Nepal DOTM Motorcycle Written Exam key terms

A circular sign, usually red-bordered with a white or blue background, that orders a rider to take or avoid a specific action, such as stopping, turning, or keeping to one side.

A triangular sign with a red border that warns of a hazard ahead, such as a sharp bend, steep descent, narrow bridge, school zone, or cattle crossing.

A rectangular sign, often blue or green, that gives useful guidance such as a place name, distance, fuel station, hospital, or one-way direction, without ordering or warning.

A solid white line painted across the lane at a junction or zebra crossing where a rider must halt fully and wait until it is safe and lawful to proceed.

Parallel white stripes on the road marking where pedestrians have priority; riders must slow down, give way, and never overtake a vehicle stopped at one.

Painted lines dividing traffic streams; a broken white line may be crossed when safe, while a continuous solid line must not be crossed for overtaking or changing lanes.

An electric signal using red, amber, and green lamps to control movement; red means stop, green means go if clear, and amber warns that the light is about to change.

The legal priority to move first in a given situation, granted by rules such as giving way to traffic already on a roundabout, to vehicles on your right at uncontrolled junctions, or to emergency vehicles.

A point where two or more roads meet or cross; riders must approach at reduced speed, look in all directions, signal intentions, and yield where required before entering.

A circular junction where traffic travels in one direction around a central island; entering riders must give way to vehicles already circulating, usually coming from the right in Nepal.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction; it must be done only where visibility and road markings allow, normally from the right, and never at bends or crossings.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly; a common guide is at least two seconds, increased in rain, gravel, or poor light.

A riding approach that assumes other road users may make mistakes, so the rider stays alert, keeps escape space, predicts hazards, and avoids relying on others to behave correctly.

The area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors; riders should avoid lingering there and should check their own blind spot before changing lanes.

A quick glance over the shoulder before changing lane or turning, used to see vehicles and riders that do not appear in the mirrors.

The distance a motorcycle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops; it grows with speed, wet or gravelly surfaces, a loaded bike, and worn tyres.

Loss of tyre grip that makes the bike slide, often caused by sudden braking, leaning too far, or riding on wet, oily, or gravelly surfaces; riders should brake smoothly and keep the bike upright.

The technique of pressing the handlebar on the side you want to turn toward at speed, which makes the motorcycle lean and curve in that direction.

How far a motorcycle tilts from upright while turning; more lean is needed at higher speed or tighter turns, and excessive lean on slippery ground risks a slide.

A short inspection before every journey covering tyres, brakes, lights, horn, mirrors, chain, fuel, and oil, so that faults are found while the bike is still stationary.

The grooved pattern on a tyre that channels water away from the contact patch; worn tread reduces grip, especially in rain, and tyres must be replaced when too shallow.

The free up-and-down movement of the drive chain; too tight strains the gearbox and bearings, while too loose a chain can jump off the sprocket or snap.

A hard protective head covering with a fastened chin strap that reduces head injury in a crash; it should fit snugly, carry a quality mark, and be worn by rider and pillion alike.

Clothing and equipment worn to reduce injury, including a helmet, gloves, jacket, long trousers, sturdy footwear, and eye protection; bright colours improve how easily others see you.

Garments in bright or reflective colours that make a rider easier to see in traffic, rain, fog, and darkness, giving other road users more time to react.

An official permit issued after passing the required tests, showing the holder may legally ride the category of vehicle stated; riding without the correct class is an offence.

The official record of a vehicle with the authorities, shown by a number plate and a certificate naming the owner; the certificate should be carried and kept current.

The vehicle registration certificate commonly carried by motorists in Nepal, recording owner, engine and chassis numbers, and used during checks, transfers, and renewal.

Compulsory cover that pays for injury or damage a rider causes to other people or their property; it does not pay for the rider's own motorcycle.

A temporary authorisation allowing a person to practise riding under stated conditions, such as displaying learner plates and being accompanied, before taking the full test.

A government charge payable for keeping a vehicle on the road, usually renewed annually; an unpaid or expired tax makes the vehicle liable to penalty.

First actions after a crash: stop, switch off engines, warn approaching traffic, move the injured only if there is fire or other danger, and call for help.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, such as stopping bleeding, keeping them warm, and not moving a suspected spinal injury.

Contacting police, ambulance, or rescue services after a crash, giving the exact location, number of casualties, and hazards so that help can reach the scene quickly.

A person carried on the seat behind the rider; the bike must be built to carry two, the passenger must wear a helmet, and the rider must adjust speed and braking for the extra weight.

The maximum weight a motorcycle may legally carry, including rider, passenger, and luggage; overloading harms steering, braking, and stability.

A curve where the road ahead cannot be seen because of a hill, wall, or vegetation; riders should slow down, keep to their side, and never overtake there.

The skill of spotting possible dangers early, such as potholes, livestock, pedestrians, gravel, or opening doors, so there is time to slow or steer around them.

The amount of lubricating oil in the engine, checked with the dipstick or sight glass on level ground; too little oil causes overheating and severe engine damage.