What you need to understand
Lane changes and intersections create conflicts because motorcycles are small and easily misjudged. Mirror checks, shoulder checks, visible positioning and early hazard planning work together to reduce that risk.
Key points to remember
- Signal and shoulder check before changing lanes.
- Scan wheels and driver behaviour at intersections.
- Prepare to brake or change position when visibility is uncertain.
Check your understanding
Practice questions
1. What observation must accompany mirror checks before a motorcycle lane change?
- A shoulder check into the intended lane
- A glance at the fuel gauge
- Looking down at the front wheel
- Checking only the opposite mirror
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A shoulder check into the intended lane
Mirrors leave blind spots. Signal, check mirrors, shoulder check, and move only when the target lane is clear.
2. When approaching an intersection, what is the safest assumption about a driver waiting to turn across your path?
- The driver has certainly seen you
- The driver may not see or correctly judge your motorcycle, so prepare to respond
- Your right-of-way prevents a collision
- The driver will always wait for eye contact
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: The driver may not see or correctly judge your motorcycle, so prepare to respond
Motorcycles are easily overlooked or misjudged. Reduce surprise by scanning, choosing a visible position, and preparing an escape or braking response.
Exam-day strategy
A safe answer verifies the path visually and preserves a response if another road user makes an error.
Read every word, especially qualifiers such as must, only, before, and NOT. Eliminate choices that contradict the official rule, then select the safest complete answer.