SGI Class 6 Motorcycle cheat sheet

Saskatchewan's Class 6 endorsement is required to ride a motorcycle on public roads; it is added to an existing Class 5 (or higher) licence rather than issued as a stand-alone beginner licence.

Minimum age to hold a Class 6 learner (beginner) stage in Saskatchewan is 16, and the rider must already hold a valid Class 5 licence or qualify under the novice graduated licence framework.

Stage 1 (learner) permits riding only while supervised by a qualified supervising rider in close proximity, with no passengers and no riding after dark or on highways where prohibited.

A written knowledge test on motorcycle-specific rules, signs, and safe riding is required before a learner stage is issued.

Stage 2 (novice/intermediate) removes the supervision requirement but keeps restrictions such as a zero blood-alcohol limit and a prohibition on carrying passengers.

Advancing from learner to novice and from novice to full Class 6 requires minimum time-in-stage and a clean or acceptable driving record; suspensions reset or extend the process.

A motorcycle skills/road test demonstrating control, observation, and hazard response is required before full Class 6 privileges are granted.

Motorcycles must be registered, insured under Saskatchewan's mandatory motorcycle insurance, and ridden by a rider holding the correct class for the machine's displacement/type.

Countersteering: above roughly walking pace, push the handlebar on the side you want to turn toward; the bike leans and turns in that direction.

Braking split: front brake supplies the majority of stopping force on dry pavement; apply both brakes progressively and avoid locking the front wheel.

In a corner, set entry speed before the turn, look through to the exit, and use smooth roll-on throttle; brake before lean, not mid-lean.

Riding position: relaxed arms, knees gripping the tank, head up and eyes far ahead; avoid fixating on hazards directly in front of the wheel.

Low-speed control uses clutch friction zone, rear brake drag, and slight throttle to stabilize the bike during slow turns and U-turns.

Emergency stop sequence: square the bars, apply both brakes firmly and progressively, keep the bike upright, and downshift as you slow.

Target fixation rule: the bike follows the rider's gaze, so look where you want to go, not at the hazard.

Pre-ride check covers tires and pressure, chain/belt tension, brakes, lights, mirrors, fuel, and controls before every ride.

Ride on the right side of the roadway in the same direction as traffic; riding against traffic is illegal and a leading cause of collisions.

A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane; sharing a lane side-by-side with another motorcycle is not permitted unless both riders consent and it is safe.

Lane splitting and filtering between moving traffic lanes are not permitted; pass only when it can be done lawfully and safely.

Maintain a following distance of at least two seconds in good conditions; increase to three or more seconds in rain, gravel, or low light.

Obey posted speed limits; reduce speed in construction zones, school zones, and where loose gravel or sand reduces traction.

Signal every lane change and turn, and cancel the signal afterward; shoulder-check before moving because mirrors have blind spots.

Headlights must be on at all times; motorcycles are required to be visible, and daytime headlight use is standard practice and often required.

Never carry a passenger unless the motorcycle has a proper passenger seat and footpegs, and the rider holds full Class 6 privileges.

Octagonal red sign = STOP: come to a complete stop, then proceed only when safe.

Inverted triangle (point down) = YIELD: slow, give way to traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when clear.

Diamond-shaped yellow signs = warning (curves, intersections, deer, slippery when wet); reduce speed and scan ahead.

Rectangular white/black signs = regulatory (speed limits, turn restrictions, lane use); rectangular green signs = guidance and distances.

Flashing red = treat as a stop sign; flashing amber/yellow = proceed with caution.

Solid yellow center line = no passing; broken yellow = passing permitted when safe; double solid yellow = no passing in either direction.

A left-turn arrow means protected turn; a solid green ball means yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning left.

Hand signals: left arm straight out = left turn; left arm bent up = right turn; left arm bent down = slow/stop.

Ride in the lane position that maximizes visibility and escape space; avoid riding in a vehicle's blind spot, especially large trucks.

Large trucks have wide right-turn sweeps; never pass on the right or sit beside a turning truck - the driver may not see you.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead, check mirrors frequently, and maintain a space cushion on all sides.

Gravel, sand, wet paint, metal grates, and railway tracks reduce traction; cross tracks at a right angle and avoid braking on painted lines.

In rain, reduce speed, increase following distance, and be aware that oil and water collect on the surface at intersections.

Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk; deer and moose are a serious hazard on rural Saskatchewan roads.

Make eye contact with drivers at intersections, but never assume it guarantees they have seen you; have an escape plan.

Ride with the assumption that you are invisible; wear high-visibility gear and position yourself where drivers' mirrors can see you.