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?

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

Press starter, then turn ignition on

Put in first gear, then press starter without clutch

Twist throttle fully, then press starter

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How do you get a motorcycle off a centre stand?

Push the motorcycle sideways

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

Kick the stand backward as hard as possible

Pull the handlebars sharply toward you

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

Turn the ignition switch on

Leave the ignition at “accessory”

Turn the ignition switch off

Do not touch the ignition

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How should you position your wrists and toes while riding?

Keep wrists loose and toes hanging off the footrest

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

Keep wrists and toes rigid and pointing downward

Keep wrists high and toes pointed down

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

Always leave it fully open

Ignore it, it is not important

Always leave it fully closed

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

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How do most modern limited-speed motorcycles usually start?

You must always pedal them first

You must always kick-start them

They start automatically when you turn the ignition key

You must push-start them in gear

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

Rest your feet on the ground while moving

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

Keep knees wide and feet dangling

Alternate lifting each foot off the footrest

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

In the middle of the turn

Before entering the turn

At the very end of the turn

While leaning the motorcycle as far as possible

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

First

Second

Fifth

Neutral

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

Pull it up with your hand only

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

Drive forward to lift it automatically

Use your right heel to push it forward

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

While accelerating hard in a turn

When engine speed is much higher than motorcycle speed

When engine speed is lower than the motorcycle’s speed

Only when stopped completely

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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 no longer need a licence

You can skip the road test

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

Let it continue to roll until it stops on its own

Put it back on the centre stand

Apply the front brake to stop it from rolling forward

Rev the engine and ride away

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How do you shift up smoothly?

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

Increase throttle and ignore the clutch

Pull in the clutch and immediately release it without changing throttle

Push the shift lever down without using the clutch

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

Above the right footrest

Above the left footrest

On the left handlebar

Under the seat

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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 you brake

Only when going uphill

Only when the engine sounds quiet

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When should you downshift on a motorcycle with gears?

Only on straight roads

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

Only when stopped

Only when the engine is very loud

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

A friend’s advice

An online forum

The operator’s manual

A general car handbook

19 / 30

What must you always do before driving away?

Fold in the mirrors

Turn off the headlight

Check the horn

Make sure the kickstand and centre stand are completely raised

20 / 30

How are most mopeds typically started?

By pedalling first, then turning the ignition key

By turning the key only, with no pedalling

By pushing a starter button only

By kick-starting only

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What is critically important when changing gears on a motorcycle?

Learning to coordinate clutch and throttle movements smoothly

Always looking at the gear lever

Shifting as fast as possible without the clutch

Using only the throttle to change gears

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

Take a motorcycle safety course

Practice alone in a parking lot

Watch online videos only

Learn from friends

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

Always fully close the throttle

Downshift without using the clutch

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

Apply only the rear brake

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

Left side

Front

Rear

Right side

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

That it is the newest model

That it can go faster than other vehicles

That it has the loudest exhaust

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

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How should your arms and posture be when driving along?

Slouched with elbows resting on your knees

Leaned back with arms fully stretched

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

Leaned far forward with arms locked straight

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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

Push the motorcycle with your feet while in neutral

Immediately release the clutch and twist the throttle fully

Start in second gear without using the clutch

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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

Keep only one foot on the ground

Stand on your toes only

30 / 30

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

That it is halfway between on and off

That it is covered with tape

That it is not in the “off” position

That it is in the “off” position

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.