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

Before the passenger gets on, the operator should:

Take the motorcycle off the side stand

Start moving and let the passenger jump on

Leave the motorcycle on the side stand

Turn the handlebars fully to one side

2 / 30

The passenger should be instructed to:

Shift around often to stay comfortable

Look only straight ahead at all times

Sit still, especially while manoeuvring

Lean opposite to every turn

3 / 30

Clear communication and cooperation between operator and passenger:

Are extremely important to reduce the risk of injuries

Are needed only for long-distance travel

Matter only at high speed

Are optional on short trips

4 / 30

Tire pressure before riding with a passenger should be:

Reduced below normal

Increased to the maximum listed on the tire

Ignored unless a tire looks flat

Checked and adjusted for carrying a passenger

5 / 30

When carrying a passenger, your following distance should be:

Increased to three to four seconds

Ignored if you have good brakes

Kept the same as when riding alone

Reduced to less than two seconds

6 / 30

The passenger must wear which of the following by law?

An approved helmet

Steel-toe boots

A reflective vest

A leather jacket

7 / 30

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

Reduce speed earlier because stopping time and distance increase

Downshift instead of slowing early

Rely mostly on engine braking

Brake later to keep traffic flowing

8 / 30

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

Slack in the drive chain

Radio volume

Color of the frame

Helmet stickers

9 / 30

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

Mount quickly without warning

Hold the front brake lever

Check with the operator first

Step on the exhaust pipe

10 / 30

The passenger should sit:

Sideways on the seat

As far forward as possible without crowding the operator

As far backward as possible

Standing on the pegs

11 / 30

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

Move as the operator does when increasing and decreasing speed

Lean backward during braking

Stay rigid and resist all movement

Lean forward during acceleration only

12 / 30

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

Sit farther back on the seat

Use more strength to hold your body position

Loosen your grip on the handlebars

Keep your arms fully extended and rigid

13 / 30

With a passenger on board, you should:

Take corners faster to counter extra weight

Avoid using the brakes in curves

Maintain your usual cornering speed

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

14 / 30

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

Cause the passenger to lose balance and possibly come off

Reduce stopping distance

Clean the engine

Improve fuel economy

15 / 30

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

To improve fuel economy

To avoid contact with hot exhaust pipes and mufflers

To help steer the motorcycle

To cool the brakes

16 / 30

When fastening a load on a motorcycle, you should:

Attach items to the front fender for easy access

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

17 / 30

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

Count on quicker acceleration

Look for larger gaps in traffic

Use smaller gaps to get through faster

Stop in the middle of intersections

18 / 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

19 / 30

The safest way to carry cargo on a motorcycle is:

Balanced on the fuel tank

In tank or saddle bags designed for motorcycles

Tied to the handlebars

Held in the rider’s hands

20 / 30

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

Heated grips and saddlebags

A trunk and side stand

A radio and mirrors

Passenger hand grips and foot rests

21 / 30

Appropriate passenger equipment includes:

Sandals and shorts

Regular eyeglasses only

Helmet only

Helmet, protective clothing, footwear, and eye protection

22 / 30

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

Has a windshield

Has a storage compartment

Has a seat designed to carry an extra person

Is over 500 cc

23 / 30

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

Accelerate without warning

Turn off the engine first

Ask the passenger to steer

Warn the passenger if possible

24 / 30

Before carrying a passenger, you may need to adjust:

Paint color

Handlebar decorations

Suspension/shock absorbers

Headlight bulbs

25 / 30

The passenger should sit:

On the fuel tank

As far back as possible on the fender

On the handlebars

Only on the seat designed for the passenger

26 / 30

The passenger’s feet should:

Reach and remain on the foot pegs at all times

Rest on the exhaust pipes

Hang freely on either side

Be tucked under the seat

27 / 30

When is riding with a passenger recommended?

Whenever the passenger insists

Only after you are an experienced rider

As soon as the motorcycle is purchased

Only on highways

28 / 30

When approaching a turn or curve, the passenger should:

Sit upright and not lean at all

Close their eyes

Look away from the turn

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

29 / 30

When loading saddle bags, you should:

Place most weight at the front fender

Load them with about the same weight on each side

Put all items on top of the motorcycle

Put all heavy items on one side

30 / 30

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

Only at night when traffic is lighter

Immediately on busy highways

With high-speed freeway riding

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

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.