Chapter 5-3: Driving on dangerous surfaces

The “Driving on Dangerous Surfaces” section of the Ontario motorcycle practice test prepares riders to handle challenging road conditions safely.

Ontario Motorcycle Test - Chapter 5-3: Driving on dangerous surfaces

1 / 25

How should you ride in a construction area with ruts, mud or damaged pavement?

In the loose gravel near the edge

With extra care and at a reduced speed

Only using the front brake

As fast as traffic will allow

2 / 25

Why should you rise slightly on the footrests when riding over bumps or uneven surfaces?

To make turning easier

To put more weight on the front wheel

To absorb shock with your knees and elbows

To increase your speed

3 / 25

When riding over uneven road surfaces such as potholes or broken pavement, how should you position the motorcycle?

Keep it as upright as possible and avoid turning

Lean the motorcycle more than usual

Ride with one foot off the footrest

Turn slightly to one side

4 / 25

How must school buses behave at railway crossings?

They only stop if the lights are flashing

They must stop at all railway crossings, whether or not they are protected

They only stop where there are gates

They do not have to stop if traffic is heavy

5 / 25

How close are you allowed to stop to the nearest rail or gate when a train is coming?

One metre away

Within half a metre if you can see clearly

At least five metres away

Any distance, as long as your front wheel is behind the line

6 / 25

On a motorcycle with a clutch and gears, what can you do when crossing a slippery surface to help avoid skidding?

Pull in the clutch and coast across

Apply the rear brake only

Downshift repeatedly while crossing

Accelerate steadily while crossing

7 / 25

What should you do when approaching a railway crossing?

Slow down, listen and look both ways to make sure the way is clear

Speed up to cross quickly

Sound your horn and continue at normal speed

Turn on your high beams and proceed without slowing

8 / 25

What is the main effect of grooved pavement, metal bridge gratings or scraped roads on a small motorcycle or moped?

They completely remove traction

They always cause flat tires

They can make you feel as though you are losing control

They allow for faster cornering

9 / 25

What is the safe action if signal lights are operating or a gate is down at a railway crossing?

Cross as soon as the train’s engine has passed

Drive around the gate if no train is visible

Cross when other vehicles begin to move

Wait until lights stop flashing and any gate rises before crossing

10 / 25

What must you do if you approach a railway crossing that has a stop sign?

Proceed slowly without stopping

Stop only if the lights are flashing

Stop only if a train is visible

Stop unless otherwise directed by a flagman

11 / 25

While actually traveling on a very slippery surface, what should you avoid doing?

Braking

Holding the handlebars

Looking ahead

Coasting

12 / 25

When crossing tracks or other uneven surfaces like pavement seams or a gravel shoulder, what should you avoid?

Trying to edge across the tracks or braking heavily

Keeping both hands on the handlebars

Keeping a steady speed

Looking ahead

13 / 25

What sign marks all railway crossings on public roads in Ontario?

A large red and white “X” sign

A blue and white “RR” sign

A solid red triangle

A green circle with a train symbol

14 / 25

What should your general riding style be on surfaces like bridge gratings or rutted pavement?

Ride on the shoulder to bypass it

Accelerate hard to get off the surface

Drive as smoothly as you can, choosing the best route possible

Make constant quick steering corrections

15 / 25

When you must ride over a very slippery surface like wet wood or ice, what should you do before reaching it?

Speed up to get across quickly

Turn sharply to avoid the worst area

Brake hard just as you reach the surface

Slow down as much as possible before you get there

16 / 25

What should you do if your vehicle becomes trapped on a railway crossing?

Push the vehicle along the tracks

Wait for help while remaining in the vehicle

Stay inside and try to restart the engine

Immediately leave the vehicle, move to a safe place, then contact authorities

17 / 25

When crossing railway tracks, what should you avoid doing while actually on the tracks?

Keeping a steady speed

Sitting upright

Braking or turning

Looking both ways

18 / 25

Why are railway and streetcar tracks particularly hazardous for motorcycles and mopeds?

They are always raised high above the road

They are always hidden from view

They are extremely slippery

They are designed only for cars and trucks

19 / 25

What is the correct way to cross railway or streetcar tracks that run parallel to your path?

Stop on the tracks and then accelerate

Edge slowly across with your wheels almost parallel

Cross them while turning sharply

Cross at a distinct angle of no less than 45 degrees

20 / 25

What is the best way to reduce the impact when riding over rough or uneven surfaces?

Speed up

Slow down

Shift into neutral

Apply the front brake only

21 / 25

When riding over metal bridge gratings or grooved pavement, how should you hold the handlebars?

With only one hand

As tightly as possible, making quick corrections

Very loosely with your fingertips

With a gentle but firm grip

22 / 25

When crossing railway tracks that run straight across (perpendicular to) the road, what should you be prepared for?

A strong pull to one side

A need to shift gears quickly

A requirement to stop on the tracks

A bump and the need to avoid braking or turning while on the tracks

23 / 25

Why is good traction especially important for motorcycles and mopeds?

Because they balance on only two wheels

Because they are heavier than cars

Because they cannot change direction

Because they do not have brakes

24 / 25

On a gravel road, where is traction usually better?

In the middle of the loose gravel

On the loose gravel at the edge of the road

In the tire tracks away from the loose gravel at the edge

On the shoulder of the road

25 / 25

How long can it take a train to stop under full emergency braking?

Up to two kilometres

Up to 50 metres

Up to 200 metres

Up to 500 metres

Your score is

This section covers techniques for navigating surfaces such as gravel, sand, wet pavement, ice, and uneven roads. Riders learn how to adjust speed, use gentle steering, and apply brakes smoothly to maintain control and stability. The test emphasizes the importance of scanning the road ahead for hazards and making careful lane choices. Understanding how to react on slippery or unstable surfaces is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring rider safety. Practicing these scenarios helps new motorcyclists build confidence and competence.