The Motorcycle Knowledge Test - 13 tricky questions from every Canadian province and territory

For crusty riding veterans, the motorcycle knowledge test is a faded memory. Or worse - some “newfangled” thing that didn't even exist "back in the day." But you've put thousands of kilometers between your two wheels! You’re a master of the riding rules ... right?

We’re going to find out. This week’s editorial is a little more interactive, so sharpen your pencils.

After taking the practice tests for every province and territory in Canada, ¹ I chose one tricky question from each. That means our quiz has 13 trans-border toughies.

I didn’t get them all. Will you?

Canadian Motorcycle Knowledge Practice Test

1. (British Columbia) What is the minimum amount of tread you should have on your motorcycle tires?

   1. 1.0mm
   2. 1.5mm
   3. 2.0mm
   4. 2.5mm

1. (Alberta) How often should motorcyclists check their mirrors?

   1. 3-5 seconds
   2. 5-7 seconds
   3. 7-10 seconds
   4. Before every turn

1. (Saskatchewan) It is not necessary to cross railway tracks head on at a full 90 degrees. If there is other traffic, an angle of ____ degrees or better is sufficient.

   1. 30
   2. 45
   3. 60
   4. 75

4. (Manitoba) What should you do if there isn't enough time to avoid a small obstacle on the roadway?

   1. Lean forward
   2. Hit the obstacle head on
   3. Apply the front brake
   4. Downshift

5. (Ontario) A limited-speed motorcycle, or scooter, must have a top speed lower than…

   1. 40km/h
   2. 50km/h
   3. 60km/h
   4. 70km/h

6. (Quebec) If a dog chases your motorcycle, you should…

   1. Kick the dog away
   2. Slow down and downshift. Then, as the dog approaches, accelerate away
   3. Stop until the dog loses interest
   4. Maintain a steady speed, and wait for the dog to tire out

7. (Newfoundland and Labrador) Why is it important to drive with your wrists held low?

   1. To avoid forearm fatigue
   2. To avoid accidentally applying the throttle
   3. To avoid accidentally decreasing the throttle when turning
   4. To easily reach the brake and clutch levers

8. (New Brunswick) When turning left or right, the best blocking position would be:

   1. The tire track in the direction in which you are turning
   2. The centre of the road
   3. Whatever you are comfortable with
   4. Lane blocking is not required when making turns

9. (Nova Scotia) The standard signal for help for a stopped motorcycle is:

   1. Waving your arms
   2. Placing your helmet on the ground to the rear of the motorcycle
   3. Placing the motorcycle on the ground sideways
   4. Lifting your helmet in the air for drivers to see

10. (Prince Edward Island) Which of the following statements is false?

    1. Motorcycle headlights should be on in the daytime
    2. Motorcyclists are prone to crashes due to other drivers not noticing them
    3. Most motorcycle crashes occur at intersections
    4. Riding between lanes is allowed in emergencies

11. (Yukon) More than half of all crashes:

    1. Occur at speeds greater than 50 km/h
    2. Happen at night
    3. Are caused by worn tires
    4. Involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles less than six months

12. (Northwest Territories) If you encounter a wild animal in the road, you should…

    1. Swerve around it, but do not stop
    2. Slow down and perform a U-turn
    3. Brake and prepare to stop
    4. Honk your horn and continue straight ahead

13. (Nunavut) When preparing to drive an unfamiliar motorcycle, it is important to…

    1. Check the brakes
    2. Check the size of the motorcycle
    3. Check the style of the motorcycle
    4. Wear a helmet

Answer Key here

Why Motorcycle Theory Matters

I’ll admit – some of these questions are dumb. When preparing to drive an unfamiliar motorcycle, it’s probably important to do all four of the things listed in question 13. And in #12, I might perform a U-turn instead of stopping in front of a wild animal. Especially in NWT, where an arctic bunny could kick my ass.

Even still, every active motorcyclist should pass this quiz. And if you didn’t, spend the next few days going through the learner’s handbook for your province or territory. All of them can be freely downloaded online, and they make for light reading with heavy consequences.

Motorcycle theory isn’t just academic. These issues play out in real life; knowing the right answer will affect the way you ride. When a dog runs at your bike, it helps to have a readymade plan in mind. And when a small object is unavoidable, only a trained brain can resist grabbing for the brake.

A half-century of riding experience and the touch of a motorcycle guru is certainly useful. But don’t forget about the knowledge you might have forgotten!

Answer Key

1. B. You should not drive with less than 1.5mm of tread depth.
2. B. Motorcyclists should check their mirrors every 5-7 seconds.
3. B. Motorcyclists should not cross railway tracks at less than 45 degrees.
4. B. When contacting an object on the road, decelerating or leaning forward can cause the rider to be thrown over the handlebars upon impact. It is better to hit the object head on, with no deceleration.
5. D. Limited-speed vehicles must have a maximum speed below 70km/h.
6. B. Slowing down will give the rider more reaction time, if necessary. When accelerating away, the engine noise may deter the dog from following. Stopping near the dog is dangerous for the rider and other road users.
7. B. Low wrists will prevent inadvertent throttle application.
8. A. When turning left, the left side of the lane is the best blocking position. When turning right, the right side of the lane is best.
9. B. Placing a helmet on the ground, to the rear of a motorcycle, indicates the need for assistance.
10. D. Riding between lanes is never allowed.
11. D. More than half of all crashes involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles less than six months.
12. C. If you encounter a wild animal on the road, you should brake and prepare to stop. Wait for the animal to move clear of the roadway before proceeding.
13. A. When preparing to drive an unfamiliar motorcycle, it is important to check the brakes.

Back to article

_{Footnotes 1. All questions sourced from:}

_{"Motorcycle License Practice Test," icandrive.ca, http://icandrive.ca/practice-test/motorcycle-license-practice-test/}

_{"Motorcycle Operator Manual," Motorcycle Safety Foundation (June 2007), Yukon Government Motor Vehicles Publications & Manuals, http://www.hpw.gov.yk.ca/pdf/mom_rev13.pdf}

^{"Motorcycle Operators Licence Information," Northwest Territories Transportation (2007), http://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/_live/documents/content/Motorcycle%20Web%20Nov%202007.pdf}

^{"Learn to Ride Smart," Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (2015), ICBC Driver Licensing, http://issuu.com/insurancecorporationofbc/docs/learntoridesmart/7?e=6212656/1458063}

^{"Motorcycle Handbook," Manitoba Public Insurance (December 2014), Driver Licensing, http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/pdfs/motorcycle-handbook.pdf}