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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When should you downshift on a motorcycle with gears?

Only on straight roads

Only when stopped

Only when the engine is very loud

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

2 / 30

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

Watch online videos only

Take a motorcycle safety course

Practice alone in a parking lot

Learn from friends

3 / 30

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

Turn the ignition switch on

Do not touch the ignition

Turn the ignition switch off

Leave the ignition at “accessory”

4 / 30

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

While accelerating hard in a turn

Only when stopped completely

When engine speed is much higher than motorcycle speed

When engine speed is lower than the motorcycle’s speed

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

Apply only the rear brake

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

Downshift without using the clutch

Always fully close the throttle

6 / 30

How are most mopeds typically started?

By pushing a starter button only

By kick-starting only

By turning the key only, with no pedalling

By pedalling first, then turning the ignition key

7 / 30

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

That it is not in the “off” position

That it is covered with tape

That it is in the “off” position

That it is halfway between on and off

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

At the very end of the turn

While leaning the motorcycle as far as possible

In the middle of the turn

Before entering the turn

9 / 30

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

Keep only one foot on the ground

Stand on your toes only

Place your feet flat on the ground

Keep both feet on the footrests at all times

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How do you shift up smoothly?

Push the shift lever down without using 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

Pull in the clutch and immediately release it without changing throttle

Increase throttle and ignore the clutch

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When should you shift up on a motorcycle with gears?

Only when the engine sounds quiet

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

Only when going uphill

Only when you brake

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

Second

Neutral

Fifth

First

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How do you get a motorcycle off a centre stand?

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

Push the motorcycle sideways

Pull the handlebars sharply toward you

Kick the stand backward as hard as possible

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How should your arms and posture be when driving along?

Leaned far forward with arms locked straight

Slouched with elbows resting on your knees

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

Leaned back with arms fully stretched

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

Put it back on the centre stand

Rev the engine and ride away

Let it continue to roll until it stops on its own

Apply the front brake to stop it from rolling forward

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

That it has the loudest exhaust

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

That it can go faster than other vehicles

That it is the newest model

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What must you always do before driving away?

Turn off the headlight

Check the horn

Make sure the kickstand and centre stand are completely raised

Fold in the mirrors

18 / 30

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

Under the seat

On the left handlebar

Above the left footrest

Above the right footrest

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

Twist throttle fully, then press starter

Press starter, then turn ignition on

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

Put in first gear, then press starter without 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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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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What is critically important when changing gears on a motorcycle?

Shifting as fast as possible without the clutch

Using only the throttle to change gears

Learning to coordinate clutch and throttle movements smoothly

Always looking at the gear lever

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

Always leave it fully closed

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

Ignore it, it is not important

Always leave it fully open

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What is one benefit of taking a motorcycle safety course?

You learn good driving habits from trained instructors

You are guaranteed never to crash

You can skip the road test

You no longer need a licence

25 / 30

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

Front

Right side

Rear

Left side

26 / 30

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

Pull it up with your hand only

Use your right heel to push it forward

Drive forward to lift it automatically

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

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

Alternate lifting each foot off the footrest

Rest your feet on the ground while moving

Keep knees wide and feet dangling

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

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How do most modern limited-speed motorcycles usually start?

You must always kick-start them

You must push-start them in gear

They start automatically when you turn the ignition key

You must always pedal them first

29 / 30

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

A general car handbook

The operator’s manual

A friend’s advice

An online forum

30 / 30

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

Push the motorcycle with your feet while in neutral

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

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.