HK Motorcycle Theory Test key terms

A solid white line painted across a lane at a junction, showing the exact point where a vehicle must halt at a stop sign or red signal and must not cross while waiting.

A broken white line across the lane at a junction, marking where a rider must slow down and yield to traffic on the main road before entering or crossing it.

Two parallel white lines along the centre of a road; where the line nearest you is solid, you must not cross or straddle it except to pass a stationary obstruction or enter a side road.

A dashed white line dividing opposing traffic streams that may be crossed to overtake or change lane when it is safe and the road ahead is clear.

A coloured light controlling traffic: red means stop behind the line, amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and green means proceed only if the way is clear.

The unsafe habit of accelerating to beat a signal that has just turned amber, risking a collision with crossing traffic or a red-light offence and penalty points.

White diagonal stripes bordered by lines, used to separate traffic streams or mark areas that vehicles should not enter, such as the approach to a hazard or split in the road.

An area of road filled with white diagonal stripes, often bounded by a broken or solid line; riders should keep out of it when the boundary line is solid.

Riding between lanes or past slow-moving traffic queues at low speed; it is legal but demands care, observation and awareness that drivers may change lane without signalling.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction; a rider must ensure the road ahead is clear, check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and leave adequate clearance, especially when passing horses or cyclists.

The gap kept between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead, which should widen in rain, at night or at high speed so there is time to stop if traffic halts suddenly.

A method of judging a safe dry-weather gap by counting two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your motorcycle reaching it; double the count in wet conditions.

The total distance travelled from the moment a hazard is seen until the motorcycle stops, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance and increased by speed, load and poor grip.

The tendency to steer towards whatever you stare at, such as a pothole or the edge of the road; riders should look where they want to go, not at the hazard.

The technique of pressing the handlebar on the side you want to turn towards, which at speed causes the motorcycle to lean and follow a curve smoothly and predictably.

The degree to which a motorcycle tilts into a corner; greater speed or a tighter bend needs more lean, which reduces available grip and demands smooth, steady throttle.

Continuing to apply the brakes gently while beginning to lean into a bend, then easing off progressively, to control speed and keep the front tyre loaded through the corner entry.

Applying both brakes firmly and progressively to stop in the shortest distance, keeping the motorcycle upright and the front wheel straight, with more pressure on the front brake as weight transfers forward.

Loss of tyre grip causing the wheels to slide; on a motorcycle it usually follows harsh braking or throttle on a wet or loose surface and is corrected by releasing the brake or throttle smoothly.

The friction between tyre and road that allows braking, accelerating and cornering; it falls sharply on wet, oily, gravelly or painted surfaces and when tyres are worn or under-inflated.

The height of the grooves cut into a tyre; the legal minimum for motorcycles over 50cc is 1mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the whole circumference.

The air pressure inside a tyre, which should be checked cold against the manufacturer's figures; wrong pressure harms grip, handling, fuel economy and tyre life.

A quick inspection before setting off covering tyres, brakes, lights, horn, chain tension, oil and fuel levels, mirrors and loose items, to catch faults while still stationary.

The amount of slack in the final drive chain; too tight strains bearings and too loose risks the chain jumping or breaking, so it should be set to the handbook specification.

A shoulder check over the relevant side before changing lane, turning or joining a road, to see vehicles hidden in the blind spot that mirrors do not show.

The area around a motorcycle or other vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors; riders should avoid lingering there and should check their own blind spot before manoeuvring.

The habit of continuously scanning mirrors, instruments, the road ahead and side roads so that hazards are spotted early and there is time to react smoothly.

Riding on the assumption that other road users may make mistakes, keeping space and visibility, anticipating hazards and planning an escape route rather than relying on others to behave correctly.

The licence held by a learner rider before passing the practical test; it carries conditions such as displaying L plates and restricts carrying pillion passengers.

White plates bearing a red letter L that a learner rider must display clearly at the front and rear of the motorcycle whenever riding on a provisional licence.

A one-day assessed course of off-road and on-road instruction that a learner must complete before riding on public roads on a provisional licence.

Marks added to a driving record for traffic offences; accumulating too many within a set period leads to disqualification, and points also raise insurance costs.

A court order removing a person's right to ride or drive for a stated period, often following serious offences, repeated penalty points or a driving ban under the totting-up rules.

An on-the-spot fine and penalty points offered for certain minor traffic offences as an alternative to prosecution in court, which the recipient may accept or contest.

Cover required by law before riding on public roads; the minimum is third party, which pays for damage or injury caused to others but not to the rider's own machine.

The legal requirement to wear a securely fastened, approved protective helmet while riding a motorcycle on public roads, with very limited exemptions for religious or medical reasons.

Purpose-made jacket, trousers, gloves and boots that resist abrasion and impact; bright or reflective outer layers help other road users see the rider sooner.

How easily a rider is seen by others; it is improved by dipped headlights, bright or reflective clothing, and riding where drivers' mirrors and eyes are likely to fall.

The steps taken after a crash to prevent further harm: switching off engines, warning approaching traffic, and moving casualties only if there is immediate danger such as fire.

A first-aid sequence for assessing a casualty: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation, guiding the order in which to check and treat an injured person.

Dialling the emergency services after a crash, giving the exact location, number of casualties and any hazards, and staying on the line until told to end the call.