Transport Malta Motorcycle Theory Test (Categories A, A1, A2, AM)

Under the Malta Road Code, when must a motorcycle rider and a pillion passenger wear a protective helmet?

• AOnly outside built-up areas or above 50 km/h
• BOnly the rider must wear one; pillion passengers are exempt
• COnly on arterial and distributor roads
• DOn every journey, however short, with the helmet securely fastened

How should a motorcycle helmet fit on the rider's head to provide optimal protection?

• ASnug all round, holding the cheeks firmly without painful pressure points, and impossible…
• BLoose enough to rotate easily around the head
• COne size larger than normal to accommodate thick winter headwear
• DTilted back to leave the forehead clear for a better upward view

What is the danger of riding with an unfastened or loosely fastened helmet chinstrap?

• AThe helmet can come off the rider's head in a crash, leaving the head unprotected
• BIt lets wind noise into the helmet and causes fatigue
• CIt makes the visor mist up more quickly
• DIt matters only at speeds above 80 km/h

According to the Malta Road Code, when should a motorcycle helmet be replaced?

• AOnly when the outer shell is visibly cracked
• BOnly when the chin strap or visor breaks
• CEvery ten years if it has been stored indoors
• DAfter any impact, or after the period set by the manufacturer (typically 3 to 5 years), e…

Why is riding with a heavily scratched helmet visor particularly dangerous at night?

• AIt matters only in daylight, when the sun reflects off the scratches
• BIt reduces airflow and makes the visor mist up
• CScratches scatter light from oncoming headlights and street lamps into glare that hides h…
• DIt stops other road users from seeing your face

According to the Malta Road Code, when must you NOT use a tinted visor or tinted glasses?

• AOnly when riding through a tunnel
• BAt night or in poor visibility
• COnly when carrying a pillion passenger
• DNever; tinted visors may be used at any time

What is the primary purpose of wearing CE-approved motorcycle riding apparel (jackets and trousers) made from leather or heavy-duty textile cordura?

• ATo provide aerodynamic styling for track racing
• BTo reduce wind noise inside the helmet
• CTo allow the rider to travel faster without feeling cold
• DTo give abrasion resistance and impact protection for joints if you fall

Why are canvas trainers or sandals unsuitable footwear for riding a motorcycle?

• AThey give little protection to feet and ankles and can slip on the footrests or come off…
• BThey are fine as long as your trousers cover your ankles
• CThey are a problem only in wet weather
• DThey are acceptable for short journeys under 5 km

Why should motorcyclists always wear proper motorcycle gloves?

• AGloves are needed only in cold weather
• BGloves are required only on motorcycles over 125 cc
• CHands are vulnerable and easily injured in a fall, and gloves also protect against the we…
• DThin fashion gloves protect just as well as motorcycle gloves

How does wearing fluorescent or reflective clothing help a motorcyclist?

• AIt gives you priority over turning vehicles at junctions
• BFluorescent clothing makes you easier to see in daylight, and reflective material shows u…
• CIt is useful only in fog
• DFluorescent clothing works best at night, so reflective strips are unnecessary

You are involved in a collision that damages another vehicle. What does the Malta Road Code say you MUST do?

• ALeave a note on the other vehicle and ride on
• BReport it to Transport Malta within 30 days
• CExchange details only if the other driver asks for compensation
• DStop, and give your own and the vehicle owner's name and address, insurance and licence d…

What is the danger of riding when you are cold and wet?

• AYou can lose concentration, and cold, stiff hands react more slowly on the controls
• BOnly your comfort is affected, not your riding
• CYour tyres grip better when you and the machine are cold
• DIt matters only on rides longer than two hours

You are riding slowly on a quiet road and your helmet visor begins to mist up. What should you do?

• ACarry on at the same speed and wipe it with your glove as you ride
• BSpeed up so that more air flows over the visor
• CStop somewhere safe and clear it, or open the visor slightly once you are in a safe place
• DTilt your head to look underneath the misted area

For riding in daylight, which helmet does the Malta Road Code say is preferable so that others can see you?

• AA black helmet, because it contrasts with the sky
• BA white or light-coloured helmet
• CA helmet with a mirrored visor, because it reflects sunlight
• DAny colour, because helmet colour has no effect on visibility

Before setting off, what should you do with loose straps, cords, and bootlaces?

• ATuck in and secure them so they cannot catch in the wheels, chain, or controls
• BLeave them loose so luggage can move with the motorcycle
• CTie them to the handlebars where you can see them
• DSecure them only if you will ride faster than 50 km/h

When braking normally on a dry road, how should you use a motorcycle's brakes?

• AUse only the rear brake so the front wheel cannot lock
• BUse only the front brake
• CApply the rear brake hard first, then the front
• DApply both brakes smoothly, with the front brake providing most of the stopping power

What is the correct technique for applying the front brake on a motorcycle in an emergency stop?

• AGrab the front brake lever as hard as possible straight away
• BSqueeze the front brake progressively, loading the front tyre before applying firm pressu…
• CPump the front brake lever repeatedly so the wheel cannot lock
• DUse only the rear brake to avoid going over the handlebars

Why is applying heavy front brake pressure while the motorcycle is leaned over in a corner dangerous?

• AIt is dangerous only when the road is wet
• BIt makes the rear wheel lift off the road
• CThe tyre is already using grip to corner, so heavy braking can exceed the grip available…
• DIt is safe on any motorcycle fitted with ABS

At normal road speeds, how is 'counter-steering' used to begin a turn on a motorcycle?

• ATurning the handlebars towards the bend and leaning your body away from it
• BSteering only by pressing on the footpegs
• CPushing gently forward on the handlebar grip on the side you want to turn (push right to…
• DLeaning your body into the bend while holding the handlebars perfectly straight

How should a motorcyclist maintain stability and balance when riding at walking pace in heavy traffic (slow-speed riding)?

• APaddle with both feet on the road and coast with the clutch pulled fully in
• BKeep your feet on the footrests, hold steady engine speed, control drive with the clutch,…
• CApply the front brake firmly while opening the throttle
• DIncrease speed, because a motorcycle is stable only above 20 km/h

You brake hard and the rear wheel of your non-ABS motorcycle locks while you are travelling in a straight line. What should you generally do?

• ABrake even harder so you stop before the skid develops
• BChange down several gears quickly to slow the rear wheel
• CSelect neutral and use only the front brake
• DRelease the brake and re-apply it progressively, keeping the motorcycle upright and in a…

What happens if a rider locks the front wheel on a non-ABS motorcycle?

• ASteering control is lost and the front wheel can slide away, so the bike can fall almost…
• BThe motorcycle will keep a straight line until it stops
• COnly the rear wheel is affected; steering stays normal
• DNothing happens as long as you keep the throttle open

What is the 'lifesaver check' in motorcycling, and when must it be carried out?

• AA check of tyres and lights before every journey
• BA last look over your shoulder into the blind spot just before turning, changing lanes, o…
• CLooking in both mirrors before braking
• DSounding your horn before overtaking

Why is 'target fixation' dangerous for a motorcyclist when taking a corner or encountering a roadside obstacle?

• AA motorcycle tends to go where you look, so staring at a hazard can steer you into it
• BIt makes you ride too slowly through bends
• CIt affects only riders on wet roads
• DIt makes other drivers misjudge your speed

How should your following distance behind another vehicle be adjusted when riding a motorcycle on wet roads?

• AKeep it at one second so you can stay out of following cars' way
• BReduce it so you can ride in the dry tire tracks of the car ahead
• CIt does not need to change because two-wheelers have less weight to stop
• DIncrease it to at least four seconds to allow for doubled braking distances and reduced t…

You are approaching traffic lights when the amber light appears. According to the Malta Road Code, what should you do?

• ASpeed up to get through before the red light
• BStop only if there is traffic crossing from the side
• CStop at the stop line, unless you have already crossed it or are so close that stopping m…
• DTreat it like a flashing amber light and proceed with caution

What should you do when riding over speed humps (traffic cushions) on a motorcycle?

• ASlow down before the hump, keep the motorcycle upright, and let your legs absorb the jolt…
• BKeep your speed so the suspension absorbs the hump
• CBrake firmly as the front wheel reaches the top of the hump
• DRide over it at an angle to reduce the jolt

Where are you most likely to be affected by a strong side wind when riding?

• AIn a narrow village street lined with buildings
• BOn an open stretch of road, or when passing bridges, gaps, or large vehicles
• CIn slow-moving town traffic
• DInside a road tunnel

Your motorcycle has ABS. In an emergency stop on a dry road, how should you brake?

• AUse only the rear brake, because ABS works only on the front wheel
• BPump the brake lever rapidly as you would without ABS
• CBrake gently, because ABS will make the stopping distance much shorter anyway
• DApply both brakes firmly and progressively; ABS helps prevent the wheels locking so you c…

What is the primary danger when downshifting gears too aggressively into first or second gear at high speed?

• AThe engine will stall
• BThe front wheel will lock
• CEngine braking can exceed the rear tyre's grip, making the rear wheel hop or skid
• DThe clutch cable will stretch

What is the engine cut-out (emergency stop) switch on a motorcycle's handlebar for?

• AStopping the engine quickly in an emergency, for example if the throttle sticks or after…
• BSwitching off the lights when the motorcycle is parked
• CLocking the steering to prevent theft
• DSwitching the engine to a low-power mode for learners

You are riding on a road with no footway and see a pedestrian walking in the road ahead. What does the Malta Road Code advise?

• ASound your horn and pass at your normal speed
• BPass close to the pedestrian so you stay well away from oncoming traffic
• CAllow at least 2 m of space and keep to a low speed as you pass
• DRev your engine so the pedestrian moves onto the verge

What is the danger of resting your foot continuously on the rear brake pedal while riding?

• AIt helps you react faster, so it is recommended in town
• BThe brake can drag and overheat, and the brake light may stay on and mislead drivers behi…
• CIt matters only on motorcycles with ABS
• DIt keeps the rear suspension stable

What is the primary danger when crossing metal manhole covers or drain grates on a motorcycle in wet weather?

• AThey are slippery only when dry and dusty
• BThey are a hazard only for cars with low ground clearance
• CTheir raised pattern gives extra grip in the wet
• DWet metal covers give very little grip, so braking, leaning, or accelerating on them can…

Why are painted white and yellow road lines particularly hazardous for two-wheeled vehicles in wet weather?

• APainted lines and arrows can be very slippery when wet, giving less grip than the surroun…
• BThey are slippery only in hot weather
• CThey are a hazard only for cars
• DPaint gives more grip than tarmac in the wet

Where is spilt diesel most likely to be found on the road, and why is it a serious hazard for motorcyclists?

• AOn straight roads, where it has little effect because the motorcycle is upright
• BOnly on dry days, because rain washes it away immediately
• CNear filling stations and on roundabouts and bends, where fuel can slop from tanks; it is…
• DOnly in car parks, so it does not affect moving traffic

How should a motorcyclist handle an unexpected patch of loose gravel or road chippings across a bend?

• ASlam on the front brake and turn the handlebars sharply into the corner
• BKeep the motorcycle as upright as possible, look ahead to clear road, maintain smooth neu…
• CAccelerate aggressively to spin the rear wheel and clear the gravel
• DLay the motorcycle down onto the tarmac on purpose

What is the recommended response if you cannot avoid riding directly through a deep pothole on a Maltese road?

• ABrake hard while the front wheel is in the pothole
• BSwerve sharply at the last moment without checking around you
• CAccelerate so the wheel skips over the hole
• DSlow down before the pothole, release the brakes just before impact, keep the handlebars…

Why is the road surface often especially slippery when light rain falls after a long dry spell?

• ARain makes the road safer at first because it washes the dust away immediately
• BOnly road markings are affected, not the road surface
• CTyres are always coldest in the first minutes of rain
• DRain lifts oil, rubber, and dust that built up in dry weather, forming a slippery film un…

What hazard do steel plates used over roadworks pose to motorcyclists?

• AThey can be very slippery, especially when wet, and their edges can deflect the front tyre
• BThey give extra grip because steel is rough
• CThey are dangerous only to cars
• DThey are safe to brake on as long as you are upright

The S.L. 65.18 syllabus lists tram rails among slippery road features for motorcyclists. At what angle should you cross rails or similar grooves?

• AAs close to parallel as possible
• BAs close to a right angle as is safely possible
• CAt a shallow angle while leaning the motorcycle
• DAt whatever angle keeps you in the centre of your lane

How should a motorcyclist react when encountering sand or fine dust blown onto coastal asphalt in Malta?

• AKeep your speed up so the tyres cut through the sand
• BPull the front brake hard and lean towards the kerb
• CTreat it like loose gravel: slow down smoothly before reaching it, keep upright, and avoi…
• DSwitch off the engine and coast

In very hot weather the road surface can become soft. What is most likely to be affected?

• ANothing, because soft tarmac gives extra grip
• BOnly the road markings, not the tarmac itself
• CThe grip of your tyres, especially when braking and cornering
• DOnly your rear suspension

You stop to help at a road crash. Which of these does the Malta Road Code tell you to do?

• AMove injured people out of their vehicles straight away
• BUse hazard warning lights to warn traffic, ask drivers to switch off their engines, and a…
• CRemove any injured motorcyclist's helmet immediately
• DLeave as soon as another person arrives, even before the emergency services come

What happens when riding on grooved, milled, or scarified asphalt during road resurfacing works?

• AThe front wheel will lock
• BYou should brake firmly and grip the handlebars tightly
• CYou should weave to find a smoother line
• DThe tyres may follow the grooves and feel as if they are wandering; stay relaxed and do n…

When riding behind other traffic, where does the Malta Road Code tell you to position yourself?

• AWhere drivers in front can see you in their mirrors
• BClose behind the vehicle in front so it shields you from the wind
• CRight against the kerb to leave room for others to overtake you
• DOn the centre line so oncoming drivers can see you

Why should a motorcyclist avoid riding in the blind spot of a car or lorry travelling in an adjacent lane?

• ARiding in a blind spot is safe as long as your headlight is on
• BIt is a problem only when you are passing lorries on the left
• CDrivers can always see you in their door mirrors
• DThe driver may not see you in the mirrors and could change lanes into you

How should a motorcyclist adjust their lane position when approaching a sharp left-hand bend on a two-way Maltese road?

• AMove onto the wrong side of the road to see further round the bend
• BMove towards the centre or right-hand side of your own lane to see further through the be…
• CKeep close to the left kerb, where your view is blocked
• DKeep exactly to the centre of your lane whatever the bend or road conditions