LTO Motorcycle A/A1 flashcards

38 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Traffic signal priority order

A traffic controller's signals override traffic lights; traffic lights override road signs; road signs override general rules and markings. Riders must follow the highest applicable level at any moment.

Flashing yellow light meaning

A flashing yellow light means the signal is out of service or warns of a hazard. Proceed with caution and apply the priority signs or the right-hand rule at the junction.

Steady yellow light rule

A steady yellow light means stop unless stopping would be dangerously abrupt. It does not mean accelerate to beat the red; the safest legal action is to stop if possible.

Warning sign shape

Warning signs are red-bordered triangles with a white background and black symbol. They alert to hazards ahead such as bends, junctions, or pedestrian crossings and require reduced speed.

Give-way vs STOP sign

An inverted triangle requires yielding only when traffic is present. A red octagon requires a complete stop at the stop line every time, even when the road appears empty.

Indicators and priority

Signalling before a turn or lane change is mandatory and must continue until the manoeuvre is finished. A signal never creates priority; the rider must still yield to traffic with right-of-way.

Countersteering technique

At speed, pushing the right handlebar forward leans the bike right and turns it right; pushing left does the opposite. This is the normal way to initiate a turn above walking pace.

Two-second following rule

Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead, measured from when it passes a fixed point to when you reach it. Double the gap to four seconds in rain, at night, or on gravel.

Front brake share of stopping

On a dry surface the front brake provides roughly 70-80% of stopping power because weight transfers forward. Squeeze progressively rather than grabbing, especially on a wet road.

Braking distance and speed

Braking distance increases with the square of speed. Doubling speed from 50 to 100 km/h makes braking distance about four times longer, while reaction distance only doubles.

Riding in a group

Use a staggered formation on straights, keep a two-second gap to the rider ahead, and never ride side by side through a curve. Single file on narrow or winding roads.

Blind spot avoidance

Position the motorcycle where other drivers can see it in their mirrors, avoid lingering beside vehicles, and cover the brake when approaching junctions or when a car may pull out.

Chain slack check

Measure chain free play at the midpoint of the lower run, usually 20-30 mm per the manual. Too tight damages the output shaft bearing; too loose risks the chain jumping the sprocket.

Cold tyre pressure rule

Check tyre pressure cold, before riding. Under-inflation increases heat, reduces grip and raises blowout risk. Pressures rise about 10% when warm, so never bleed a warm tyre.

Minimum tread depth

Motorcycle tyres must have at least 1 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tread width. Replace tyres with cracks, bulges, or exposed cord regardless of depth.

Brake fluid replacement

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point and can cause brake fade. Replace it at the manufacturer interval, commonly every two years.

Side-stand cut-out switch

The side-stand switch cuts the ignition if the stand is down and a gear is engaged. A bike that will not start in gear often has the stand down or a faulty switch.

Engine oil check method

Check oil with the bike upright on level ground, not on the side stand. Wipe the dipstick, reinsert it fully per the manual, and read the level between the minimum and maximum marks.

Licence categories A1 and A2

A1 covers light motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW from age 16. A2 covers up to 35 kW from age 18. Category A is unrestricted from age 24, or 20 after two years with A2.

Default speed limits

In Latvia the default limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them, and 110 km/h on motorways in summer. A posted sign always overrides the default.

Alcohol limit for riders

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L for experienced drivers. Novice drivers in their first two years and professional drivers are limited to 0.2 g/L. Any alcohol impairs riding.

Documents carried when riding

A rider must carry the driving licence, the vehicle registration certificate, and proof of compulsory third-party insurance (OCTA). Police may also request an identity document.

Passenger carriage rules

Carrying a passenger requires a proper pillion seat, footrests, and a licence permitting it. The passenger must wear a fastened helmet and sit astride facing forward.

Solid white centre line

A continuous white centre line must not be crossed. A broken line may be crossed to overtake or change lanes when it is safe and no sign forbids the manoeuvre.

Right-hand rule junctions

At an unmarked junction of equal-priority roads, yield to traffic approaching from the right. A give-way or STOP sign on your road removes this obligation.

Zebra crossing priority

Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have absolute priority. Approach at a speed that lets you stop, and do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at the crossing.

Left turn across traffic

When turning left, yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right. When turning right, yield to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you are entering.

Roundabout right-of-way

Where give-way lines mark the entry, yield to traffic already circulating. Signal right before your exit and check mirrors before leaving the roundabout.

Emergency vehicle priority

Vehicles with blue flashing lights and sirens have priority. Pull over to the right and stop if needed to clear a path, but never stop in a dangerous position.

Accident scene first steps

Stop, switch on hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest, place a warning triangle about 50 m back, and call 112. Give location, casualties, and hazards, then follow instructions.

Suspected spinal injury

Do not move an injured motorcyclist unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic. Suspected spinal injury makes unnecessary movement dangerous; support the head and neck.

Adult CPR ratio

For an adult, give 30 chest compressions at 100-120 per minute and about 5-6 cm deep, then 2 rescue breaths. Use an AED as soon as one is available.

Recovery position use

An unresponsive casualty who is breathing should be placed in the recovery position to keep the airway open. Check breathing for up to 10 seconds before starting CPR.

Helmet removal rule

Do not remove a crashed rider's helmet unless the airway is blocked and cannot be cleared otherwise. If removal is essential, support the head and neck throughout.

Smooth riding fuel saving

Steady acceleration and early, gentle braking can cut fuel use by 20-30% compared with hard acceleration and late braking. Correct tyre pressure and a clean air filter add further savings.

Idling and emissions

An idling engine wastes fuel and emits pollutants without moving the bike. Switch off when stationary for more than about a minute where it is safe and legal to do so.

Noise as pollution

Unnecessary revving and modified exhausts produce noise pollution and can lead to fines. Keep noise low near homes, hospitals, and wildlife areas, especially at night.

Hazardous waste disposal

Never dump used oil, brake fluid, coolant, or batteries with household waste. Take them to a collection point or authorised workshop for safe recycling.