Sri Lanka Motorcycle Written Test cheat sheet

Sri Lanka drives on the left: overtake on the right, and keep left unless passing, turning right, or avoiding an obstruction.

Speed limits unless signed otherwise: 70 km/h on rural roads outside built-up areas, 50 km/h within built-up areas; riders must slow for bends, junctions, and poor visibility.

A motorcycle rider must hold a valid Class A (motorcycle) licence; learners may not carry a pillion passenger and must display L plates.

Crash helmet is mandatory for both rider and pillion passenger; carrying more than one pillion passenger is prohibited.

At a pedestrian crossing give way to pedestrians already on the crossing; overtaking a vehicle stopped at a crossing is prohibited.

Traffic signals: red means stop before the stop line; amber means stop unless stopping is unsafe; green means proceed only if the way is clear.

At an uncontrolled junction, give way to traffic approaching from the right and to vehicles already in the junction.

Police officers' hand signals override traffic lights and signs; obey the officer directing traffic.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence; riding without a valid licence, insurance, or revenue licence is also an offence.

Red circles are prohibitions (speed limits, no entry, no overtaking); blue circles are mandatory instructions (turn left, keep left).

Triangles with red borders are warnings (bend, junction, pedestrian crossing, slippery road, narrow bridge).

Rectangular signs are information or direction signs (place names, distances, hospital, parking, one-way).

A solid white centre line means no crossing or overtaking; a broken white line permits overtaking when safe.

A double solid yellow line marks no parking and no crossing; a single broken yellow line marks a parking restriction zone.

Stop sign (octagon, red) requires a complete stop at the line; Give Way sign (inverted triangle) requires yielding to traffic on the priority road.

Zebra (pedestrian) crossings are marked by broad white stripes; stop before the stripes when pedestrians are crossing.

Flashing amber at a junction means proceed with caution, obeying normal give-way rules; a red cross above a lane means the lane is closed.

Traffic light sequence is red, red plus amber, green, amber, red; red plus amber means prepare to go but do not move until green.

Following distance: use the two-second rule in dry conditions and at least four seconds in rain, at night, or on gravel.

Braking on a motorcycle: apply both brakes progressively, front brake providing most stopping power; avoid locking the front wheel on wet or gravel surfaces.

Target fixation: look where you want to go through a bend, not at the hazard, and keep the head and eyes level with the horizon.

Rain reduces grip and visibility; reduce speed, increase following distance, avoid painted markings and metal covers, and use low beam.

Blind spots: check mirrors and turn the head before changing lanes; large vehicles have wide blind spots, so avoid riding alongside them.

At night use low beam in traffic and when following; dip headlights for oncoming vehicles to avoid dazzling other road users.

Pillion passengers and loads change balance and braking distance; adjust tyre pressure, suspension, and braking accordingly.

Hazard scanning: watch for pedestrians stepping out, animals, potholes, sand or gravel on bends, and vehicles emerging from side roads.

Motorcycle licence class is Class A; a separate class is required for three-wheelers and light vehicles, so check the licence category before riding.

Registration: a new motorcycle must be registered with the Department of Motor Traffic and issued a number plate; plates must be displayed correctly.

Revenue licence (road tax) must be current and displayed; riding with an expired revenue licence is an offence.

Third-party insurance is compulsory; carry the certificate and produce it on demand to police or at a vehicle inspection.

Documents to carry when riding: valid driving licence, registration certificate, revenue licence, and insurance certificate.

Annual emission testing is required for motorcycles; a valid emission test certificate is needed to renew the revenue licence.

Helmet standards: helmets must meet approved safety standards; a damaged helmet should be replaced, not repaired.

Transfer of ownership must be recorded with the Department of Motor Traffic; the seller and buyer must complete the transfer forms.

Modifications to exhaust or engine that exceed permitted limits are illegal and can lead to fines and failure at inspection.