A driver travelling behind a motorcyclist on an uneven road should
- allow extra room in case the motorcycle swerves to avoid potholes ✓
- allow less room to ensure that he can be seen in the motorcycle's side mirrors
- pass the motorcyclist immediately
- allow the same room as normal because motorcycles are not affected by road surfaces
Answer: A. allow extra room in case the motorcycle swerves to avoid potholes
Leave extra room behind the motorcyclist, because the rider may swerve to avoid potholes or poor road surfaces.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says a motorcycle needs the whole lane, and that riders can skid and fall because of bad road conditions. It also tells you to give at least three seconds of following distance behind a motorcycle, since bikes can stop quickly and you need room to stop safely. On an uneven road the rider may move around within the lane, so more space gives you time to react and keeps you from crowding them.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. allow less room to ensure that he can be seen in the motorcycle's side mirrors — Closing in to stay visible in the mirrors cuts your stopping room, and the handbook's guidance is to keep a wide following distance behind a motorcycle rather than a smaller one.
- C. pass the motorcyclist immediately — The handbook asks for plenty of space when you pass a motorcycle, not an immediate pass, and nothing says you should overtake right away.
- D. allow the same room as normal because motorcycles are not affected by road surfaces — The handbook states the opposite: motorcycles can skid and fall because of poor road conditions, so road surface does affect them and normal spacing is not enough.
Remember it
Think of a motorcycle as needing the whole lane: hang back at least three seconds and give a little more on rough pavement.