Preparing for the motorcycle licence skills test and road test

The motorcycle skills test will assess your ability to:

• operate the motorcycle
• steer correctly
• maintain balance and appropriate speed while performing maneuvers in a paved lot
• identify controls on the motorcycle, and
• demonstrate hand signals.

Here you’ll find answers to these questions about the motorcycle skills test.

• When can it be taken?
• What can I expect?
• What does the examiner do?
• How do I prepare?
• What if I’ve taken a rider training course?

When can it be taken?

To determine if and when you can take the motorcycle skills test, refer to the table below.

After you've held your motorcycle learner's licence for the minimum that applies to you, you may take a motorcycle skills test. The motorcycle skills test assesses your basic riding skills.

When you pass this test, you can ride without a qualified supervisor, and the speed restriction is removed. However, all other learner’s restrictions are still in effect.

What can I expect?

The test is about 15 minutes long, and takes place in a paved lot at slow speeds. You will be tested on your ability to operate the motorcycle, steer correctly and maintain balance and appropriate speed while performing the following manoeuvres:

You will also be asked to identify controls on the motorcycle and to demonstrate hand signals.

What does the examiner do?

The examiner will watch:

• how you handle the clutch, throttle and brake controls
• how you shift gears
• whether you keep your feet on the pegs, and
• whether you miss any turns or hit any of the traffic cones that mark your path

How do I prepare?

To prepare for the road test:

• Use the hands-on guide for riding practice, Tuning Up for Riders.
• Review the Road Sense for Riders guide.
• Practice in an empty parking lot or other safe area with your supervisor watching and giving you feedback.

What if I’ve taken a rider training course?

If you attend a certified training school, you may be able to bypass the regular motorcycle skills test. Instead, the school will assess your basic riding skills.

If successful, you will be given a Certification Form. With this form you can have the supervisor, speed and highway restrictions removed from your motorcycle learner's licence. Do this by taking the form, along with your learner's licence, to your nearest driver licensing office.

Preparing for the motorcycle road test

The motorcycle road tests will take you on a ride where you will perform

• key riding skills
• intersection and road manoeuvres
• your See-Think-Do skills, and
• your ability to spot hazards.

Here you find information about:

• when you can take the road test, and
• parts of the road test.

When can the road tests be taken?

Refer to the table below to determine if and when you can take the motorcycle road test.

* You must have passed the motorcycle skills test.

Parts of the motorcycle road test

The road test has 4 parts.

1. Pre-trip check
2. On-road manoeuvres
3. Key riding skills and hazard perception
4. Feedback session

Part 1: Pre-trip check for motorcycle road test

Before you go out on the road, you will do a pre-trip safety inspection of your motorcycle.

You should be able to show the examiner equipment such as turn signals and high beams. You should also be able to demonstrate hand signals.

Part 2. On-road manoeuvres for motorcycle road test

At the licensing office, you will be provided with a radio headset that the riding examiner will use to speak to you as he or she follows in a vehicle.

The road test includes starting the bike from a parked position and stopping and parking at the end of the test.

About the test route

The examiner will direct you through a route that includes different riding environments, such as:

• city streets
• commercial areas, and
• highways.

The route will also include different kinds of intersections, including:

• uncontrolled intersections
• intersections with stop signs, and
• multi-lane intersections controlled by traffic lights.

Note: when approaching stopped emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights as you are required to slow down and leave plenty of room. These include police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and vehicles used by vehicle inspectors, conservation officers, park rangers and special constables employed by the Ministry of Forests and Range. Be aware of these rules on your road test!

• you must slow to 70 km/h on highways with speed limits of 80 km/h or over
• you must slow to 40 km/h if the speed limit is less than 80 km/h.

Approaching intersections

As you approach an intersection, continue straight through, obeying all the rules, unless the examiner tells you to turn left or right. He or she will give you plenty of warning. The examiner will not try to trick you or ask you to make illegal or unsafe actions.

Performing manoeuvres

Along the way, you will be asked to perform various manoeuvres within a reasonable amount of time. During each manoeuvre, the examiner will mark how well you use the key riding skills (see below) and perform the See-Think-Do strategy.

Part 3. Key riding skills and hazard perception for motorcycle road test

Learning to identify hazards will help to keep you and others safe on the road. Your key riding skills will be tested in your road test.

Observation

Know what is going on all around you by scanning the driving environment. Observe your blind spots and check your mirrors. Be sure to shoulder check every time you change lanes or turn.

Hazard perception

A hazard is anything in the driving environment that could result in harm to you or other road users. Train yourself to look for other road users and all objects or road surfaces that might cause problems for you or for others in the driving environment.

Examples include:

• dangerous drivers, emergency vehicles, and other motorcycles
• hidden pedestrians, blind driveways, and blind spots
• bicycles, animals, and pedestrians
• ice and snow, and
• rough road.

Space margins

A space margin is a safe area around your vehicle that gives you time to react. Always maintain a safe following distance and keep plenty of room around you, especially when turning.

Speed control

Maintain a safe speed and remember to slow down when conditions require more caution, such as in bad weather or when hazards or small children are near the road.

Steering

Whether you are keeping the same lane position, turning, or keeping a steady line as you back up, the key to good steering is smooth and controlled handling.

Communication

Give clear signals well in advance and use hand signals if necessary, to ensure your signal is seen. Watch for communication from other road users.

Part 4. Feedback session of motorcycle road test

The examiner will spend 10 to 15 minutes with you at the end of your road test, explaining your results.

Make the most of the feedback session and ask questions if you don't understand something. Whether or not you pass the test, you will learn both positive aspects of your riding and areas where you can improve.

Not successful?

If you are not successful, the examiner will give you pointers on how to prepare for your next test.

Uncomfortable speaking English?

If you are uncomfortable speaking English, bring someone to translate for you during the feedback session.