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

The passenger’s feet should:

Be tucked under the seat

Hang freely on either side

Rest on the exhaust pipes

Reach and remain on the foot pegs at all times

2 / 30

Before the passenger gets on, the operator should:

Turn the handlebars fully to one side

Leave the motorcycle on the side stand

Take the motorcycle off the side stand

Start moving and let the passenger jump on

3 / 30

Tire pressure before riding with a passenger should be:

Increased to the maximum listed on the tire

Ignored unless a tire looks flat

Reduced below normal

Checked and adjusted for carrying a passenger

4 / 30

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

Look for larger gaps in traffic

Stop in the middle of intersections

Count on quicker acceleration

Use smaller gaps to get through faster

5 / 30

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

Only at night when traffic is lighter

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

Immediately on busy highways

With high-speed freeway riding

6 / 30

The safest way to carry cargo on a motorcycle is:

Held in the rider’s hands

In tank or saddle bags designed for motorcycles

Balanced on the fuel tank

Tied to the handlebars

7 / 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

8 / 30

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

Is over 500 cc

Has a storage compartment

Has a windshield

Has a seat designed to carry an extra person

9 / 30

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

Move as the operator does when increasing and decreasing speed

Stay rigid and resist all movement

Lean forward during acceleration only

Lean backward during braking

10 / 30

The passenger should be instructed to:

Shift around often to stay comfortable

Lean opposite to every turn

Sit still, especially while manoeuvring

Look only straight ahead at all times

11 / 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

12 / 30

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

Color of the frame

Radio volume

Slack in the drive chain

Helmet stickers

13 / 30

Before carrying a passenger, you may need to adjust:

Handlebar decorations

Suspension/shock absorbers

Paint color

Headlight bulbs

14 / 30

The passenger should sit:

As far back as possible on the fender

On the fuel tank

Only on the seat designed for the passenger

On the handlebars

15 / 30

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

To avoid contact with hot exhaust pipes and mufflers

To cool the brakes

To improve fuel economy

To help steer the motorcycle

16 / 30

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

Hold the front brake lever

Mount quickly without warning

Check with the operator first

Step on the exhaust pipe

17 / 30

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

Accelerate without warning

Warn the passenger if possible

Ask the passenger to steer

Turn off the engine first

18 / 30

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

Improve fuel economy

Clean the engine

Reduce stopping distance

Cause the passenger to lose balance and possibly come off

19 / 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

20 / 30

The passenger should sit:

As far forward as possible without crowding the operator

Sideways on the seat

Standing on the pegs

As far backward as possible

21 / 30

Appropriate passenger equipment includes:

Helmet, protective clothing, footwear, and eye protection

Sandals and shorts

Helmet only

Regular eyeglasses only

22 / 30

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

Sit farther back on the seat

Keep your arms fully extended and rigid

Loosen your grip on the handlebars

Use more strength to hold your body position

23 / 30

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

Heated grips and saddlebags

Passenger hand grips and foot rests

A radio and mirrors

A trunk and side stand

24 / 30

When fastening a load on a motorcycle, you should:

Attach items to the front fender for easy access

Assume the load will stay secure without checking

Use elastic bungee cords or nets and check the load regularly

Use rope that stretches and tie one big knot

25 / 30

It is recommended that the passenger:

Uses only the hand grips and never the operator

Holds on to the operator’s waist

Leans backward at all times

Holds only the rear turn signals

26 / 30

When carrying a passenger, your following distance should be:

Reduced to less than two seconds

Increased to three to four seconds

Ignored if you have good brakes

Kept the same as when riding alone

27 / 30

Clear communication and cooperation between operator and passenger:

Are optional on short trips

Are extremely important to reduce the risk of injuries

Are needed only for long-distance travel

Matter only at high speed

28 / 30

With a passenger on board, you should:

Avoid using the brakes in curves

Maintain your usual cornering speed

Take corners faster to counter extra weight

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

29 / 30

The passenger must wear which of the following by law?

A reflective vest

An approved helmet

A leather jacket

Steel-toe boots

30 / 30

When is riding with a passenger recommended?

Whenever the passenger insists

Only on highways

Only after you are an experienced rider

As soon as the motorcycle is purchased

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.