ONTARIO M1 TEST RULES 04

Railway crossings are potentially hazardous due to the fact that trains travel much faster than they seem, and cannot stop quickly. It can take 2 km or more for a train to stop even when brakes are fully applied. Never depend on a train to be able to stop on time to avoid you, and drive on only once the train has passed. Other hazards at railway crossings may include having to stop for other vehicles, and the loss of traction which can occur because train tracks are slippery at all times, and more so when they are wet.

It is important to ensure that you are clearly visible to all the other drivers on the freeway. Using the turn signal at the entrance ramp ensures that freeway traffic can see the motorcycle, and you, as early as possible.

To avoid skidding, motorcyclists are advised to shift gears after completing a turn, not during it.

Special care should be taken when towing a trailer with a motorcycle. The trailer must have a mandatory white plate light, two red reflectors on the rear and a red tail light.

Stopping on a freeway is dangerous. Backing up or driving in the wrong direction is illegal, unless under the direction of a traffic officer. If an exit is missed, continue driving until the next exit, where it is safe to pull off the highway and plan an alternate route. In most places where there is an off-ramp, there is a corresponding on-ramp for the opposite direction, providing a safe way to travel back to the missed exit. Alternatively, local roads can be used to get back to the correct exit.

Motorcycles should be inspected before each use. Regular maintenance helps ensure safe operation of a motorcycle. Keeping the correct amount of oil in the engine is essential.

If it is necessary to pull off the road, be sure to park the motorcycle as far away from driving lanes as possible. The motorcyclist should move even further from the road if possible: standing right beside the motorcycle could be dangerous as sometimes vehicles parked alongside the roadway are sideswiped by passing traffic. Placing a helmet on the ground near the back of the parked motorcycle is a sign for assistance needed.

Even with protective headgear, motorcyclists can be distracted and potentially hurt by debris or flying objects. Be prepared and do not panic. Panic can cause motorcyclists to make potentially fatal driving errors. Maintain a firm grip on the handlebars, drive until there is a safe place to pull over and stop, then assess any damage.

A seized engine means the engine has frozen or become locked. There are usually some warning signs before this happens, so motorcyclists have some time to react before the engine seizes and the wheels lock. It is important to stop and pull over before that happens.

Traffic lanes are not meant to be used by two vehicles at the same time - there isn't enough room. When two vehicles attempt to share lanes, they become too close to one another, increasing the risk of collision. Lane sharing should be avoided; motorcyclists are advised to maintain proper blocking position to ensure that other vehicles do not attempt to enter their lane.

A staggered formation allows motorcyclists to drive close to each other in a group but prevents them from driving too close or alongside one another. Using staggered formation, motorcyclists ensure they have enough room in which to safely manoeuvre.

Being prepared for any kind of circumstance on the road is one of the biggest hallmarks of a skilled motorcyclist. The ability to anticipate and respond appropriately to dangerous situations is what separates good drivers from average and not-so-good ones. It is important to be able to anticipate and be ready for all suddenly-changing circumstances in order to respond properly. Anticipating dangers before they occur can also prevent panic and nervousness, both of which can further complicate situations where the motorcyclist already faces danger.

The responsiveness of a motorcycle is directly related to the weight it is carrying. The heavier the passenger, the slower the vehicle will respond. Accelerating, turning, and decelerating will all be slower than usual.

It is not safe to jump off a motorcycle when it is in motion. If the motorcycle is not equipped with a kill switch, pull in the clutch, maintain control of the bike until it comes to a stop, then switch off the engine. Braking can be used to help slow and stop the bike more quickly if it is safe to do so.

M1 drivers are barred by law from carrying passengers. Even M2 motorcyclists are advised to avoid carrying heavy cargo or passengers as much as possible.

Keep a firm grip on the handlebars and steer properly while making sure you maintain your balance. The blown-out tire will make the steering seem weighed down.

If the motorcycle begins to wobble, do not accelerate. Maintain a firm grip on the handlebars and slow down steadily until it is safe to stop.

Black ice is so named because the ice forms such a thin layer that it can't be seen even on the black aspalt. It builds everywhere, but especially on bridges. This happens because bridges are prone to severely cold air from below and the drastic drop in temperature causes a thin layer of ice to form.

Applying the brakes too hard and too fast can cause the wheels to lock. Threshold braking is a way to stop quickly without causing the wheels to lock. It involves applying both brakes at the same time, then quickly releasing before the point where the wheels lock up, then quickly repeating the process to enable the motorcycle to quickly and safely stop without locking the wheels.

To ensure safety, always stop a good distance - 5 metres at least - from the train tracks when the barrier is down and/or the lights are flashing. Motorcyclists should never attempt to cross around or under gates that have been lowered for an approaching train. Motorcyclists must drive on only after the gates have been raised and it is safe to do so.

Motorcyclists need to use their mirrors properly to ensure they are aware of their surroundings. Mirrors help motorcyclists see traffic around them, giving them greater safety. Motorcyclists should check mirrors every 5 to 7 seconds. Even after checking the mirrors, it is important for motorcyclists to do a shoulder check to visually confirm the traffic situation in advance of any action, be it turning, slowing down, changing lanes and so on.

Mirrors only give a partial view of the road; there are blind spots even with motorcycles. It is important to perform a shoulder check before changing lanes, even if the mirror suggests the lane is clear.

Any time an uneven road surface results in a feeling of loss of control or shakiness, it is important to maintain a strong grip on the handlebars and avoid sudden movements or rash reactions.

Cargo must be secured in a low position. If cargo must be placed on both sides of the motorcycle, be certain to distribute the weight of the cargo evenly on both sides so that balance will not be affected.

If a stop must be made during a turn, it is important to use both brakes. Remember to use all fingers to pull in the clutch and the front brakes so that there are no shudders and shakes. Downshifting can sometimes be used as an alternative as well.

Frequent mirror checks enable motorcyclists to be aware of their surroundings, helping to ensure safer driving. Motorcyclists are permitted to drive on freeways only after acquiring the M2 license.

The first driver in a staggered formation should be in one tire track, followed by the second driver in the opposite tire track at a following distance of 1 second behind the first. The third driver should be in the tire track opposite the second driver at a following distance of 1 second from that driver, and so on for subsequent drivers.