The Universal Motorcycle Theory Exam
While I’ve studied for my motorcycle exam, I engrossed myself by studying motorcycle theory from a
wide variety of regions and countries, including:
– Sweden
– United Kingdom
– United States
– Australia
On top of learning faster, I also noticed something extraordinary: even though the traffic laws varied from
country to country, there were many things that were universal.
In other words, it doesn’t matter if you’re taking your test in Gothenburg, Bristol, Melbourne, or Duluth,
MN – some things remain true regardless of legislation.
Because of this, I’ve created an online exam that will test and teach you these universal aspects of
motorcycling that will be useful to anyone who’s getting ready to take a motorcycle exam.
No matter where in the world you are.
This exam will cover among other things:
– Riding techniques
– Basic mechanical knowledge
To pass the exam, you must score at least 80%.
DISCLAIMER: This exam is not intended to be a substitute for your regular course study material. The
purpose of this exam is to serve as a fun supplement to your learning process to become a safe &
confident rider.
Results
#1. What is the job of a fuse?
The job of the fuse is to protect your electrics from short-circuiting.
#2. What does "T-CLOCS" stand for?
“T-CLOCS” stands for “Tires,” “Controls”, “Lights”, “Oil”, “Controls” and “Stands.”
#3. It's the autumn season. The road ahead is covered with leaves. Why must you avoid riding on them?
The biggest risk of riding on leaves is that they are slippery, which can cause you to skid out of control.
#4. Your riding with a group. Since you’re the least experienced rider, where should you position yourself?
As an inexperienced rider, the best position is behind the group leader.
#5. Why is it a bad idea to buy a used helment?
The reason why you should never buy a used helmet is that it might be damaged.
#6. When should you use your engine cut-off switch?
The cut-off switch is for stopping the motorcycle in an emergency.
It should also be used to shut off the engine in the event of an accident.
#7. It’s a cold day. You’ve used your choke to warm up your carbureted engine. What happens if you continue to ride with the choke on?
The choke’s purpose is to warm up the engine at the expense of some additional fuel. If you continue to ride with the choke still on, your fuel consumption will increase.
For the sake of your wallet and the environment, make sure you switch the choke off before you set off. Some motorcycles and mopeds even do this automatically when the throttle is applied.
#8. One of your tires has several cracks in the sidewall. What might happen if you don’t replace this tire before you ride?
Tires with dry rot on them might cause a blowout – replace them before you set out.
#9. What should you use when cleaning your helmet?
When you’re cleaning the helmet, use soapy water.
#10. Which type of brake fluid is used for most motorcycles?
Most motorcycles use DOT 4 brake fluid.
DOT 5.1 can also be used but must be replaced more often since it absorbs more water than DOT 4.
#11. What happens if the oil seal on one of your shock absorbers is faulty?
If the shock absorber’s oil seal is faulty, oil might leak onto your tires and wheels, causing a loss of traction and a possible skid.
#12. Where can you find the correct tire pressure figures?
The correct tire pressure can be found in your owner’s manual.
#13. You’re riding with a passenger. How will this affect your stopping distance?
Due to the extra weight, riding with a passenger increases your total stopping distance. Acceleration is also affected – it takes longer to accelerate from a standstill with a passenger than without one.
#14. While you perform your T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, you hear a click when you flex the front tire. What is this a sign of?
A “clicking” sound when you flex the tire is a sign that your wheel bearings are broken.
#15. While you’re riding, your motorcycle’s chain snaps. What is the most likely cause of this?
A snapped drive chain is most likely tightened too hard.
#16. What is “bad fuel?”
“Bad fuel” refers to fuel that has been unused for a while (sometimes for months).
#17. Coolant consists of 50% water. What is the remaining 50% made up of?
Coolant consists of 50% water and 50% anti-freeze.
#18. You have a BSA motorcycle built in 1964, which is equipped with drum brakes. Why must be extra careful when you clean the brake shoes in the drum?
Drum brakes (especially those fitted to motorcycles pre-1970) may contain asbestos, which is toxic to inhale.
#19. You put DOT 5.1 brake fluid in your motorcycle. What must you keep in mind?
Since DOT 5.1 absorbs more water than DOT 4, you must replace DOT 5.1 brake fluid more often than DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
#20. Which armor rating indicates armor designed for motorcycles?
EN1621-1 indicates armor designed for motorcycles.
EN/CE is armor designed for bicycles.
NE1621-G doesn’t exist.
#21. What is the difference between your alternator and your battery?
The battery stores electricity when the alternator generates electricity.
#22. If your sparkplug looks like this, what kind of problem do you have?
If the bottom of your sparkplug looks anything like the one in the picture, it’s most likely a result of carbon fouling.
Replace the spark plug.
#23. Your motorcycle has a petcock on it. What does this do?
The petcock (or “fuel tap”) turns the fuel flow on and off in a carbureted engine.
Motorcycles with fuel injection don’t have petcocks on them.