Practice question

What should you always do before making a turn on your motorcycle?

  1. Check your mirrors
  2. Use your indicators
  3. Look over your shoulder
  4. All of the above

Answer: D — All of the above

Before making a turn on your motorcycle, it is essential to perform a series of checks to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Checking your mirrors is important because it allows you to be aware of the traffic behind you. This helps determine if it's safe to proceed with the turn, ensuring you are not cutting off other vehicles or being surprised by a faster vehicle approaching from the rear. Using your indicators is crucial as it communicates your intentions to other road users. This signal alerts drivers and pedestrians about your upcoming turn, helping to prevent misunderstandings and potential collisions. Looking over your shoulder is a pivotal step that provides a further check of your blind spots. Despite using mirrors, some vehicles or obstacles may not be visible, particularly in critical moments like making a turn. This extra glance ensures that there are no obstacles or traffic approaching from areas you cannot see in your mirrors. By integrating all these actions—checking mirrors, using indicators, and looking over your shoulder—you significantly enhance situational awareness and contribute to safer maneuvers when turning.

Practice more: NZ Motorcycle Learner License Practice Test →