Step 1. The big picture
In one sentence…
Motorcycle technique requires looking well ahead, combined braking, a lean angle compatible with grip, a clean line and special care with slippery surfaces and blind spots. Study each technique by what it prevents, because on a motorcycle the margin for correcting a mistake is minimal.
Step 2. The syllabus
2.1Position on the motorcycle
Your posture must allow fine control of the throttle, brakes and steering, with a relaxed body and no tension in the arms so you don't transmit abrupt movements to the handlebars.
- A balanced position improves stability and leaves your hands and feet free to act precisely on the controls in any manoeuvre.
- Stiffening your arms or sitting badly reduces sensitivity and control right when you need to correct your course smoothly.
2.2Your eyes as a tool
Keep your eyes far ahead and your head free to check your surroundings and your path; the motorcycle tends to go where you direct your gaze.
- Looking towards the exit of a bend improves balance and avoids fixating on the obstacle, a typical mistake that pulls the motorcycle right towards what you want to avoid.
- At intersections, look twice: many drivers don't clearly spot a motorcycle even if they think they've looked, so anticipate their possible mistake.
- Practising a far-ahead gaze gives you more time to read the road, choose your line and decide before reaching the critical point.
2.3Effective braking
Effective braking relies on progressiveness and a correct balance between the front and rear brakes according to the situation and the available grip.
- Braking abruptly while leaned over or on a slippery road surface greatly increases the risk of losing control and falling.
- Braking early and progressively is safer than relying on hard braking at the last moment, which leaves little margin if grip fails.
2.4Stability and grip
Grip is limited and is shared between braking, turning and accelerating; asking for all of it at once, such as braking hard mid-bend, easily exceeds that limit.
- Surfaces such as road markings, sand, gravel or a wet road surface reduce grip suddenly, so it's worth spotting them in time and smoothing out any action on the motorcycle.
- Smooth, anticipated manoeuvres preserve stability; violent movements on the throttle, brake or steering compromise it immediately.
2.5Line through a bend
In a bend, select your speed before entering, avoid violent corrections and stay within your lane without invading another road user's path.
- Entering too fast thinking you can correct afterwards is a common mistake: a motorcycle has less margin than a car to adjust once already moving.
- A clean, predictable line makes balance easier and avoids surprises both for you and for other road users.
2.6Overtaking with margin
When overtaking, assess the wind, the slipstream, lateral distance and the space to return to your lane; what a motorcycle gains in acceleration it can lose in stability.
- Leave a wide lateral margin when passing and don't return to your lane until you see the overtaken vehicle in your mirror with enough distance.
- A rushed overtake on a motorcycle combines several risks at once, so it should only be started when visibility and space clearly allow it.
2.7Visibility and electronic aids
Your own visibility and awareness of others is a riding technique: positioning yourself where you'll be seen improves safety just as much as braking better does.
- ABS and other aids don't remove the need to anticipate; they only reduce part of the human error and don't make up for poor technique.
- Relying on electronics to fix a bad decision is a common trap: aids work best when you're already riding with foresight and smoothness.
Step 3. Key points
If you only have a minute before the exam, revise this.
- 1.Keep a relaxed posture that allows fine control of the controls.
- 2.Keep your eyes far ahead and direct them towards the exit of the bend.
- 3.Look twice at intersections and anticipate others' mistakes.
- 4.Brake progressively, adapted to the available grip.
- 5.Avoid abrupt manoeuvres while leaned over or on a slippery road surface.
- 6.Select your speed before entering the bend, not within it.
- 7.Only overtake with visibility, lateral margin and space to return.
Step 4. Exam traps
Mistakes the DGT uses again and again on this topic.
- Entering a bend fast thinking you can always correct afterwards.
- Relying on ABS or electronic aids to make up for poor technique.
- Fixing your eyes on the obstacle instead of looking towards the exit of the bend.
- Braking hard while leaned over or on a slippery surface.
- Assuming other drivers have always seen you at a junction.
- Returning to your lane after overtaking without leaving distance from the vehicle you passed.
Step 5. Quick check
Four real exam questions on what you have just read.
On a road outside a built-up area, you want to make a voluntary stop on your motorcycle, with no breakdown or emergency. May you occupy the usable part of the shoulder?
Step 6. Frequently asked questions about riding techniques
- Outside a built-up area, may you voluntarily stop your motorcycle on the usable part of the shoulder to set down a passenger?
- No, the usable part of the shoulder must remain clear. No. A voluntary stop on an interurban road must be off the carriageway on the right, keeping the usable part of the shoulder clear. Lasting under two minutes or setting down a passenger does not permit occupying that part of the shoulder. Immobilisation caused by breakdown, crash or another emergency is a different case governed by the relevant safety and warning rules.See full question
- A motorcycle driver is about to stop. Must they warn the drivers following them of this circumstance?
- Yes, always if possible, even if the stop is due to traffic conditions. Yes, whenever possible. Warn following drivers of the intention to stop or considerably reduce speed by repeated use of the brake lights or by moving the arm up and down with short, quick movements. This also applies when traffic requires it. A horn does not replace that visual warning. If moving laterally to stop or park, also signal that movement with the appropriate indicator.See full question
- On a long downhill stretch with an A1 or A2 motorcycle, it is advisable to:
- Control speed with a suitable gear. On long descents you should control speed with a suitable gear and avoid overloading the brakes.See full question
- You are riding a motorcycle fitted with telescopic forks. You should know that this component forms part of the...
- Suspension system. The motorcycle's telescopic forks form part of its suspension system and are one of the most widespread solutions to the problem of front suspension, acting as an intermediary between the motorcycle and the road surface.See full question
- Does the A1 licence authorise the driving of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cubic centimetres and a power of 12 kilowatts?
- No. The A1 licence authorises the driving of motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cubic centimetres and a maximum power of 11 kilowatts. Therefore, if the motorcycle has a power of 12 kilowatts, the A1 licence does not authorise its use.See full question
Official sources
Test what you've studied on riding techniques
Exam-style questions on this topic, with an explanation after every answer.
Now, practise it
Test what you have read with exam-style questions and an explanation after each answer.
Related lessons
- A2Riding techniques
Technique on a motorcycle demands looking well ahead, combined braking, lean angle compatible with available grip, a clean line and special care with slippery surfaces and blind spots. Study each technique for what it prevents, because on a motorcycle the margin to correct an error is minimal.
- A1Protective equipment
On a motorcycle the helmet is mandatory, but serious study also covers gloves, boots, jacket, technical trousers and visibility. The best technique does not remove the risk of injury. Study each item of gear by its protective function and learn to separate what's mandatory from what's merely recommended.
- A1Risk factors
Risk factors are studied as a real cause of error: alcohol, drugs, speed, distraction, fatigue, adverse weather and overconfidence. On motorcycles their effects tend to multiply. Learn to recognise each factor and how the exam presents them so they don't catch you off guard.
- A1Mechanics and maintenance
Preventive motorcycle maintenance is part of road safety: it avoids breakdowns, reduces braking distance, improves stability and cuts down on errors both in the exam and in real riding. Study each check by its effect on riding, not as a mere workshop formality.
- A1Motorcycle regulations
Study the rules specific to the A1 licence: limits on the authorised vehicle, requirements for carrying a passenger and load, and safety rules specific to motorcycles on urban and interurban roads. Knowing what you can ride and under what conditions avoids many exam mistakes.
- A1Signs
Master the hierarchy between officers, temporary signage, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings, and study the current official catalogue with attention to the most recent updates. Don't memorise isolated pictures: link each sign to the conduct it requires.