Chapter 4-4: Positioning

The “Positioning” section of the Ontario motorcycle practice test focuses on where a rider should be within a lane to maximize safety and visibility.

Ontario Motorcycle Test - Chapter 4-4: Positioning

1 / 30

After making a wider-lane right turn from the curb lane, what should you do regarding lane position?

Stay close to the curb indefinitely

Move immediately to the far-left lane

Stay in the centre of the lane for the rest of the trip

Shoulder check if necessary and move back to the proper blocking position (left tire track)

2 / 30

What is the correct sequence before changing lanes on a motorcycle?

Signal, change lanes, then check mirrors

Check mirrors, signal, check mirrors again, then shoulder check before moving

Shoulder check, change lanes, then signal

Honk, then move over without checking

3 / 30

Approaching a right turn where the curb lane remains the same width, where should you stay?

In the right tire track only

In the centre of the lane

In the normal blocking position (left tire track)

As close as possible to the curb

4 / 30

On a freeway with three or more lanes, what lane should you generally avoid on a motorcycle?

The left lane

The centre lane, if possible

The right lane

Any lane next to the shoulder

5 / 30

If your moped cannot maintain the posted speed limit, where should you generally ride?

As close as safely possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway

In the centre of the lane

In the passing lane

In the left tire track

6 / 30

Why is the right tire track recommended in the passing lane?

It lets other vehicles share your lane safely

It hides you from oncoming traffic

It provides good visibility and blocks vehicles from driving beside you in the lane

It keeps you over the oiliest part of the lane

7 / 30

Why is the left tire track in the curb lane recommended?

It provides good visibility and blocks vehicles from pulling up beside you in the lane

It reduces the need for signaling

It allows vehicles to share your lane safely

It puts you closer to the gutter for drainage

8 / 30

Under normal conditions, should you share your lane with other vehicles on a motorcycle?

No, you should not share your lane unless you are forced near the curb because you cannot maintain the speed limit

Only with other motorcycles

Yes, whenever traffic is heavy

Only with cars, not trucks

9 / 30

When your limited-speed motorcycle cannot keep up and the lane is too narrow for safe passing, what may you do?

Stop in the lane to force others around you

Ride on the lane line to create more space

Use a blocking position so no one can pass you in the lane

Ride on the shoulder to let others pass

10 / 30

In which situation are other drivers most likely to try to share your lane?

On empty rural roads

At high speed on freeways at night

On closed residential streets

In heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic

11 / 30

Are you allowed to pass on the left shoulder of the road?

No, you may not pass on the left shoulder whether it is paved or not

Yes, if you signal first

Yes, if the left shoulder is paved

Yes, but only at low speeds

12 / 30

What is the best way to avoid lane sharing by other drivers?

Ride very close to the curb at all times

Ride on the lane line

Keep your blocking position, especially where drivers might try to squeeze by

Speed up to prevent anyone from passing

13 / 30

Why is the shoulder check especially important when changing lanes?

It replaces the need for mirrors

It warns drivers behind you that you are nervous

It is the only sure way to see a vehicle behind you in the next lane

It allows you to ignore your turn signal

14 / 30

When approaching a right turn where the lane opens up and becomes wider, how should you adjust your position?

Move onto the shoulder to turn

Shoulder check and move to the right tire track to prevent vehicles coming up on the inside

Move to the centre of the lane to share it

Stay in the left tire track no matter what

15 / 30

Why might some motorcycle drivers angle their motorcycles across the lane (about 45 degrees) at a right turn?

To use less space at the stop line

To avoid using their turn signal

To start the turn earlier

To create a larger blocking position and be more visible to drivers behind

16 / 30

What is one main advantage of riding in a tire track position?

It helps you see and be seen better

It keeps you closest to the curb at all times

It guarantees you will not be hit from behind

It makes lane sharing easier

17 / 30

How should you generally handle lane changes in heavy traffic?

Use lane splitting to move faster

Weave between vehicles to save time

Stay in the same lane as much as possible; weaving is dangerous

Change lanes frequently to stay visible

18 / 30

In the right (curb) lane of a two-lane road, which tire track is usually recommended for motorcycles?

Directly in the centre of the lane

As close as possible to the curb

Slightly left of centre in the left tire track

Slightly right of centre in the right tire track

19 / 30

When, if ever, may you drive on the right shoulder of the road to pass another vehicle?

Only to pass a vehicle turning left, and only if the shoulder is paved

Only at night

Anytime traffic is slow

Whenever the shoulder is wide enough

20 / 30

What is “lane splitting” on a motorcycle?

Sharing your lane with another vehicle

Driving on the line between lanes of traffic in heavy traffic

Turning from a middle lane at an intersection

Moving from one lane to another using signals

21 / 30

In the passing lane, which tire track should a motorcycle generally use?

Slightly left of centre in the left tire track

Slightly right of centre in the right tire track

The very centre of the lane

As close as possible to the median or barrier

22 / 30

When riding a motorcycle, where is the best general position in a lane?

As close as possible to the centre line

As close as possible to the curb

Slightly left or right of centre, in a tire track of a four-wheeled vehicle

Directly in the centre of the lane

23 / 30

Why is the centre lane on a multi-lane freeway not recommended for motorcycles?

It is too close to exit and entrance ramps

It always has the worst pavement

You do not have a blocking position there

It is reserved for trucks only

24 / 30

Why is the tire track position also called the “blocking position”?

It discourages other drivers from trying to squeeze past you in the same lane

It keeps you out of view of other drivers

It places you over the oiliest part of the lane

It allows more vehicles to pass you in your lane

25 / 30

When making a left turn from the curb lane to the curb lane, what blocking position should you maintain throughout the turn?

The right tire track blocking position

The left tire track blocking position

As close as possible to the centre line

The centre of the lane

26 / 30

On a multi-lane road, what should you check before changing lanes?

Only the lane directly beside you

Only the rearview mirror

The far lanes as well as the one next to you

Only the lane you are leaving

27 / 30

Why is the centre of the lane usually a poor riding position?

It is coated with oil and gets slippery when wet

It is always rougher and more bumpy

It is illegal to ride there

It is where road markings are most distracting

28 / 30

How do you describe lane splitting?

Extremely dangerous and not to be done

Recommended in emergency situations

Safe if you use your signals

Acceptable if traffic is moving slowly

29 / 30

Why is lane splitting dangerous?

It puts you too close to other vehicles and drivers do not expect you there

It always damages road markings

It makes it harder to use your mirrors

It uses more fuel

30 / 30

When turning left from the passing lane to the passing lane, which blocking position should you keep?

The centre of the lane

The right tire track blocking position

As close as possible to the median

The left tire track blocking position

Your score is

Proper lane positioning helps motorcyclists see and be seen by other drivers, avoid road hazards, and create escape routes in emergencies. The test evaluates knowledge of choosing the best lane position based on traffic, road conditions, and turning situations. It also emphasizes staying out of other vehicles’ blind spots and adjusting position for better visibility at intersections. Mastering this section is essential for passing the test and practicing safe, defensive riding on Ontario’s roads.