Basic Vehicle Control and Riding Skills
What basic control tests
This domain covers starting, stopping, slow-speed balance, turning, and lane positioning at the motorcycle skills level. The exam wants smooth, coordinated use of clutch, throttle, brakes, and vision.
Core skills
- Friction zone. At low speed, hold the clutch in the friction zone, keep a steady throttle, and control speed with the rear brake. This keeps the bike stable in U-turns and parking-lot maneuvers.
- Countersteering. Above walking speed, press the handlebar in the direction of the turn: press left, lean left, go left. Do not try to steer a motorcycle like a car at speed.
- Braking. Use both brakes; the front brake provides most stopping power. Squeeze progressively rather than grabbing. Avoid hard braking while leaned over.
- Vision. Look through the turn to the exit, not at the ground or the handlebars.
Worked example
A rider must make a tight right U-turn from a stop. Correct sequence: friction zone, steady throttle, rear brake for speed control, head and eyes turned to the exit, slight lean. If the rider grabs the front brake mid-turn, the bike will dive and may fall. If the rider looks down, the bike will drift wide.
Traps that cost marks
Coasting with the clutch pulled in; using only the rear brake for normal stops; braking hard in a lean; staring at the front wheel; and adding throttle abruptly in a slow turn.