Chapter 3-1: Basic motorcycle and moped driving skills

The “Basic Motorcycle and Moped Driving Skills” section of the Ontario motorcycle practice test is designed to assess and develop foundational riding abilities.

Ontario Motorcycle Test - Chapter 3-1: Basic motorcycle and moped driving skills

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What is the correct sequence for starting a motorcycle with an electric starter?

Press starter, then turn ignition on

Twist throttle fully, then press starter

Put in first gear, then press starter without clutch

Turn ignition on, check kill switch, shift to neutral, set choke, pull in clutch, press starter

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What must you always do before driving away?

Fold in the mirrors

Make sure the kickstand and centre stand are completely raised

Check the horn

Turn off the headlight

3 / 30

What gear should a motorcycle’s transmission be in before starting the engine?

First

Fifth

Neutral

Second

4 / 30

How are most mopeds typically started?

By turning the key only, with no pedalling

By pushing a starter button only

By pedalling first, then turning the ignition key

By kick-starting only

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What should you do with your knees and feet while riding to maintain control and balance?

Keep knees wide and feet dangling

Rest your feet on the ground while moving

Alternate lifting each foot off the footrest

Hold knees firmly against the gas tank and keep feet firmly on the footrests

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How should your arms and posture be when driving along?

Fairly straight posture, arms slightly bent so you can reach and turn the handlebars comfortably

Leaned back with arms fully stretched

Leaned far forward with arms locked straight

Slouched with elbows resting on your knees

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What is the best way to learn proper motorcycle driving techniques from the start?

Take a motorcycle safety course

Learn from friends

Practice alone in a parking lot

Watch online videos only

8 / 30

After a motorcycle rolls off the centre stand, what should you do immediately?

Put it back on the centre stand

Apply the front brake to stop it from rolling forward

Let it continue to roll until it stops on its own

Rev the engine and ride away

9 / 30

From which side should you mount a motorcycle or moped with a kickstand?

Left side

Right side

Front

Rear

10 / 30

How do most modern limited-speed motorcycles usually start?

They start automatically when you turn the ignition key

You must always kick-start them

You must push-start them in gear

You must always pedal them first

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Before starting a motorcycle (not limited-speed), what should you do with the ignition?

Leave the ignition at “accessory”

Turn the ignition switch on

Turn the ignition switch off

Do not touch the ignition

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When is it best to shift gears while approaching a turn?

Before entering the turn

While leaning the motorcycle as far as possible

In the middle of the turn

At the very end of the turn

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When should you downshift to avoid a rear-wheel skid?

When engine speed is much higher than motorcycle speed

Only when stopped completely

While accelerating hard in a turn

When engine speed is lower than the motorcycle’s speed

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What should you consult to learn the proper starting technique for your specific vehicle?

A general car handbook

The operator’s manual

An online forum

A friend’s advice

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What is the main purpose of the gears in a motorcycle transmission?

To match engine speed with motorcycle speed and provide needed power

To make the motorcycle louder

To reduce fuel consumption at all times

To allow the engine to idle more quietly

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When seated properly on a motorcycle or moped, what should you be able to do?

Place your feet flat on the ground

Keep both feet on the footrests at all times

Stand on your toes only

Keep only one foot on the ground

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Where is the kick-starter usually located on a motorcycle that has one?

Above the right footrest

On the left handlebar

Under the seat

Above the left footrest

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What must you check about the engine kill switch before starting?

That it is in the “off” position

That it is halfway between on and off

That it is covered with tape

That it is not in the “off” position

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How do you shift up smoothly?

Increase throttle and ignore the clutch

Twist the throttle off as you pull in the clutch, move the shift lever up, then ease out the clutch and reapply throttle

Push the shift lever down without using the clutch

Pull in the clutch and immediately release it without changing throttle

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What should you check first to ensure a motorcycle or moped is suitable for you?

That it can go faster than other vehicles

That it has the loudest exhaust

That it is the newest model

That it is not too heavy or large for you to drive comfortably

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What should you do with the choke when starting the engine?

Always leave it fully open

Always leave it fully closed

Set it as required, according to engine temperature and vehicle characteristics

Ignore it, it is not important

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When should you shift up on a motorcycle with gears?

When driving faster and/or when the engine is turning too fast for the motorcycle’s speed

Only when the engine sounds quiet

Only when going uphill

Only when you brake

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What must you do when downshifting to avoid a jerky motion?

Apply only the rear brake

Downshift without using the clutch

Always fully close the throttle

Twist the throttle slightly to increase engine speed while the clutch is pulled in

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When should you downshift on a motorcycle with gears?

Only when the engine is very loud

Only on straight roads

When slowing down and/or when the engine is turning too slowly

Only when stopped

25 / 30

How do you get a motorcycle off a centre stand?

Mount it and gently rock it forward until it rolls off the stand

Kick the stand backward as hard as possible

Push the motorcycle sideways

Pull the handlebars sharply toward you

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How should you position your wrists and toes while riding?

Keep wrists and toes rigid and pointing downward

Keep wrists low to avoid accidental throttle and toes up so they do not get caught

Keep wrists loose and toes hanging off the footrest

Keep wrists high and toes pointed down

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After straightening a motorcycle with a kickstand, how should you put the stand away?

Drive forward to lift it automatically

Use your left heel to kick the stand up and out of the way

Use your right heel to push it forward

Pull it up with your hand only

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Once the engine is running, how should you begin moving forward?

Shift into first, ease out the clutch until it begins to move, then raise your feet and add throttle

Start in second gear without using the clutch

Immediately release the clutch and twist the throttle fully

Push the motorcycle with your feet while in neutral

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What is critically important when changing gears on a motorcycle?

Learning to coordinate clutch and throttle movements smoothly

Using only the throttle to change gears

Always looking at the gear lever

Shifting as fast as possible without the clutch

30 / 30

What is one benefit of taking a motorcycle safety course?

You are guaranteed never to crash

You learn good driving habits from trained instructors

You can skip the road test

You no longer need a licence

Your score is

This section covers essential skills such as starting, stopping, turning, shifting gears, and using signals effectively. Riders learn how to maintain balance, control speed, and adapt to various traffic situations. Emphasis is placed on smooth acceleration, proper braking techniques, and the observance of all road signs. Mastery of these basic skills is crucial for safe riding and is a prerequisite for more advanced maneuvers. By practicing and understanding these fundamentals, riders are better prepared for real-world road conditions in Ontario.