination of alcohol from the body; time is the only effective method.

To ride on a public road a motorcycle requires valid insurance, a current MOT certificate (if over three years old), and valid vehicle tax.

A provisional motorcycle licence holder must display L plates front and rear, and must not carry a pillion passenger or use a motorway.

Compulsory third-party insurance covers injury or damage to others; it does not cover damage to the rider's own machine unless a comprehensive policy is held.

A CBT certificate is valid for two years; the rider must pass the theory and practical tests within that period to progress to a full licence.

The registered keeper is responsible for the vehicle's documentation and for notifying the DVLA of a change of address or keeper.

Riding without insurance carries penalty points, a fine and possible seizure of the motorcycle.

A rider must stop and exchange details after a collision involving injury or damage; failing to stop is an offence.

A pillion passenger must be carried on a proper seat with footrests, and must wear an approved helmet.