Motorcycle riding safety and defensive riding techniques
Motorcycle riding safety and defensive riding techniques tests machine control, positioning, passenger and load rules, and the habits that prevent crashes. The exam expects a rider to pre-check the bike, wear proper protection, ride predictably, and leave a margin for other people’s mistakes.
Core rules and habits
- Wear a certified helmet fastened correctly; a helmet on the elbow or unfastened is not protection. Protective jacket, gloves, sturdy footwear, and eye protection reduce injury.
- Pre-ride check: tyres, tyre pressure, brakes, lights, horn, mirrors, chain tension and lubrication, fuel, oil, and leaks.
- Ride in the rightmost lane on multi-lane roads where required, but avoid the extreme edge where debris, drain covers, and opening doors collect. Keep a visible lane position and a following gap of at least two seconds in good conditions.
- Do not ride with one hand, carry objects on the handlebars, tow or be towed, or carry a passenger in front of the rider.
- Passenger rules: a two-wheel motorcycle’s rear seat must not carry a child under 12; a lightweight motorcycle (轻便摩托车) must not carry passengers. Loads must not exceed the manufacturer’s limit and must not obstruct lights, mirrors, or control.
- On expressways, a two-wheel motorcycle must not carry a passenger and must not exceed 80 km/h; follow any provincial prohibition.
Worked example
A rider follows a truck on a wet two-lane road. The truck’s right wheels spray water, and gravel is visible near the edge. The rider should increase the gap, move to a clean tyre track with a view ahead, avoid the gravel, and brake progressively with both brakes. Reasoning: the truck blocks the view, spray reduces visibility, and gravel or painted lines offer little grip. A sudden front-brake grab or a swerve into the gravel is more dangerous than a planned slowdown.
Traps that cost marks
- Believing a helmet is enough without fastening the strap.
- Using only the front brake on gravel or wet paint.
- Riding in a truck’s blind spot or tailgating to “use” its wind shadow.
- Overloading or carrying a passenger where the law prohibits it.