Motorcycle Riding Skills
61 practice questions for the RTT
The Riding Theory Test is the motorcycle counterpart of the Final Theory Test. You sit it after passing the Basic Theory Test and before the practical riding test, and it checks whether you understand how a motorcycle behaves and how a rider stays safe among cars, buses and lorries. A rider has no outer shell for protection and is harder for other road users to spot, so the booklet keeps returning to two ideas: control the machine smoothly, and make sure everyone around you can see you.
This topic covers what applies only to riders. That includes approved helmets and protective clothing, the checks to run before every ride, a good riding posture and where each control sits, how to move off and stop, and how to share braking between the front and rear wheels. It also covers the riding postures used for different bends, slippery surfaces such as manhole covers and painted markings, riding in rain and at night, and what changes once a pillion climbs on behind you.
Licence rules round it off. Motorcycle licences step up from Class 2B to Class 2A to Class 2, based on engine capacity or, for electric bikes, motor power, and each step needs at least a year on the class below. New Class 2B riders spend their first year on probation and must show the probation plate front and rear. Every answer here was checked against the official Riding Theory booklet from the Traffic Police, so use the explanations to learn the reasons behind each rule.
Motorcycle Riding Skills quiz
Unofficial practice questions written by coeprice.com. We are not affiliated with the Singapore Police Force, the LTA or any driving centre. Study the official handbook for your test. Read the official RTT handbook ›
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All motorcycle riding skills questions and answers
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Who must wear an approved safety helmet when a motorcycle is ridden on the road?
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Both the rider and the pillion passenger
The Road Traffic Act requires every motorcyclist and pillion rider to wear an approved helmet. The only exemption is for male Sikhs who wear a turban.
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You are wearing an approved helmet but have left the chin strap undone. Is this acceptable?
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No. Riding with a helmet that is not fastened correctly is illegal, and a loose helmet can come off in a crash
A helmet only protects you if it stays on. The strap must be fastened properly under the chin, and riding with it undone is against the law.
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What does the Riding Theory booklet suggest you wear to be seen more easily when riding in the dark?
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A white helmet and reflective clothing
Light colours and reflective material stand out in headlights, so other road users notice a rider in a white helmet and reflective gear sooner.
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Your visor has become badly scratched. What should you do?
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Replace it with a new one
Scratches distort your view and scatter light, causing glare from the sun by day and dazzle from oncoming headlights at night.
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Why should you avoid baggy trousers or trousers that flare at the bottom when riding?
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They can get in the way of operating the foot controls
Loose or flared trouser legs can snag on the gear pedal or brake pedal, so riding clothing should be close-fitting enough not to interfere with the controls.
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Why should you not ride a motorcycle in sandals or slippers?
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Your foot can get caught by the gear lever, and they give your feet little protection in a fall
Proper boots or shoes let you work the foot controls safely and protect your feet if you fall. Laced shoes are best avoided too, as a loose lace can catch on a control.
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Why should a learner not wear a full-face helmet during the practical riding test?
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It is not allowed, so that the examiner can identify the candidate
The booklet states that learner riders may not wear a full-face helmet during the practical riding test, for identification purposes.
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In a good riding posture, how should your feet be placed?
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Arches on the footrests, toes pointing straight ahead, covering the gear lever and brake pedal
Keeping your feet over the gear lever and rear brake pedal means you can use them at once, which cuts your reaction time when you need to brake.
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On a manual-transmission motorcycle, how are the front and rear brakes normally operated?
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Front brake by the lever at the right handgrip, rear brake by the right foot pedal
On a manual motorcycle the right hand works the front brake and the right foot works the rear brake. Some automatic and electric models differ, so read the owner's manual.
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When you pull the clutch lever in fully, what happens?
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Engine power is disconnected from the gearbox and rear wheel
Squeezing the clutch lever disengages the clutch, so no engine power reaches the rear wheel. Easing it out reconnects the drive.
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How do you change up to a higher gear on a manual motorcycle?
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Lift the gear pedal with the toe of your left foot
The gear pedal is on the left. Lifting it selects a higher gear and pressing it down selects a lower one, one gear per movement.
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While riding in traffic, your throttle sticks open. What should you do immediately?
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Pull in the clutch lever, switch off the engine and apply the brakes
Pulling in the clutch cuts drive to the wheel, switching off the engine removes the power, and the brakes then bring you to a stop.
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During your pre-ride check, how much slack should the drive chain have?
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Not more than about 20 mm
The chain should be neither too tight nor too loose. Slack beyond about 20 mm is unsafe.
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What free play should the front brake lever and rear brake pedal have?
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About 15 to 20 mm
The booklet gives 15 to 20 mm of free play for both the front brake lever and the rear brake pedal. Check the brake fluid level at the same time.
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How should you adjust your motorcycle mirrors?
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While seated, until the tip of your shoulder just shows at the lower edge of the mirror
Adjust the mirrors while seated and not on the main stand, because the bike sits differently on the stand. A glimpse of your shoulder gives a useful reference.
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Before starting the engine, how can you confirm the gearbox is in neutral?
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The green 'N' neutral lamp is lit
With the ignition on, a lit green N lamp shows no gear is engaged. Also check the engine stop switch is set to run before pressing the starter.
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You have started your motorcycle at the kerbside and are ready to move off. Which signal should you give?
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Signal right
You are moving out from the left kerb into traffic, so a right signal tells other road users what you intend to do.
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In an emergency stop, what is the correct braking technique?
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Apply both brakes hard but without locking the wheels
Hard braking with both brakes stops you quickly, but a locked wheel can skid. Close the throttle too, so engine braking helps.
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During an emergency stop your wheels lock and the motorcycle slides forward. What should you do?
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Release the brakes and re-apply them repeatedly
Releasing the brake lets a locked wheel turn and regain grip. Re-applying in quick steps brings the motorcycle to a stop while keeping control.
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What is likely to happen if you press the rear brake pedal hard?
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The rear wheel locks, and the motorcycle may skid and fall
A hard push on the rear brake easily locks the rear wheel. Press the pedal gradually with the ball of your foot instead.
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When does engine braking stop working on a motorcycle?
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When the clutch lever is pulled in
Engine braking needs the clutch engaged. Pulling the clutch in too early lets the motorcycle free-wheel, which lengthens the stopping distance.
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Compared with a dry road, roughly how far does a motorcycle take to stop on a wet road?
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About twice as far
Water reduces tyre grip, so the stopping distance on a wet surface can double. Slow down and leave more space in the rain.
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Why should you use engine braking on a long, steep downhill road?
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Relying on the brakes alone can overheat them and cause brake fade
Overheated brakes lose their stopping power. A lower gear lets the engine hold your speed, and you use the brakes only when needed.
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Your front brake fails while riding. Which response does the booklet recommend?
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Use the rear brake and change down, preferably to 2nd gear, to use engine braking
Turn on the hazard lights, use the rear brake with engine braking from a lower gear, move safely to the side and switch off the engine.
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Which riding posture is meant for a sharp bend or corner taken at low speed?
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Lean out: body leaning outward, away from the motorcycle's angle of lean
The booklet uses lean with for gradual bends, lean out for sharp bends at low speed, and lean in for bends taken at higher speed.
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Once you are in a bend, how should you control the motorcycle?
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Hold a steady speed and do not use the brake or the clutch
Slow down and choose your gear before the bend. Braking or using the clutch mid-bend can upset a leaning motorcycle.
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When riding round a right-hand bend, where should you position your motorcycle?
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Keep close to the left, which gives you a wider view round the bend
Holding a left position on a right-hand bend lets you see further round it. On a left-hand bend, the booklet says to keep near the centre line.
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On a slalom or tight course, why should you not stare at the obstacle you want to avoid?
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You tend to steer towards whatever you are looking at
Look at the path you want to take, not the hazard. A rider's eyes lead the motorcycle, so fixing on an obstacle draws you into it.
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Why should you take extra care cornering when your motorcycle is loaded or carrying a pillion?
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The extra weight raises the centre of gravity, so the motorcycle is less stable
A higher centre of gravity makes a vehicle less stable. Too fast into a bend, a loaded motorcycle can skid or overturn.
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In wet weather, which of these surfaces should a rider be especially careful on?
Show answer
Steel plates, manhole covers and painted road markings
These smooth surfaces become slippery when wet. A motorcycle tyre has only a small patch of rubber touching the road, so any slippery spot can cause a skid.
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Your motorcycle begins to aquaplane on a wet road. What does the steering feel like?
Show answer
Extremely light
When a wedge of water lifts the tyre off the road, the wheel loses grip and the steering goes very light. Ease off the throttle until it feels normal again.
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Your front tyre punctures while you are riding. What should you do?
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Grip the handlebar tightly, steer against the pull and brake gently to a stop at the roadside
A puncture makes the motorcycle pull and sway, more so at the front. Firm steering and gradual braking keep you in control.
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When must a motorcycle's headlight be switched on?
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At all times, day or night
Riding with the headlight on is a legal requirement regardless of the time of day, and it helps other road users notice a small vehicle.
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Why should you avoid riding in the blind spot of a lorry or bus?
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The driver may not see you, and heavy vehicles have larger blind spots at the sides, rear and front
If you must pass through a blind spot because of traffic, leave it as soon as you can and be ready for the vehicle to change direction.
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Below what age may a child NOT be carried as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle?
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10 years
The rules forbid carrying any child under 10 years old as a pillion on a motorcycle or scooter on the road.
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How does carrying a pillion passenger affect your riding?
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You need a longer stopping distance and a longer clear road ahead to overtake
The extra weight changes the balance of the motorcycle and slows both acceleration and braking, so plan further ahead.
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Which instruction should you give an inexperienced pillion passenger?
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Keep both feet on the footrests at all times, even when stopped, and lean with the rider in bends
A pillion should sit close, hold your waist, stay still and lean with you. Shifting about or leaning the wrong way upsets the motorcycle.
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Traffic ahead is at a standstill. Should you squeeze between the queued lanes to get to the front?
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No. Do not jump the queue; squeezing between lanes to get ahead is dangerous
The booklet warns against jumping the queue in hold-ups. Stay in your lane and be patient, since cutting between lanes risks a collision.
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Several vehicles are stopped in the left lane. How should you pass them?
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Use the lane to the right, then move back to the left lane once you have passed them
Weaving in and out of stationary vehicles is unpredictable. Moving to the next lane and returning after passing keeps your path clear and predictable.
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While waiting at a red light, why should you not stop under a shady tree some distance back from the junction?
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It is inconsiderate and can slow down traffic at the junction
Hanging back from the stop line for shade holds up the vehicles behind you. Move up and wait in your proper place in the queue.
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During a bus lane's restricted hours, when may a motorcyclist use it?
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Only to avoid a collision, or where a broken yellow line lets you turn into or out of a side road
Outside the restricted hours you may ride in the bus lane. During them, the RTT booklet allows it only to avoid a collision, and the BTT handbook adds that you may cross at a broken yellow line to turn into or out of a side road.
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Which of these motorcycles is NOT allowed on an expressway?
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A motorcycle with a sidecar
Motorcycles with sidecars are on the list of vehicles banned from expressways, along with bicycles, e-bikes and vehicles driven by learners. Ordinary motorcycles ridden by licensed riders, with or without a pillion, may use them.
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Your motorcycle breaks down on an expressway and you are carrying a pillion. Where should you both wait for help?
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Behind the impact guardrails, clear of the carriageway
Move the motorcycle onto the shoulder if possible and switch on the hazard lights, then get yourselves behind the guardrails. Place a warning triangle at least 20 m behind.
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An electric motorcycle has a motor rated at 20 kW. Which licence class is needed to ride it?
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Class 2A
Electric motorcycles are classed by power: below 15 kW is Class 2B, 15 to 25 kW is Class 2A, and above 25 kW is Class 2.
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What must you have before you can take the Class 2 practical riding test and get a Class 2 licence?
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A valid Class 2A licence held for at least one year
Motorcycle licences progress in steps. Class 2 needs at least a year on a valid Class 2A licence plus a pass in the Class 2 practical test.
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A new Class 2B rider on probation is caught twice for not displaying the probation plate. What happens?
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The licence is revoked
A first offence brings a fine, but repeat offenders with at least two such offences during the one-year probation have their licence revoked.
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While riding, where should you mainly keep your eyes?
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Far and wide ahead, scanning the traffic
Looking down at the front wheel upsets your balance. Looking well ahead gives you time to spot hazards and keeps the motorcycle steady.
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What should your knees do while you ride?
Show answer
Grip the fuel tank lightly for stability
A light knee grip on the tank keeps you stable and connected to the motorcycle, which is especially useful at low speed and in turns.
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On a typical manual motorcycle gearbox, where is neutral?
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Between first and second gear
Neutral sits between 1st and 2nd gear. You select it with a half-lift from 1st or a half-press from 2nd, tapping the pedal lightly.
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Why is it dangerous to ride with a loose drive chain?
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It can come off the sprocket, tangle with the rear wheel and lock it
A slack chain can slip off and jam the rear wheel, which may throw you off the motorcycle. Check the chain before riding.
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Too much or too little free play in the clutch lever mainly makes what harder?
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Changing gears
Clutch lever free play should be 10 to 20 mm. Outside that range, gear changes become difficult.
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For an accurate engine oil reading on a motorcycle, when should you check the level?
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With the engine cold and the motorcycle upright on level ground
Oil drains back when the engine is cold, and keeping the bike upright on flat ground stops the reading from being too high or too low.
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What happens if you hold the clutch at the biting point (half-clutch) for long periods?
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The clutch linings wear out faster
Half-clutch is needed for moving off and slow control, but staying there for long spells wears the clutch linings.
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What is likely to happen if you let the clutch lever go suddenly when moving off?
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The engine stalls
Releasing the clutch slowly through the biting point lets power build smoothly. Dropping it suddenly usually stalls the engine.
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Your engine stalls while you are moving off on an uphill slope. What should you do first?
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Press the rear brake pedal quickly so the motorcycle does not roll back
Holding the motorcycle on the brake stops it rolling backwards. Then select neutral, restart and repeat the moving-off routine.
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Why are roads especially slippery in the first part of a downpour?
Show answer
Rainwater mixes with oil, grime and mud on the road before it is washed away
Until the rain washes the dirt away, it forms a greasy film on the road surface. Light rain can create the same slippery film.
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How should you ride over loose gravel or sand?
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Slow down and avoid sudden or quick movements
Loose material gives the tyres little grip. Gentle, steady inputs at low speed keep the motorcycle upright.
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You are riding in strong, gusty wind. What should you do?
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Reduce speed, change to a lower gear and grip the handlebar firmly with both hands
Strong gusts can push a motorcycle sideways into another vehicle's path. Lower speed and a firm two-handed grip help you hold your line.
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You are about to ride with a pillion. When should you adjust the mirrors?
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After the pillion is seated on the motorcycle
A passenger's weight changes how the motorcycle sits, so set the mirrors after they are on. Also check the tyre pressure can take the extra load.
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When you stop behind a stationary vehicle, how much space should you leave?
Show answer
About one motorcycle length
The booklet says to stop about one motorcycle length behind a stationary vehicle, keeping a safety margin instead of pulling right up to it.
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For which test is pushing the motorcycle along a figure of eight compulsory?
Show answer
The Traffic Police Class 2 practical test only
The figure-of-eight push lets you practise shifting your posture from side to side. The booklet notes it is compulsory only for the Class 2 practical test.
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