Alberta Class 6 Motorcycle Test key terms

The technique of pushing the handlebar grip on the side you want to turn toward, which leans the motorcycle and steers it through the curve. It is the normal way to initiate turns at anything above walking speed.

The tendency for a rider to steer toward whatever they are staring at. Because of it, riders must look through a curve toward the exit rather than at a hazard or the road edge.

The amount a motorcycle tilts from vertical while turning. It increases with speed and with tighter curves, and is limited by tire grip, ground clearance and road surface condition.

The grip between the tires and the road surface that allows acceleration, braking and turning. It is reduced by rain, gravel, painted lines, metal surfaces and cold tires.

Braking as hard as possible without locking a wheel or losing grip. On a motorcycle most stopping power comes from the front brake, so the rider applies it progressively while easing weight forward.

The slowing effect created when a rider closes the throttle and the engine resists the turning of the rear wheel. Downshifting one gear at a time uses this to control speed before a curve.

Briefly raising engine speed with the throttle during a downshift so the engine speed matches the lower gear. It keeps the rear wheel from hopping or skidding and makes the shift smoother.

The range of lever travel where the clutch is partly engaged and begins to transmit power. Riders use it for smooth starts, low-speed control and slow-speed manoeuvres in traffic.

Holding the clutch lever partly pulled in for long periods so the clutch slips continuously. It wears the clutch plates and reduces control, so it should be limited to brief low-speed manoeuvres.

Continuing to apply light brake pressure as the motorcycle leans into a curve, then releasing it smoothly. It is an advanced technique that requires good traction and must be done gently to avoid upsetting the bike.

A planned route out of danger, such as the gap beside a vehicle or the shoulder, that a rider identifies before a hazard develops. Choosing one in advance gives the rider somewhere to go if braking is not enough.

The space a rider keeps behind the vehicle ahead. Motorcycles should allow at least a two-second gap in good conditions and more in rain, darkness or heavy traffic to leave room to stop.

The area beside and behind a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. Riders should avoid lingering there and should move through it promptly when passing.

Choosing where to ride within a lane, such as the left, centre or right portion. Riders shift position to be more visible, to increase space from hazards and to set up a better view through curves.

Riding between two lanes of moving traffic or sharing a lane with another vehicle. In Alberta, a motorcycle is entitled to the full width of a lane and may not share it with another vehicle.

Moving from one marked lane to another. A rider must signal, check mirrors and shoulder-check the blind spot, and yield to traffic already in the lane before moving over.

A quick turn of the head to look directly into a blind spot that mirrors do not cover. Riders use it before lane changes, turns and merging, keeping it brief to stay aware of traffic ahead.

The legal priority to proceed through an intersection or along a roadway. Riders must yield it when required, and should never assume another driver will give way even when the law says they should.

An intersection with no stop signs, yield signs or traffic lights. Drivers and riders must slow down, be ready to stop, and yield to vehicles already in the intersection or approaching from the right.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and if two arrive at the same time the one on the right goes first.

A sign requiring a driver or rider to slow down and give way to traffic on the intersecting road or to pedestrians. Stopping is required only if traffic is present.

A red octagonal sign meaning the vehicle must come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line, then proceed only when the way is safe and clear.

A road marking that separates lanes travelling in the same direction and discourages lane changes. Riders should treat it as a boundary and cross it only when it is safe and legal to do so.

A dashed white marking between lanes moving in the same direction. It shows that lane changes are permitted when it is safe, after signalling and checking the blind spot.

A yellow marking separating traffic moving in opposite directions. A solid yellow line on your side means passing is not allowed because visibility or road conditions make it unsafe.

A dashed yellow marking between opposing traffic flows. Where it appears on your side of the centre line, passing is permitted when the way ahead is clearly visible and safe.

Overtaking another vehicle travelling the same direction. A rider must have a clear view, a legal passing zone, enough space to complete the move, and must not pass on the shoulder or across a solid line.

Any condition that reduces grip or space, such as gravel, sand, potholes, wet leaves, ice, painted lines, railway tracks or metal gratings. Riders should slow before reaching it and cross it as upright as possible.

A place where tracks cross the road. Riders should slow down, look both ways, and cross the tracks as close to a right angle as possible to avoid the front wheel catching in the rail.

The unpaved edge of the roadway, often loose and unstable. Riders should avoid riding or braking on it and should re-enter the paved surface gradually and at a shallow angle.

Another name for a shoulder check, a direct glance over the shoulder to confirm a blind spot is clear before changing position or direction.

Arm signals used to show turning and stopping intentions, required when a motorcycle's turn signals are not working. Left arm straight out means left turn, bent up means right turn, and angled down means slowing.

A flashing light that shows other road users your intention to turn or change lanes. Riders must signal before the manoeuvre and cancel the signal afterwards, since motorcycle signals often do not self-cancel.

A helmet that covers the whole head and face with a chin bar and visor. Alberta law requires an approved helmet for motorcycle riders and passengers, and a proper fit is essential for protection.

A visor, goggles or approved glasses that shield the eyes from wind, dust and insects. Alberta requires eye protection for motorcycle riders unless the motorcycle has a windshield or the helmet has a face shield.

Gear such as a sturdy jacket, long pants, gloves, boots and high-visibility material that reduces injury in a fall. It also protects against wind, cold and road debris during normal riding.

A quick inspection before riding that covers tires and tire pressure, brakes, controls, lights, mirrors, fluid levels, chain or belt tension and the fuel supply. It catches problems before they become failures on the road.

The small area of each tire actually touching the road. Because it is small, tire condition and correct inflation pressure matter greatly for grip, braking and steering on a motorcycle.

Shifting body weight to the outside of a slow, tight turn to help balance the motorcycle. It is used in low-speed manoeuvres such as U-turns and parking lot riding, not in normal road curves.

Physical and mental tiredness that slows reaction time and judgement. It is a serious risk on long rides, so riders should plan breaks, stay hydrated and stop when concentration starts to fade.