Alberta Class 6 Motorcycle Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Class 6 licence

The Alberta licence class required to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Riders progress through a learner stage with restrictions before receiving a full Class 6 licence.

Helmet requirement

In Alberta, every motorcycle rider and passenger must wear a properly fastened helmet meeting the standards in the vehicle equipment regulation. It is mandatory regardless of rider experience.

Lane splitting

Riding a motorcycle between lanes of moving traffic or sharing a lane beside another vehicle. This is not permitted in Alberta; a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane.

Passenger rules

A motorcycle may carry one passenger only when the bike is designed for two riders and has a proper passenger seat and footrests. The passenger must also wear an approved helmet.

Graduated licensing alcohol

Alberta's Graduated Driver Licensing program imposes a zero-alcohol condition on novice riders. Any alcohol in the blood is a contravention for a GDL motorcycle rider.

Following too closely

A contravention where a driver fails to leave enough distance to stop safely if the vehicle ahead slows suddenly. Motorcycles need at least the same gap as cars.

Signal cancellation

After turning or changing lanes, the rider must cancel the turn signal. A signal left flashing misleads other drivers about the rider's next move and creates a hazard.

Two-second rule

A minimum following gap measured as the time between your motorcycle passing a fixed object and the vehicle ahead passing it. Double it in poor conditions.

Target fixation

The tendency to steer toward whatever the rider stares at. Because the bike follows the gaze, riders must look at the intended path, not the hazard.

Lane position choice

Riders choose a lane position based on visibility, escape routes, and surface quality. Avoid the oily centre strip at intersections and stay out of blind spots.

Railway track crossing

Cross tracks as close to a right angle as possible to prevent the front tire from being deflected. Wet steel rails offer very little grip to a leaning motorcycle.

First rain hazard

The first rain after a dry spell lifts accumulated oil and rubber dust from the pavement, making the surface especially slippery. Reduce speed and lean angle.

Cold tire grip

Tires grip less when cold, and cold pavement reduces traction further. The first minutes of a ride require gentler braking, acceleration and cornering.

Staggered group formation

A riding formation where riders alternate left and right positions on straight roads, keeping a two-second gap to the rider directly ahead. Curves are ridden single file.

Total stopping distance

The sum of perception distance, reaction distance and braking distance. It grows quickly with speed, and wet or gravel surfaces lengthen the braking portion.

Countersteering

At speeds above walking pace, pushing the right handlebar forward leans the bike right and turns it right; pushing the left grip forward leans and turns it left.

Front brake power

The front brake supplies most of a motorcycle's stopping force because weight transfers forward under braking. Apply it progressively rather than grabbing it suddenly.

Friction zone

The portion of clutch lever travel where engine power begins to reach the rear wheel. Riders use it for smooth starts, slow-speed control and hill starts.

Right-hand controls

The right hand operates the throttle and front brake lever. The right foot operates the rear brake pedal. These two controls work together for stopping.

Left-hand controls

The left hand operates the clutch lever and the turn signal switch. The left foot operates the gear shift lever, usually a one-down, rest-up pattern.

Slow-speed stability

At walking pace, stability comes from the clutch friction zone and light rear brake drag, keeping the throttle steady. Do not use front brake alone while turning slowly.

Pre-ride check

A quick inspection before riding: tire pressure and tread, controls, lights, horn, oil and fuel, and chain or belt tension. It catches faults before they become failures.

Engine braking

Rolling off the throttle slows the rear wheel through engine compression. Downshift one gear at a time and match engine speed to road speed to prevent rear-wheel lockup.

Rider posture

Grip the tank with the knees, keep arms bent and relaxed, and look well ahead. A tight grip on the handlebars transmits unintended input and unsettles the motorcycle.

Yield sign

A red-and-white triangle meaning the rider must slow and give way to traffic that has the right of way. Stop if necessary before entering the intersecting road.

Solid yellow centre line

A solid yellow line marks the centre of a two-way road and prohibits passing in both directions. A broken yellow line on your side allows passing when safe.

Flashing red signal

A flashing red traffic light is treated exactly like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield to traffic with the right of way, then proceed when clear.

Uncontrolled intersection

An intersection with no signs or signals. The first vehicle to arrive has the right of way; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right proceeds first.

Left turn right-of-way

A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right, and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Wait for a safe gap before turning.

Stop line placement

At a stop sign or signal, stop at the painted stop line or crosswalk line. If no line exists, stop before the crosswalk or the edge of the intersecting road.

Orange construction signs

Orange signs mark construction and maintenance zones. Posted reduced speed limits in these zones are enforceable and riders should expect loose gravel and changed lane paths.

School bus red lights

When a school bus displays flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median. Passing a stopped school bus with red lights is prohibited.