Road Rules and Rider Knowledge
Core concepts
A motorcycle rider is a road user first, so the general road rules apply with motorcycle-specific additions. Know the lane-position rules, following distances, overtaking, lane filtering and lane sharing, roundabout and intersection behaviour, and how to carry a pillion or a load legally. In NSW, lane filtering (moving between slow or stationary traffic at low speed) is permitted for fully licensed riders in certain conditions, while lane sharing (riding alongside another rider in the same lane) is not. You must not filter at high speed, near pedestrian crossings, or in school zones during operating hours, and novice riders are excluded.
Traps in questions
Questions test the exceptions. A common trap is confusing filtering with splitting: splitting is illegal. Another is assuming a rider may use a footpath or bus lane at will. Watch for questions about indicating when changing lane position, giving way at roundabouts, and the extra care needed when passing parked cars (door zones).
Worked example
Traffic is banked up and moving slowly. You are fully licensed and your speed is low. Filtering between lanes is allowed provided you keep speed low and do not pass on the left of a vehicle turning left. If the traffic is moving at speed, filtering is not permitted; you should sit in the lane.
Rule of thumb
If you would not do it in a car without a clear rule allowing it, do not assume a motorcycle exemption.