Test Tips                             written by Robert Dobko         

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Learner stage (Class 6)

When you get a new Learner's Permit from ICBC, there are restrictions in place

Learner stage restrictions

Qualified supervisor

You must always ride within sight of a qualified supervisor - someone 25 or older who holds a valid Class 6 license.

Restricted speed

You must not exceed 60 km/h. After you pass the motorcycle skills test, this restriction will be removed.

No passengers

You must not carry a passenger.

Restricted riding hours

You are permitted to ride only during daylight hours, that is, between sunrise and sunset.

These restrictions can help reduce your chances of crashing while you're gaining riding skills and experience.

Class 6 road test

You can take your Class 6 road test after you have passed the motorcycle skills test and held a motorcycle learner's (Class 6) license for 30 days.

How long is the learner stage?

Your Class 6 learner's license is valid for one year.

NOTE: You can stay in the Class 6 learner stage as long as you want. However, after a year, your motorcycle learner's license will expire. To renew it, you would have to take the vision, knowledge and motorcycle skills tests again.

Motorcycle skills test

After you've held your motorcycle learner's license for a minimum of 14 days, you can take a motorcycle skills test. The motorcycle skills test assesses your basic riding skills. When you pass this test, you can ride without a qualified supervisor, and the speed restriction is removed. However, other restrictions of the learner stage are still in effect. Once you've passed the motorcycle skills test and held a learner's (Class 6L) license for 30 days, you can take your Class 6 road test.

What to expect

The test is about 15 minutes long, and takes place in a paved lot at slow speeds. You will be tested on your ability to operate the motorcycle, steer correctly and maintain balance and appropriate speed while performing the following maneuvers:

  • pushing the motorcycle (non-powered)
  • using hand signals
  • using the side stand or centre stand
  • slow straight ride - using the clutch
  • slalom
  • braking
  • U-turns or 3-point turns
  • turns
  • acceleration/deceleration (may include gear shift)
  • sudden stop

You will also be asked to identify controls on the motorcycle and to demonstrate hand signals.

The examiner will watch:

  • how you handle the clutch, throttle and brake controls
  • how you shift gears
  • whether you keep your feet on the pegs
  • whether you miss any turns or hit any of the traffic cones that mark your path

If you take a rider training course

If you attend a certified training school, you may be able to bypass the regular motorcycle skills test. Instead, the school will assess your basic riding skills. If successful, you will be given a Certification Form. With this form you can have the supervisor and speed restrictions removed from your motorcycle learner's license. Do this by taking the form, along with your Class 6L learner's license to your nearest driver licensing office.

Examiners' Tips For passing the skills test

You will do best on the motorcycle skills test if you have learned and practiced the following skills:

  • Clutch control - You'll be doing some tight maneuvering on the test, so you need to control the clutch, particularly at very slow speeds.

  • Brake use - You'll need to be able to smoothly use the brakes, and use the front or rear or both brakes appropriately for the situation.

  • Steering and Balance - You'll need to look ahead to where you want to go to maneuver through the cones on the motorcycle skills test. You will also need to counterbalance in slow turns.

For passing the road test

You will do best on the road test if you make the following skills part of your everyday riding routine:

  • Keep to posted speed limits. Do not keep up to speeding traffic.

  • Watch for school zones and playgrounds. Speeding through school zones or playgrounds is a common reason for drivers to fail their test.

  • Make full stops for stop signs, and stop in the correct position. When it is safe to move out, pull out slowly, scanning the intersection.

  • When turning right, shoulder check to the right to ensure there are no cyclists, pedestrians or other road users heading straight through the intersection (and therefore into your path).

  • Mirror check and shoulder check whenever you change lanes or direction.

  • Select your lane position to give you the best combination of space (from other road users and obstacles), visibility (to both see and be seen) and traction.

  • Scan intersections before riding through, even if the light is green when you approach.

  • Develop the habit of looking for potential hazards. Remember to call out all the hazards you see during the hazard perception part of the road test. For example, many new riders have failed to call out blind driveways during their test.

Ride Safe