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

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

They can make you feel as though you are losing control

They always cause flat tires

They allow for faster cornering

They completely remove traction

2 / 25

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

Keeping both hands on the handlebars

Looking ahead

Keeping a steady speed

Trying to edge across the tracks or braking heavily

3 / 25

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

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

Cross as soon as the train’s engine has passed

4 / 25

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

Braking

Holding the handlebars

Looking ahead

Coasting

5 / 25

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

Push the vehicle along the tracks

Stay inside and try to restart the engine

Wait for help while remaining in the vehicle

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

6 / 25

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

A green circle with a train symbol

A solid red triangle

A blue and white “RR” sign

A large red and white “X” sign

7 / 25

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

They are extremely slippery

They are always hidden from view

They are always raised high above the road

They are designed only for cars and trucks

8 / 25

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

Within half a metre if you can see clearly

One metre away

At least five metres away

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

9 / 25

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

Ride on the shoulder to bypass it

Make constant quick steering corrections

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

Accelerate hard to get off the surface

10 / 25

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

Slow down as much as possible before you get there

Speed up to get across quickly

Brake hard just as you reach the surface

Turn sharply to avoid the worst area

11 / 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

Ride with one foot off the footrest

Lean the motorcycle more than usual

Turn slightly to one side

12 / 25

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

Only using the front brake

As fast as traffic will allow

With extra care and at a reduced speed

In the loose gravel near the edge

13 / 25

How must school buses behave at railway crossings?

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

They only stop if the lights are flashing

14 / 25

Why is good traction especially important for motorcycles and mopeds?

Because they are heavier than cars

Because they cannot change direction

Because they balance on only two wheels

Because they do not have brakes

15 / 25

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

Up to 500 metres

Up to 200 metres

Up to 50 metres

Up to two kilometres

16 / 25

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

To absorb shock with your knees and elbows

To make turning easier

To increase your speed

To put more weight on the front wheel

17 / 25

On a gravel road, where is traction usually better?

On the loose gravel at the edge of the road

In the middle of the loose gravel

On the shoulder of the road

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

18 / 25

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

Shift into neutral

Apply the front brake only

Slow down

Speed up

19 / 25

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

With a gentle but firm grip

Very loosely with your fingertips

As tightly as possible, making quick corrections

With only one hand

20 / 25

What should you do when approaching a railway crossing?

Turn on your high beams and proceed without slowing

Sound your horn and continue at normal speed

Speed up to cross quickly

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

21 / 25

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

Cross them while turning sharply

Stop on the tracks and then accelerate

Cross at a distinct angle of no less than 45 degrees

Edge slowly across with your wheels almost parallel

22 / 25

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

Braking or turning

Looking both ways

Sitting upright

Keeping a steady speed

23 / 25

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

Accelerate steadily while crossing

Pull in the clutch and coast across

Downshift repeatedly while crossing

Apply the rear brake only

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

A requirement to stop on the tracks

A need to shift gears quickly

25 / 25

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

Stop only if the lights are flashing

Proceed slowly without stopping

Stop only if a train is visible

Stop unless otherwise directed by a flagman

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.