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