BC Motorcycle Knowledge Practice Test 2026: Practice test 5

Practice test 5 of 5 for the BC Motorcycle Knowledge Practice Test: 25 more questions with answers and explanations.

Motorcycle
British Columbia
117 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 25
What is a linked braking system?
- A brake connected to the horn
- A system where one brake control applies both front and rear brakes
- A brake that works only in the rain
- A system that locks both wheels when parked
Show answer
Answer: B. A system where one brake control applies both front and rear brakes
On a motorcycle with linked brakes, the front lever or the rear pedal can apply both brakes. Check your owner’s manual to learn how yours works.
Question 2 of 25
How can you tell that a motorcycle helmet meets a recognized safety standard?
- It has a tinted visor
- It is painted a bright colour
- It has a label such as DOT, Snell or ECE
- It was the most expensive in the store
Show answer
Answer: C. It has a label such as DOT, Snell or ECE
Approved helmets carry a label from a safety standard, such as DOT, Snell or ECE. Colour and price do not show that a helmet is safe.
Question 3 of 25
The rider in the diagram presses the right handgrip forward. Which way does the motorcycle go?
- The motorcycle leans left and turns left
- The motorcycle goes straight and slows down
- The motorcycle leans right and turns right
- The front brake comes on
Show answer
Answer: C. The motorcycle leans right and turns right
This is countersteering. Pressing the right grip forward makes the motorcycle lean and turn right.
Question 4 of 25
How does cannabis affect your riding?
- It slows your reactions and harms your judgement
- It improves your focus
- It only affects you at night
- It has no effect if you feel fine
Show answer
Answer: A. It slows your reactions and harms your judgement
Cannabis impairs reaction time, coordination and judgement. Riding while impaired by a drug is a crime.
Question 5 of 25
Does a windshield on your motorcycle take the place of a face shield or goggles?
- Only when it is raining
- Only on the highway
- No, wind, rain, dust and insects can still reach your eyes
- Yes, a windshield replaces eye protection
Show answer
Answer: C. No, wind, rain, dust and insects can still reach your eyes
A windshield does not protect your eyes the way a face shield or goggles do. Wear eye protection on every ride.
Question 6 of 25
Which surfaces are especially slippery for a motorcycle when wet?
- Clean, dry asphalt
- Painted lines, metal covers and steel plates
- Grass beside the road
- Rough concrete
Show answer
Answer: B. Painted lines, metal covers and steel plates
Paint and metal give much less grip when wet. Try to cross them upright, with no hard braking.
Question 7 of 25
Under normal riding conditions, how should you brake?
- Use the front and rear brakes at the same time
- Use only the rear brake
- Use only the front brake
- Downshift without braking
Show answer
Answer: A. Use the front and rear brakes at the same time
Under normal conditions, use both brakes together. This gives the most control and the shortest stop.
Question 8 of 25
What is a common cause of crashes where a rider runs off the road in a curve?
- Looking through the curve
- Using the turn signals
- Going into the curve too fast
- Keeping a steady throttle
Show answer
Answer: C. Going into the curve too fast
Many single-motorcycle crashes happen when riders enter a curve too fast and cannot hold their line. Slow down before the curve.
Question 9 of 25
At night, what helps you see and be seen?
- Riding close to the vehicle ahead to use its lights
- Using a tinted face shield
- Wearing dark clothing
- Using high beams when there is no oncoming traffic, slowing down and leaving more space
Show answer
Answer: D. Using high beams when there is no oncoming traffic, slowing down and leaving more space
At night you see less and others see you less. Use your lights well, slow down, keep more space and wear reflective gear.
Question 10 of 25
Which situation causes many crashes between motorcycles and cars?
- A motorcycle stopped at a red light
- A driver signalling a lane change
- A motorcycle parked at the curb
- A driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
Show answer
Answer: D. A driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
Drivers turning left often fail to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudge its speed. Be ready for it at every intersection.
Question 11 of 25
How should your arms be positioned when you ride?
- Held high above the grips
- Resting on the fuel tank
- Relaxed, with the elbows slightly bent
- Locked straight
Show answer
Answer: C. Relaxed, with the elbows slightly bent
Relaxed arms let you steer smoothly. Stiff, locked arms make it harder to control the motorcycle, especially over bumps.
Question 12 of 25
Before you slow down or stop, what should you do?
- Turn off your headlight
- Sound your horn
- Shift into neutral
- Check your mirrors for traffic behind you
Show answer
Answer: D. Check your mirrors for traffic behind you
A driver behind may not expect you to slow down. Checking your mirrors tells you if you need to warn them or leave more room.
Question 13 of 25
Why should you ride with your headlight on during the day?
- It warms the engine
- It makes you easier for other road users to see
- It charges the battery faster
- It lets you ride faster
Show answer
Answer: B. It makes you easier for other road users to see
Motorcycles are small and easy to miss. A headlight makes you more noticeable, especially to oncoming drivers.
Question 14 of 25
What is a safe way to think about other drivers?
- Assume they will always give you the right-of-way
- Assume they always see you
- Assume they may not see you, and ride so you are seen with room to escape
- Assume large vehicles always watch for motorcycles
Show answer
Answer: C. Assume they may not see you, and ride so you are seen with room to escape
Drivers often miss motorcycles. Ride defensively: be visible, keep space and plan an escape route.
Question 15 of 25
Why start a curve near the outside of your lane, as in the diagram?
- To see farther through the curve
- To make the curve sharper
- To stay in the oil strip
- To get closer to oncoming traffic
Show answer
Answer: A. To see farther through the curve
Starting on the outside lets you see farther around the curve. Never cross into the oncoming lane.
Question 16 of 25
Where should you put heavy cargo on a motorcycle?
- Low and centred, and secured so it cannot shift
- Hanging from the handlebars
- On one side only
- High on a rack behind the passenger seat
Show answer
Answer: A. Low and centred, and secured so it cannot shift
A load that is low, centred and secure affects handling the least.
Question 17 of 25
What protective gear should a passenger wear?
- Nothing special if the ride is short
- Only sunglasses
- Only a helmet
- The same gear as the rider, including an approved helmet
Show answer
Answer: D. The same gear as the rider, including an approved helmet
A passenger faces the same risks as the rider. They need a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing.
Question 18 of 25
Which path through the curve is shown in the diagram?
- Outside of the lane, then inside, then outside again
- Outside of the lane all the way
- Inside of the lane all the way
- Across the centre line and back
Show answer
Answer: A. Outside of the lane, then inside, then outside again
An outside-inside-outside path gives you a better view and a gentler line through the curve, if traffic and the road allow.
Question 19 of 25
Do Canada’s Criminal Code impaired driving laws apply to people riding motorcycles?
- No, they apply only to car drivers
- Yes, they apply to anyone operating a motor vehicle
- Only at night
- Only on highways
Show answer
Answer: B. Yes, they apply to anyone operating a motor vehicle
The Criminal Code impaired driving offences cover the operation of a motor vehicle, which includes a motorcycle.
Question 20 of 25
Look at the staggered formation in the diagram. In which part of the lane does the leader (rider 1) ride?
- In the right part of the lane
- In the left part of the lane
- On the shoulder
- In the centre of the lane
Show answer
Answer: B. In the left part of the lane
The leader rides in the left part of the lane. The next rider takes the right part, and the pattern repeats.
Question 21 of 25
In the diagram, which lane position is the left third of the lane, next to the centre line?
- Position 1
- Position 3
- None of the positions shown
- Position 2
Show answer
Answer: A. Position 1
Position 1 is the left third of the lane, closest to the centre line.
Question 22 of 25
You cannot avoid a small object in the road. How should you ride over it?
- Lean hard to one side as you hit it
- Close your eyes and keep your feet down
- Keep upright, rise slightly off the seat and hold the grips firmly
- Brake hard at the moment you hit it
Show answer
Answer: C. Keep upright, rise slightly off the seat and hold the grips firmly
Hit the object as straight as you can, with the motorcycle upright. Your knees and elbows absorb the shock.
Question 23 of 25
Item 6 in the diagram shows boots. What kind of footwear should you wear when you ride?
- Running shoes
- Sandals
- Low dress shoes
- Sturdy boots that cover your ankles
Show answer
Answer: D. Sturdy boots that cover your ankles
Boots that cover the ankles protect your feet and ankles and give good grip when you stop. Saskatchewan requires ankle-covering boots for new riders.
Question 24 of 25
On most motorcycles, how is the rear brake applied?
- By rolling off the throttle
- With a pedal under your right foot
- With a lever on the left handlebar
- With a pedal under your left foot
Show answer
Answer: B. With a pedal under your right foot
Most motorcycles use a right foot pedal for the rear brake. Some motorcycles and scooters use hand levers instead.
Question 25 of 25
What does "covering the brakes" mean?
- Using only engine braking
- Having your fingers on the front brake lever and your foot over the rear pedal
- Putting a cover on the brakes when parked
- Braking hard all the time
Show answer
Answer: B. Having your fingers on the front brake lever and your foot over the rear pedal
Covering the brakes cuts your reaction time, because you are ready to brake at once.

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