Vic Motorcycle Learner Permit Test key terms
Vic Motorcycle Learner Permit Test · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS)
- Related: Learner permit conditions
Victorian scheme that restricts learner and probationary riders to motorcycles on an approved list, generally up to 660 cc and no more than 150 kW per tonne.
- Zero BAC
- Related: Risk awareness
A blood alcohol concentration of 0.00. Victorian learner and probationary riders must have no alcohol in their blood at all, so even one drink can put them over the limit.
- Learner permit conditions
- Related: LAMS, L plate, Pillion passenger
Rules a Victorian motorcycle learner must follow, including displaying an L plate, zero blood alcohol, no pillion passenger and riding only a LAMS-approved motorcycle.
- L plate
- Related: Learner permit conditions
A square yellow sign with a black L that learner riders must display clearly on the rear of the motorcycle.
- Pillion passenger
- Related: Learner permit conditions
A second person carried on the motorcycle behind the rider. Victorian learners are not allowed to carry one.
- Lane filtering
- Related: Lane splitting
Riding a motorcycle between stationary or slow-moving traffic at 30 km/h or less. It is legal in Victoria under conditions, such as not in school zones.
- Lane splitting
- Related: Lane filtering
Riding between lanes of traffic that is moving faster than 30 km/h. This is illegal in Victoria and is different from lane filtering.
- Hook turn
- Related: Give way
A turn used at some Melbourne city intersections where you wait on the left side of the intersection before proceeding, following the signs.
- Give way
- Related: Roundabout
To slow down or stop and let another road user go first when the road rules require it, such as at a roundabout or a stop sign.
- Roundabout
- Related: Give way
A circular intersection where you travel clockwise and must give way to vehicles already in the roundabout before entering, then signal your exit.
- SMIDSY
- Related: Conspicuity, Blind spot
Slang for 'Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You'. It describes a common crash where a driver fails to notice an approaching motorcycle, often at an intersection.
- Blind spot
- Related: Head check, SMIDSY
An area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. Riders should avoid staying there and should check their own blind spots before turning.
- Hazard perception
- Related: Risk awareness, Escape path
The skill of noticing developing dangers, such as a car pulling out or a pedestrian stepping off the kerb, early enough to respond safely.
- Escape path
- Related: Buffering, Hazard perception
A planned clear route you can use if a hazard develops, such as a gap beside a vehicle that might turn across your path.
- Buffering
- Related: Escape path, Road position
Positioning your motorcycle away from hazards and leaving extra space around you, for example not riding close to parked cars or oncoming traffic.
- Target fixation
- Related: Countersteering
Staring at a hazard so that you tend to steer toward it. Instead, look where you want the motorcycle to go.
- Risk awareness
- Related: Hazard perception, Fatigue
Noticing and understanding situations that could lead to a crash, then choosing a safer action before trouble develops. Good riders scan ahead and plan.
- Fatigue
- Related: Risk awareness
Tiredness that slows reactions and judgment. Riders should plan regular breaks on long trips and stop riding if they feel drowsy.
- Door zone
- Related: Dooring
The area beside parked cars where an opened door could hit you. Ride wide of parked cars and watch for people inside vehicles.
- Dooring
- Related: Door zone
A crash in which a parked vehicle's door is opened into the path of a rider or cyclist, often causing serious injury.
- Helmet standard
- Related: Protective gear
A motorcycle helmet must comply with AS/NZS 1698 or another approved standard and be securely fastened; an unapproved or loose helmet does not give legal protection.
- Protective gear
- Related: Helmet standard, High-visibility clothing
Clothing and equipment such as a helmet, gloves, abrasion-resistant jacket and pants, and sturdy boots that reduce injury in a crash.
- High-visibility clothing
- Related: Conspicuity
Bright or reflective clothing that makes a rider easier for other road users to see, especially in low light or poor weather.
- Conspicuity
- Related: High-visibility clothing, SMIDSY
The quality of being easily noticed by other road users. Riders improve it with a headlight, bright clothing and sensible road position.
- Head check
- Related: Blind spot
A quick look over your shoulder to check the blind spot before changing lanes, turning or joining traffic. It is essential before any sideways move.
- Countersteering
- Related: Cornering, Target fixation
At speeds above walking pace, gently pushing the handlebar on the side you want to turn makes the motorcycle lean and curve that way.
- Cornering
- Related: Countersteering
Riding through a bend using a safe entry speed, smooth steering and a line that lets you see through the curve.
- Threshold braking
- Related: ABS, Stopping distance
Applying both brakes firmly and progressively without locking a wheel on a motorcycle, with most stopping power coming from the front brake.
- ABS
- Related: Threshold braking
Anti-lock braking system. It rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up, helping a rider brake hard on low-grip surfaces.
- Stopping distance
- Related: Following distance, Threshold braking
The total distance travelled from when you notice a hazard until the motorcycle stops. It includes reaction distance plus braking distance.
- Following distance
- Related: Stopping distance
The gap between you and the vehicle ahead. In good conditions keep at least three seconds, and increase it in rain or poor visibility.
- Road position
- Related: Buffering
Where you place the motorcycle across the width of a lane, chosen to be seen, keep space from hazards and hold a safe line.
- Tram tracks
- Related: Wet weather riding, Traction
Steel rails in the road that can trap a motorcycle tyre. Cross them as close to right angles as possible and avoid braking or leaning on them.
- Wet weather riding
- Related: Traction, Following distance
Riding in rain, when grip is reduced and visibility is poorer. Slow down, increase following distance and use smooth brake and throttle inputs.
- Traction
- Related: Wet weather riding, Tram tracks
The grip between the tyres and the road surface. It is reduced by rain, gravel, oil, paint and metal surfaces such as tram tracks.
- Pre-ride check
- Related: Traction
A quick inspection before every ride that covers tyres, brakes, chain, lights, controls and fluid leaks, so faults are found before they cause a crash.
- Friction zone
- Related: Clutch
The part of the clutch lever travel where the clutch begins to engage. Riders use it for smooth control at very low speed.
- Clutch
- Related: Friction zone
The lever that connects and disconnects engine power to the rear wheel. It is needed for starting, stopping and slow-speed riding.