Braking, cornering, swerving and traction management
What the exam tests
This domain tests smooth use of both brakes, cornering technique, emergency swerves, and traction limits. Apply both brakes together, with progressive pressure; the front brake provides most stopping power, but grabbing it can lock the front wheel. In a curve, slow before the turn, look through it, maintain a steady throttle, and lean smoothly. Avoid hard braking while leaned. If you must swerve, stay off the brakes during the swerve, press the grip to initiate lean, then straighten and brake after clearing the hazard. Traction is limited on rain grooves, painted lines, metal, gravel, leaves, and sand; reduce lean and use gentle inputs.
Worked example
A car pulls out from a side street. The rider has room to go around but not enough to stop. The correct response is a swerve, not a brake-and-hope stop: keep the throttle steady or slightly closed, countersteer around the car, keep the bike upright as it crosses the hazard, then brake once past. If the rider brakes hard while leaned, the front tire may lose traction. After the swerve, check mirrors and resume a safe lane position.
Traps
Using only the rear brake; grabbing the front brake; braking hard mid-corner; swerving with the brakes on; and staring at the hazard instead of the escape path. Traction is not a fixed quantity; it changes with surface, temperature, tire condition, and load.