If you are going Get your Motorcycle license in Alberta you don’t want to fail because of some common mistakes. Take an Alberta Motorcycle Practice Test first to help prepare you for your test and then make sure you don’t make any of these common mistakes:
Controls: A great deal of proper motorcycle driving has to do with the way the motorcycle operates. If you are unfamiliar with how your motorcycle controls work you can really have difficulty convincing an assessor you can drive. The correct sequence of motorcycle controls is very important whether you are making a turn, merging or changing lanes.
Safety Checks: When making a turn or lane change always do the following:
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Check mirrors according to the way you wish to move, so left mirror to turn or move left, right for right
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Signal for at least three seconds to let cars know you are intending to make a move
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Do a final safety check over your shoulder to make sure it is safe to make your move
Following too Close: You have to ensure you are aware of the traffic around you. Whether it is cars following too close behind you or you following too close behind cars being aware of other vehicles is very important. A sudden stop in a car might be a bit of a scare however on a motorcycle it can cause you to lose control.
Watching for Danger: Staying safe within your lane will help you avoid danger. If you are not paying attention to the cars around you there can be cars that might cut you off and cause you to lose control. If you are watching for danger such as cars poking their nose out into traffic from driveways you can manoeuvre out of their way to avoid danger. You can manoeuvre within your own lane to maintain better control of your safe space to compensate for the poor driving of others.
Focusing Ahead: It is important to focus ahead so you can see what is coming and make changes when needed. This includes cars pulling out in front of you, changing lanes or general traffic stops. You want to identify hazards and have enough time to adjust so you do not destabilize your bike.
Slow Driving: It can be difficult driving slowly on a motorcycle. Practice driving at a slow pace so you can get your balance right and remain in control.
Taking a motorcycle practice test will help give you the confidence you need to pass your test and avoid these common mistakes.
