Chapter 8a: Carrying a Passenger or Cargo

The chapter “Carrying a Passenger or Cargo” in the Alberta motorcycle practice test is essential for riders looking to enhance their skills in handling additional weight.

Alberta Motorcycle Test - Chapter 8a: Carrying a Passenger or Cargo

1 / 30

When carrying a passenger for the first time, you should start:

At slow speeds in areas free of traffic, then light traffic

Immediately on busy highways

Only at night when traffic is lighter

With high-speed freeway riding

2 / 30

Tire pressure before riding with a passenger should be:

Increased to the maximum listed on the tire

Reduced below normal

Checked and adjusted for carrying a passenger

Ignored unless a tire looks flat

3 / 30

The safest way to carry cargo on a motorcycle is:

In tank or saddle bags designed for motorcycles

Balanced on the fuel tank

Tied to the handlebars

Held in the rider’s hands

4 / 30

When approaching a turn or curve, the passenger should:

Look over the operator’s shoulder in the direction of the turn

Look away from the turn

Sit upright and not lean at all

Close their eyes

5 / 30

The passenger’s feet should:

Reach and remain on the foot pegs at all times

Rest on the exhaust pipes

Be tucked under the seat

Hang freely on either side

6 / 30

Compared to riding alone, when carrying a passenger you should:

Rely mostly on engine braking

Reduce speed earlier because stopping time and distance increase

Brake later to keep traffic flowing

Downshift instead of slowing early

7 / 30

The passenger must wear which of the following by law?

A reflective vest

A leather jacket

An approved helmet

Steel-toe boots

8 / 30

When carrying a passenger, your following distance should be:

Increased to three to four seconds

Kept the same as when riding alone

Reduced to less than two seconds

Ignored if you have good brakes

9 / 30

Due to the extra weight of a passenger, when crossing, entering, or merging with traffic, you should:

Count on quicker acceleration

Use smaller gaps to get through faster

Stop in the middle of intersections

Look for larger gaps in traffic

10 / 30

Before the passenger gets on, the operator should:

Start moving and let the passenger jump on

Take the motorcycle off the side stand

Leave the motorcycle on the side stand

Turn the handlebars fully to one side

11 / 30

The passenger should sit:

Standing on the pegs

As far backward as possible

As far forward as possible without crowding the operator

Sideways on the seat

12 / 30

In addition to a suitable seat, the motorcycle must also have:

Passenger hand grips and foot rests

Heated grips and saddlebags

A radio and mirrors

A trunk and side stand

13 / 30

Before sudden movements such as quick acceleration or lane changes, the operator should:

Ask the passenger to steer

Turn off the engine first

Accelerate without warning

Warn the passenger if possible

14 / 30

Compared to riding alone, when carrying a passenger you must:

Sit farther back on the seat

Loosen your grip on the handlebars

Use more strength to hold your body position

Keep your arms fully extended and rigid

15 / 30

When loading saddle bags, you should:

Put all items on top of the motorcycle

Place most weight at the front fender

Load them with about the same weight on each side

Put all heavy items on one side

16 / 30

Before getting on or off the motorcycle, the passenger should:

Check with the operator first

Mount quickly without warning

Hold the front brake lever

Step on the exhaust pipe

17 / 30

Appropriate passenger equipment includes:

Sandals and shorts

Helmet, protective clothing, footwear, and eye protection

Helmet only

Regular eyeglasses only

18 / 30

The passenger should sit:

On the handlebars

Only on the seat designed for the passenger

On the fuel tank

As far back as possible on the fender

19 / 30

Why must a passenger’s feet stay on the pegs even when stopped?

To help steer the motorcycle

To avoid contact with hot exhaust pipes and mufflers

To improve fuel economy

To cool the brakes

20 / 30

Clear communication and cooperation between operator and passenger:

Are extremely important to reduce the risk of injuries

Matter only at high speed

Are needed only for long-distance travel

Are optional on short trips

21 / 30

With a passenger on board, you should:

Operate at a slower speed, particularly on corners, curves, or bumps

Avoid using the brakes in curves

Take corners faster to counter extra weight

Maintain your usual cornering speed

22 / 30

To help with smooth acceleration and braking, the passenger should:

Lean backward during braking

Move as the operator does when increasing and decreasing speed

Stay rigid and resist all movement

Lean forward during acceleration only

23 / 30

When is riding with a passenger recommended?

Only on highways

Whenever the passenger insists

Only after you are an experienced rider

As soon as the motorcycle is purchased

24 / 30

It is recommended that the passenger:

Leans backward at all times

Holds only the rear turn signals

Holds on to the operator’s waist

Uses only the hand grips and never the operator

25 / 30

When preparing your motorcycle for a passenger, you should check:

Helmet stickers

Color of the frame

Radio volume

Slack in the drive chain

26 / 30

A passenger is legally permitted on a motorcycle only if the motorcycle:

Has a windshield

Is over 500 cc

Has a seat designed to carry an extra person

Has a storage compartment

27 / 30

Sudden acceleration with a passenger should be avoided because it can:

Cause the passenger to lose balance and possibly come off

Clean the engine

Improve fuel economy

Reduce stopping distance

28 / 30

Before carrying a passenger, you may need to adjust:

Paint color

Headlight bulbs

Handlebar decorations

Suspension/shock absorbers

29 / 30

When fastening a load on a motorcycle, you should:

Use elastic bungee cords or nets and check the load regularly

Assume the load will stay secure without checking

Use rope that stretches and tie one big knot

Attach items to the front fender for easy access

30 / 30

The passenger should be instructed to:

Sit still, especially while manoeuvring

Shift around often to stay comfortable

Look only straight ahead at all times

Lean opposite to every turn

Your score is

This section focuses on the adjustments needed when riding with a passenger or cargo, such as balancing, braking, and maneuvering. It emphasizes the importance of communication with passengers and ensuring their safety through proper seating and holding techniques. Riders learn how to distribute weight evenly and adjust suspension settings for stability. Mastering these skills ensures a smoother and safer ride, promoting confidence and responsibility when transporting passengers or cargo on Alberta’s roads.

Challenge yourself by repeatedly working through the Alberta motorcycle practice test questions. Aim to understand and articulate the underlying concepts clearly and confidently, without needing to consult your notes.