Cambodia Category A Motorcycle Test cheat sheet

The Land Traffic Law (2007) governs all road users in Cambodia; it sets speed limits, right-of-way, licensing, and penalty rules that apply to motorcycles as motor vehicles.

Default urban speed limit is 40 km/h and rural limit is 80 km/h unless a posted sign states otherwise; motorcyclists must obey the lower of the sign or default.

Motorcycles must travel on the right side of the road and keep to the rightmost lane except when overtaking or turning left.

Riding against traffic flow (contra-flow) is prohibited even on quiet streets; wrong-way riding is a common crash cause and a punishable offence.

Carrying more than one passenger on a motorcycle is prohibited unless the motorcycle is designed and registered for more; riders and passengers must sit astride.

A rider must hold a valid licence for the motorcycle class, carry it while riding, and produce it on demand to traffic police.

Children below the legal minimum age may not operate a motorcycle; supervising adults who allow it can face penalties.

Overtaking is permitted only on the left, with a safe gap, and is prohibited at junctions, blind bends, and where a solid line or sign forbids it.

Traffic police may stop any vehicle for document and sobriety checks; refusing a lawful check or fleeing a checkpoint is an offence.

Red circular signs are prohibitions (e.g. no entry, speed limit); blue circular signs are mandatory instructions; triangular signs with red borders are warnings.

A red octagon means STOP: come to a complete halt, then proceed only when safe. A red inverted triangle means GIVE WAY (yield).

A solid white centre line means no crossing or overtaking; a broken white line may be crossed when safe and the manoeuvre is legal.

Yellow markings typically separate opposing flows or mark no-parking zones; treat them as restrictions even when no sign is present.

A red traffic light means stop before the stop line; a flashing amber light means proceed with caution after yielding to traffic already in the junction.

A green light does not guarantee a clear path: yield to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and traffic still clearing the intersection.

Hand signals from traffic police override signs and lights; obey the officer's direction even if it conflicts with the signal.

Zebra crossings require riders to slow and give way to pedestrians on or entering the crossing; do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Before moving off, perform a lifesaver check over the shoulder, signal if required, and confirm the mirror blind spot is clear.

Braking: apply both brakes progressively, with more force on the front brake as weight transfers forward; avoid locking the front wheel.

Cornering: slow before the bend, look through the curve to the exit, and maintain a steady throttle; do not brake hard mid-corner.

Countersteering: at speed, press the handlebar in the direction of the turn to initiate a lean; the motorcycle leans into the curve.

Following distance should be at least a 2-second gap in dry conditions and 4 seconds in rain or on gravel; increase in poor visibility.

On wet or sandy Cambodian roads, reduce speed, avoid painted lines and metal covers, and brake earlier and more gently.

Riding at night requires working headlight, tail light, and reflective elements; reduce speed so you can stop within the lit distance.

Lane position: ride where you can see and be seen, avoid riding in another vehicle's blind spot, and stay out of the centre of a lane near large trucks.

Helmet law: riders and passengers must wear a fastened helmet that meets a recognised standard; an unfastened or substandard helmet does not satisfy the requirement.

Helmet fit: the shell should not move when the chin strap is fastened, and the front should sit just above the eyebrows.

Replace a helmet after any impact or if the shell is cracked or the straps are frayed; impact damage may be invisible.

Protective clothing: gloves, long sleeves, long trousers, and enclosed shoes reduce abrasion injuries; sandals and shorts offer no protection.

Rider fitness: alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and some medicines impair reaction time and judgement; riding under the influence is prohibited.

Vision and hearing: corrective lenses required by licence conditions must be worn; earphones that mask traffic sounds should not be used.

In Cambodia's heat, dehydration and heat exhaustion reduce concentration; carry water and take breaks on long rides.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead and check mirrors every few seconds; identify escape routes before a hazard develops.

Common Cambodian hazards: pedestrians stepping out, children and animals near the roadside, overloaded vehicles, potholes, sand and gravel on bends.

Cover the brakes when approaching junctions, driveways, and parked vehicles where a door may open or a person may emerge.

Emergency braking: keep the bike upright, apply both brakes firmly and progressively, and avoid grabbing the front brake.

If a front-wheel skid occurs, ease off the front brake and keep steering smooth; if the rear skids, keep steady pressure and do not suddenly release.

Swerve only if stopping distance is insufficient; separate braking from swerving where possible to preserve grip.

When overtaking a large truck, clear its blind spot quickly and do not linger alongside; trucks need wide turning space.

In rain, avoid flooded sections of unknown depth; water can hide potholes and stall the engine or cause loss of control.

A motorcycle must be registered with the competent authority and display a valid number plate; riding an unregistered vehicle is an offence.

The registration card (vehicle ownership document) should be carried or available for inspection when riding.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance is required for motor vehicles; a valid insurance certificate must be produced on demand.

The rider's licence must match the motorcycle class; riding a class above the licence held is treated as unlicensed riding.

Vehicle tax and technical inspection obligations apply to registered motorcycles according to Cambodian rules; keep receipts and inspection records current.

When selling a motorcycle, complete the ownership transfer formalities so the new owner is recorded; otherwise the registered owner may remain liable.

Report lost plates or registration documents to the authorities promptly and obtain replacements before continuing to ride.

Duty after a crash: stop, secure the scene, warn other traffic, and assist injured persons within your ability.

Call emergency services and give the location, number of casualties, and nature of injuries; stay on the line for instructions.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic, drowning); suspected spinal injuries can worsen with movement.

Control bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth; do not remove embedded objects - pad around them.

Check responsiveness and breathing; if absent and you are trained, begin CPR and send for an ambulance.

Exchange names, contact details, licence and insurance information with other parties, and report the crash to police as required.

Do not leave the scene of an injury crash before giving details or being released by police; hit-and-run is a serious offence.

Wear gloves or use a barrier when giving first aid if available, and wash hands afterwards to reduce infection risk.

Penalties for traffic offences may include fines, licence points or suspension, vehicle impoundment, and, for serious offences, prosecution.

Common fineable offences: no helmet, no licence, running a red light, wrong-way riding, speeding, and riding without compulsory insurance.

Repeat or aggravated offences (drink-riding, causing injury by dangerous riding) carry heavier penalties than first-time minor violations.

Licence categories correspond to vehicle classes; a motorcycle licence permits riding motorcycles of the permitted engine capacity, not cars or heavy vehicles.

To obtain a licence, candidates must meet the minimum age, pass a theory test on road law and signs, and pass a practical riding test.

Licences must be renewed before expiry; riding with an expired licence is treated as unlicensed riding.

Traffic police may issue on-the-spot fines and receipts; riders should request a receipt and retain it as proof of payment.

If a licence is lost or damaged, apply for a replacement at the licensing authority rather than riding without documentation.