Queensland motorcycle riders’ guide

The following are key extracts from the Queensland Motorcycle Riders’ Guide.

If you are planning to apply for your Queensland motorcycle licence, you must familiarise yourself with this guide. Download the comprehensive Queensland motorcycle riders’ guide (PDF, 4.3MB)

Riding to the conditions

Riding at night

Riding at night is considerably more dangerous for riders. Riding at night reduces your vision and makes it harder for other motorists to see you. Take extra care and:

wear reflective clothing
check your lights and indicators are working
reduce your speed
use high beam to increase your field of vision, except when you are within 200 metres of another vehicle
keep extra distance from other traffic.

Riding in varying weather conditions

The following weather conditions can have a significant impact on the safety of your ride. Riding in unfavourable weather conditions is tiring, so watch for the signs of fatigue, and rest if necessary.

Bright sunshine

Adjust your mirrors to reduce glare
Be aware that motorists in front of you may have difficulty seeing you before they overtake or change lanes.

Fog

Avoid the temptation to follow the vehicle in front close enough to keep contact with its rear lights. Instead, make sure to slow down and increase your crash avoidance space to allow yourself more time to respond.

Rain

Reduce your speed to allow yourself more time to respond
Avoid riding on painted arrows and lines as they can be slippery
Use low beam during the day to increase your chances of being seen.

High winds

Strong gusts which may affect the handling of your motorcycle can occur on entering or emerging from under bridges, crossing an open valley and riding into open country. These can also cause other vehicles to veer suddenly, especially high sided vehicles such as trucks or buses.

Reduce your speed
Firmly grip the handlebars. It may help to lean your motorcycle into the wind to compensate for sideways force
Keep your speed down and create space between you and other vehicles.

Rider protection

Wearing the right gear can help you to stay safe, keep you comfortable and protect you from the elements.

Check the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) website before you buy. MotoCAP rates motorcycle protective gear for safety and comfort and aims to help riders make more informed decisions about their protective clothing.

MotoCAP has ratings for jackets, pants and gloves; more ratings for protective gear will be added over the coming months.

Helmet

Your most important piece of gear is your helmet.

It must comply with the Australian Standard AS 1968, AS/NZS 1698 or ECE Standard 22.05.
The chin strap needs to be fastened and the helmet should be tight fitting.
A full face helmet will protect your face, jaw and chin and offers better eye, wind, sun and impact protection than an open face helmet.

Eye protection

Visors and goggles shield you from wind, rain and dust.

They should be clean, shatterproof and have clear lenses for night use.

Jackets and pants

Should be tightfitting and completely cover the entire body.
Secured at the wrists, waists and ankles.
Need to be abrasion and tear resistant and provide extra reinforcement over your limbs and vulnerable areas.

Back protector

A back protector will protect your spine in the case of a crash.

Dual density foam is recommended.

Gloves

Should be gauntlet style and have a reinforced palm area, knuckle protection and a Velcro/zip around the wrist.

Boots

Should be leather and overlap the pants.
Should have zipper/Velcro fasteners.

Safe riding

Attitude

The way you feel when you get on your motorcycle will show up in the way you ride. Try to be mindful of your mood and behaviour on the road and try and stay impartial to other drivers exhibiting aggressive or bad behaviour.

Concentration

Safe riding requires your full concentration. Do not ride if you’re impaired by:

fatigue
alcohol
drugs
dehydration
exposure to fumes.

Observation

The road ahead of you is constantly changing so it is important to regularly:

scan the road ahead
watch the road surface
monitor your left and right
check your mirrors and instruments.

Fitness

Fit riders are better able to stay alert on endurance rides and during physically demanding conditions.

Returning riders

If you have not ridden for a while, take time to familiarise yourself with your motorcycle and rebuild your skills.

Perform a routine maintenance check on your motorcycle
Inspect your protective clothing for deterioration and fit
It is a good idea to start off with short journeys and build up your endurance over time
Ensure you are alert, comfortable and ready to get back on the bike
Consider taking a refresher or advanced safe riding course
Make sure you are up-to-date with all current road rules – some may have changed since you last rode.

Motorcycle roadworthiness

Before you ride you need to make sure your motorcycle is roadworthy. Check the:

registration is current and the registration plate is clearly displayed and securely attached
lights are working – including headlights, tail-light, brake light, indicators
brakes, steering, suspension and horn are in correct working order
tyre pressure and tread depth is at least 1.5 mm over the whole tyre surface
chain/drive belt guard.