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Difficulty: MediumMotorcyclists

You are sitting in a stationary queue of traffic in the right-hand lane of a multi-lane carriageway. Before steering to move into a newly opened gap in the left-hand lane, why must you check your nearside blind spot in addition to using your mirrors?

  1. A
    Side mirrors provide a complete field of view that eliminates all blind spots when traffic is stationary
  2. B
    You only need to concentrate on whether the vehicle directly ahead in your current lane has moved
  3. A filtering motorcyclist may be travelling through the space between the lanesAnswer
  4. D
    Passing motorcyclists are legally required to flash their headlights before overtaking queues of traffic

Answer

A filtering motorcyclist may be travelling through the space between the lanes
In slow-moving or stationary traffic on multi-lane roads, motorcyclists often filter through the space between lines of vehicles. Because a motorcycle has a narrow profile, it can easily be hidden in vehicle blind spots that mirrors cannot cover. Performing a thorough shoulder check to the nearside before changing lanes ensures you do not pull out into the path of an approaching rider.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific hazard related to multi-lane queues
Motorcyclists and mopeds frequently filter between stationary or slow-moving lanes of traffic.
The Highway Code permits filtering, making the space between traffic lanes an active path of travel.
2
Evaluate mirror limitations before initiating a lateral manoeuvre
Wing mirrors have physical blind spots where a narrow motorcycle cannot be seen.
A physical shoulder check over the nearside is essential to confirm the lane space is completely clear before changing direction.

Key Concept

Motorcyclist lane filtering and driver blind spot awareness
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Motorcyclists

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