Bermuda Motorcycle Written Test study materials
Bermuda Motorcycle Written Test study resources

Bermuda Motorcycle Written Test cheat sheet

Bermuda Motorcycle Written Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.

Quick reference

Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

  • Regulatory signs (red circles, octagons) impose prohibitions or mandatory actions; warning signs are typically yellow or amber diamonds or triangles; information signs are blue or green rectangles.

  • A STOP sign requires a complete halt at the marked line, or at the edge of the intersecting roadway if no line exists, before proceeding only when clear.

  • A YIELD sign requires slowing and giving way to traffic on the intersecting road; stopping is required only if traffic demands it.

  • A red traffic light means stop before the stop line or crosswalk; a flashing red light is treated as a stop sign, and a flashing amber light means proceed with caution.

  • A steady amber light means stop unless stopping cannot be done safely; it does not mean accelerate to beat the red.

  • Solid white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction and generally should not be crossed; solid yellow or double lines separate opposing traffic and prohibit passing.

  • A broken (dashed) line may be crossed when safe; a solid line on your side of a broken line means no crossing from your direction.

  • Directional arrows painted in a lane bind the rider to that movement; a straight-ahead-only arrow prohibits turning from that lane.

Quick reference

Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

  • Bermuda drives on the left; at uncontrolled intersections the vehicle approaching from the right generally has the right-of-way, and a rider must yield accordingly.

  • A vehicle already circulating in a roundabout has priority; entering traffic yields and circulates in a clockwise direction in left-hand-drive jurisdictions.

  • Before turning, changing lanes, or merging, signal in good time, check mirrors, and perform a shoulder (lifesaver) check for traffic in the blind spot.

  • Overtaking is performed on the right side in left-hand traffic; passing on the left is prohibited except in specific circumstances such as a vehicle signalling a right turn.

  • A rider must not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, maintaining at least a two-second gap in good conditions and more in rain.

  • Pedestrians on a marked crosswalk have priority; a rider must stop and give way, and must not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

  • Emergency vehicles displaying blue lights and sirens have priority; riders must pull over and stop clear of the roadway until they pass.

  • Speed limits are posted and are maximums for ideal conditions; a rider must reduce speed for rain, poor visibility, or road surface hazards.

Quick reference

Motorcycle Safety and Protective Equipment

  • A approved motorcycle helmet must be worn and properly fastened whenever riding; it should fit snugly and show no cracks or impact damage.

  • Helmets are single-impact items: a helmet involved in a crash or dropped hard should be replaced even if damage is not visible.

  • Protective clothing includes abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers, gloves, and sturdy boots covering the ankle; exposed skin increases injury severity in a slide.

  • Eye protection (visor or goggles) is required or strongly recommended; a scratched or fogged visor reduces hazard detection at speed.

  • High-visibility or contrasting clothing and reflective material improve being seen, particularly at night and in rain.

  • Passengers must be seated on a proper pillion seat with footrests and must also wear an approved helmet.

  • Pre-ride checks cover tyres (pressure and tread), brakes, lights, horn, chain or belt tension, oil and fuel levels, and mirror adjustment.

  • Loose or flapping clothing and unfastened helmet straps are hazards; a strap that is not secured can allow the helmet to come off in a fall.

Quick reference

Riding Techniques and Hazard Awareness

  • Use the system of motorcycle control: information, position, speed, gear, acceleration - assess hazards before adjusting position and speed.

  • Braking is most effective when both brakes are applied progressively, with more emphasis on the front brake on dry surfaces; avoid locking either wheel.

  • In a bend, brake before the curve, select a safe speed, and maintain or gently apply throttle through it; braking hard while leaned over risks a slide.

  • Countersteering: at speed, pressing the handlebar on the side you wish to turn initiates a lean in that direction.

  • Lane position should maximise visibility and safety margins - avoid riding in a vehicle's blind spot and stay clear of the centre of the lane near intersections where oil collects.

  • Scan far ahead and use mirror and shoulder checks; target fixation on a hazard should be avoided by looking toward the intended path of travel.

  • In rain, reduce speed, increase following distance, and be smooth with brakes and throttle; painted markings and metal covers become slippery.

  • Fatigue, cold, and distraction degrade judgement; planned rest breaks reduce the risk of a lapse in concentration.

Quick reference

Alcohol, Drugs and Impaired Riding

  • Alcohol reduces reaction time, balance, coordination, and risk perception, and increases confidence - a dangerous combination for riders.

  • A rider must not ride while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medication that causes drowsiness or affects coordination.

  • Riding under the influence carries serious penalties and can void insurance cover; impairment is a criminal offence regardless of distance ridden.

  • Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair riding; the rider should check the label and ask a pharmacist or doctor about effects on driving.

  • Combining alcohol with drugs or with fatigue magnifies impairment beyond the effect of either alone.

  • Time is the only thing that removes alcohol from the body; coffee, food, cold air, and sleep do not lower blood alcohol concentration.

  • A rider who has been drinking should not ride at all; arranging a lift, a taxi, or a designated sober driver is the safe option.

  • Impairment also results from illness, extreme fatigue, and emotional stress; a rider who is unfit should not ride.

Quick reference

Bermuda-Specific Road Conditions and Local Laws

  • Bermuda drives on the left and its roads are narrow, winding, and often without pavements; riders must expect oncoming traffic close to the centre line.

  • Roundabouts are common; circulating traffic goes clockwise and entering riders must yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

  • Speed limits are low by international standards (commonly 25–35 km/h on many roads), and the maximum is a limit, not a target.

  • Rain and salt air make road surfaces slick; painted lines, manhole covers, and brick or stone surfaces reduce grip.

  • Riders must give way to pedestrians and be alert for them sharing narrow roads where footways are absent.

  • Local law requires riders and passengers to wear approved helmets, and motorcycles must be registered and insured to be used on public roads.

  • Hazards include potholes, uneven surfaces, and limited sight lines on bends; riders should ride within the distance they can see to be clear.

  • Bermuda's climate means sudden showers; riders should carry rain gear and adjust speed and following distance immediately when rain begins.

Quick reference

Licensing, Registration and Insurance Requirements

  • A rider must hold the appropriate licence class for a motorcycle and carry it, or produce it when required by police.

  • Learner riders are subject to restrictions on the type of machine, carrying passengers, and displaying learner plates; these vary and must be checked.

  • A motorcycle used on public roads must be registered and display a valid registration plate or disc as required.

  • Third-party insurance is a legal requirement; riding without valid insurance is an offence and leaves the rider personally liable for damage and injury.

  • Insurance cover may be void if the rider is unlicensed, impaired, or using a machine not covered by the policy.

  • A motorcycle must be in a roadworthy condition; defects affecting brakes, lights, tyres, or steering can render use unlawful.

  • Ownership changes and address changes must be notified to the relevant authority within the required period.

  • Riding without a licence or insurance carries penalties including fines, disqualification, and possible vehicle seizure.

Quick reference

Emergency Procedures and Collision Reporting

  • At a collision: stop, switch off the engine, and check for injuries; render first aid within your competence and call emergency services for serious injury.

  • Do not move an injured rider unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic; suspected spinal injury should be left for trained responders.

  • Make the scene safe: warn approaching traffic, and do not remove a helmet from an injured rider unless breathing is obstructed.

  • Exchange names, addresses, registration numbers, and insurance details with other parties involved.

  • A collision involving injury, death, or damage to property must be reported to police as required by law, typically as soon as practicable and within a set period.

  • Record the scene: time, location, weather, road conditions, positions of vehicles, and contact details of witnesses.

  • If a rider is separated from the machine in a fall, the engine kill switch or ignition should be used to stop the machine if it is still running and reachable safely.

  • Breakdowns should be moved off the carriageway where possible; a rider should stand clear of traffic and use hazard warnings or reflective equipment.

Quick reference

Traffic Signals and Signal-Controlled Junctions

  • A red light means stop at the stop line; if the line is not visible, stop before the intersection and do not enter until the light shows green.

  • A green light means proceed only if the way is clear; a green light does not give an absolute right-of-way over pedestrians or obstructing traffic.

  • A green arrow permits movement only in the direction of the arrow, provided it is safe to do so.

  • A flashing amber light at a pedestrian crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing; a steady amber means prepare to stop.

  • At traffic lights that are out of order, treat the junction as uncontrolled and apply right-of-way rules with caution.

  • Hand signals and indicator signals must be given in good time and cancelled after the manoeuvre; misleading signals cause collisions.

  • A rider should not enter a junction if traffic beyond it would block the exit, even on a green light.

  • Filtering past queued traffic is hazardous; riders should be visible, slow, and prepared for vehicles changing lanes or doors opening.