Why do motorcyclists often look over their right shoulder just before turning right?
- A They need to listen for following traffic
- B Motorcycles do not have mirrors
- C Looking around helps them balance as they turn
- D They need to check for traffic in their blind area
Why this is the answer
Expect a motorcyclist who makes a quick glance over their shoulder to be changing direction. They should do this before turning. By observing this, you'll get an early clue of their intention.
Why the other answers don't fit
- A
- They need to listen for following traffic — Listening tells you something is there, not where or how close.
- B
- Motorcycles do not have mirrors — Motorcycles do have mirrors, and the mirrors are why the glance is needed.
- C
- Looking around helps them balance as they turn — Balance comes from looking where you are going, not over your shoulder.
Where this comes from
- Driving Buses and Coaches — section 7
- Driving Goods Vehicles — section 7
- The Highway Code — rule 88
Rule numbers link to The Highway Code on gov.uk.
Where this question comes from
The question, its options and the explanation are reproduced word for word from the DVSA revision question bank under licence. The licence requires them to appear unaltered, so we cannot reword them and neither can anyone else — that is why you will meet the same wording on other sites. Everything else on this page is written by Theory Hub: the explanation of why each wrong answer is wrong, the topic guide and the revision notes.
Asked in: Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)
More questions on Other road users
- A group of horse riders comes towards you. What should you do if the leading rider's horse becomes nervous of your presence?
- A horse rider is in the left-hand lane approaching a roundabout. What should you expect the rider to do?
- As you approach a pelican crossing, the lights change to green. What should you do if an elderly couple are halfway across?
- At toucan crossings, pedestrians share the crossing with which other road users?
- How should you overtake horse riders?
- How will a school crossing patrol signal you to stop?
- How would you react to drivers who appear to be inexperienced?
- There's a slow-moving motorcyclist ahead of you. What should you do if you're unsure what the rider is going to do?