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

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

As close as possible to the centre line

The left tire track blocking position

The right tire track blocking position

The centre of the lane

2 / 30

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

Shoulder check, change lanes, then signal

Honk, then move over without checking

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

Signal, change lanes, then check mirrors

3 / 30

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

The very centre of the lane

As close as possible to the median or barrier

Slightly right of centre in the right tire track

Slightly left of centre in the left tire track

4 / 30

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

It guarantees you will not be hit from behind

It keeps you closest to the curb at all times

It makes lane sharing easier

It helps you see and be seen better

5 / 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 places you over the oiliest part of the lane

It keeps you out of view of other drivers

It allows more vehicles to pass you in your lane

6 / 30

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

As close as possible to the centre line

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

As close as possible to the curb

Directly in the centre of the lane

7 / 30

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

To start the turn earlier

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

To avoid using their turn signal

To use less space at the stop line

8 / 30

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

At high speed on freeways at night

On empty rural roads

On closed residential streets

In heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic

9 / 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

Slightly right of centre in the right tire track

As close as possible to the curb

Slightly left of centre in the left tire track

10 / 30

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

In the normal blocking position (left tire track)

As close as possible to the curb

In the right tire track only

In the centre of the lane

11 / 30

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

It reduces the need for signaling

It puts you closer to the gutter for drainage

It allows vehicles to share your lane safely

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

12 / 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 left tire track

In the centre of the lane

In the passing lane

13 / 30

What is “lane splitting” on a motorcycle?

Moving from one lane to another using signals

Driving on the line between lanes of traffic in heavy traffic

Sharing your lane with another vehicle

Turning from a middle lane at an intersection

14 / 30

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

It always has the worst pavement

It is too close to exit and entrance ramps

You do not have a blocking position there

It is reserved for trucks only

15 / 30

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

Anytime traffic is slow

Whenever the shoulder is wide enough

Only at night

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

16 / 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

17 / 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

Stay in the left tire track no matter what

Move to the centre of the lane to share it

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

18 / 30

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

It is where road markings are most distracting

It is coated with oil and gets slippery when wet

It is illegal to ride there

It is always rougher and more bumpy

19 / 30

How should you generally handle lane changes in heavy traffic?

Change lanes frequently to stay visible

Weave between vehicles to save time

Use lane splitting to move faster

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

20 / 30

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

Yes, but only at low speeds

Yes, if the left shoulder is paved

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

Yes, if you signal first

21 / 30

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

Move immediately to the far-left lane

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

Stay close to the curb indefinitely

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

22 / 30

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

The centre lane, if possible

Any lane next to the shoulder

The right lane

The left lane

23 / 30

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

As close as possible to the median

The left tire track blocking position

The centre of the lane

The right tire track blocking position

24 / 30

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

Only the rearview mirror

Only the lane you are leaving

Only the lane directly beside you

The far lanes as well as the one next to you

25 / 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 keeps you over the oiliest part of the lane

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

26 / 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

Only with cars, not trucks

Yes, whenever traffic is heavy

27 / 30

Why is lane splitting dangerous?

It uses more fuel

It makes it harder to use your mirrors

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

It always damages road markings

28 / 30

How do you describe lane splitting?

Acceptable if traffic is moving slowly

Safe if you use your signals

Extremely dangerous and not to be done

Recommended in emergency situations

29 / 30

Why is the shoulder check especially important when changing lanes?

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

It warns drivers behind you that you are nervous

It allows you to ignore your turn signal

It replaces the need for mirrors

30 / 30

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

Speed up to prevent anyone from passing

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

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.