on a motorcycle - quebec · help perfect motorcy-cling techniques and manoeuvres learned in a...

O N A M O T O R C Y C L E

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. TO BECOME AN ACCOM-PANYING RIDER 4

Experience required ......4

Accompanyingrider’s role ......................6

Refresh your knowledge ......................7

Knowing your learner....7

2. BEFORE TAKING TO THE ROAD 9

The right equipment for best protection ........9

A mechanical check of the motorcycles ......10

Some suggestions ......11

3. TRAINING EXERCISES 12

Before beginning ........14

Progress by steps ........14

STAGE APre-road exercises ......15

STAGE BExercisesin light traffic ..............15

STAGE CExercises in heavy traffic(main highwaysand expressways) ........17

PROGRESS REPORT 17COMMENTS 31

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To become an accompanying rider

1

The person serving as accompanying riderduring a learner's practice sessions willbe imparting the skills needed by thelearner to operate a motorcycle while

acquiring responsible habits that ensure safeand enjoyable travel. This guide is intended tohelp the accompanying rider in carrying outthat task.

EXPERIENCEREQUIRED

An accompanying rider must be an expe-rienced motorcycle operator. Theholder of a probationary licence isnot allowed to act as accompanying

rider. An accompanying rider musthave held a valid driver'slicence of the appropriateclass (6A, 6B or 6C) for atleast two years.

LICENCE CLASSES AUTHORIZING THE OPERATION OF A MOTORCYCLE

As an experienced motorcycle operator, you knowhow much more difficult it is to maintain balancewith a passenger on board; at no time is a learnerallowed to have a passenger. This means you mustride a separate bike.

The accompanying rider must master operatingtechniques so as to be in a position to give assis-tance and advice - to only one learner at a time.

class 6A:Any motorcycle

class 6B:A motorcyclewith a cylindersize of 400 ccor less

class 6C:A motorcyclewith a cylindersize of 125 ccor less

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Accompanied rid-ing is the best wayto learn how tooperate a motor-

cycle because it allowsthe learner to gain expe-rience under supervi-sion. Your task is tohelp perfect motorcy-cling techniques andmanoeuvres learned ina driving school coursewhile obeying trafficrules, and allow yourlearner to practise.

To provide the greatestbenefit, you shouldmake sure the learnerprogresses through sit-uations that he or she isready to handle. Youshould encourage goodhabits and give pointerswhere called for. Youwant to have your learn-er develop a responsi-ble attitude toward

motorcycling, and tofoster this you need togive him/her all the use-ful information neededfor the safe operation ofthis type of vehicle.

A class 6A learner'slicence allows motorcy-cle operation on theroad with an accompa-nying rider on anotherbike; the minimum peri-od of accompanied rid-ing is seven months.

It should be remem-bered that a class 6Rlearner's licence allowsmotorcycle operationonly as part of a drivingcourse given in a schoolrecognized by the CAAor the Quebec SafetyLeague.

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ACCOMPANYING RIDER'S ROLE

REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGETo get ready to take on therole of accompanyingrider, you are urgedto read Operating aMotorcycle and theDr iver 's Handbook ,available at Publicationsdu Québec and in bookstores.

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Take some time to getto know the learner'sawareness of the

safety aspects in motor-cycle riding. You might

find it mutually benefi-cial to talk about riskfactors for accidents:

KNOWINGYOUR LEARNER

PersonalFactors• Lack of experience • Fatigue• Impatience• Emotions• Over-confidence• Thrill-seeking• Use of alcohol,

drugs and medication

ExternalFactors• Influence of friends • Busy schedule• Unfamiliarity with

the route• Behaviour of other

road users• Weather• Road conditions• Visibility

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The purpose of suchan exchange is to

find out the learn-er's views onsafety beforetaking to theroad, so you willbe better able toserve as guideand offer appro-priate advice.

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Before taking tothe road

2

THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR BEST PROTECTION

Motorcyclists can-not rely on thesafety featuresof a car, and are

therefore more likely tobe injured in the eventof collisions or falls,which is why wearing ahelmet and other pro-tective gear is so impor-tant.

It is mandatory to wear:• a helmet that meets

regulatory standards(CSA, DOT, ANSI,SNELL or BSI sticker).

It is very importantto wear:• protection for the

e y e s a n d f a c e(shield/goggles).

• rugged clothing that,preferably, makes amotorcyclist easilyseen.

A MECHANICAL CHECKOF THE MOTORCYCLES

Apre-departure safety check only takes a few minutes.

Before setting out, have your learner check thefollowing items along with you:

1. Tires, wheels and suspension2. Front and rear brakes3. Turn signals and indicator lamps4. Clutch lever and throttle5. Cables6. Headlight and other lights7. Horn8. Fuel, oil and coolant levels9. Rear-view mirrors10. Bolts and nuts11. Drive chain or belt, if accessible

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• Make sure your learn-er is carrying a learn-er's licence. A class6A learner's licenceallows motorcycleoperation on the roadwith an accompany-ing rider on anotherbike. A class 6R learn-er's licence allowsmotorcycle operationonly as part of a dri-ving school course.

• Remind him or hert h a t a l e a r n e r ’slicence holder is pro-hibited from havingany alcohol in thebloodstream andthere must be fewerthan four demeritpoints on his or herdriving record.

• Assess your learner'sperformance andobservance of trafficrules after each train-ing session (speedcontrol, followingdistance, behaviourwith regard to otherroad users, etc.).

• E n c o u r a g e y o u rlearner after eachpractical exercise bym e n t i o n i n g t h eprogress you havewitnessed.

• Use the ProgressReport at the end ofthe Guide to monitoryour learner's train-ing.

SOMESUGGESTIONS

SOMESUGGESTIONS

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Remember that bythe end of thetraining period,your learner must

have honed motorcyclehandling skills andacquired good habitsfor safe riding through-out life. Some manœu-vres you will have prac-tised form part of theSociété's road test.

You should schedule asmuch practice time aspossible to help yourlearner succeed.

It is quite normal to besomewhat ner vousabout beginning practi-cal exercises with alearner who has hadvery little if any experi-ence at the controls o f a m o t o r c y c l e .N e v e r t h e l e s s , y o ushould convey a senseof trust. That will beessential to the learn-er's success.

Trainingexercises

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To make your task as easy aspossible:� Stay calm. It's a basic rule. If the learner makes

a few mistakes, do not panic!

� Respect the learner's rhythm. Allow yourlearner sufficient time to complete each exer-cise

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BEFORE BEGINNINGEXERCISES

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Agree to a communi-cations code – usehand and arm sig-na ls to convey

messages between eachother.

The learner's ProgressReport, which you willfind at the end of this

guide, will help you eval-uate your learner 'simprovement along theway. It sets out the mainelements that must b e m a s t e r e d . T h eComments sheet couldserve as a memory-jog-ger for aspects that needto be gone over again.

PROGRESS BY STEPS

For safety's sake,your learner shouldpractise these untilmastered.

STAGE APRE-ROAD EXERCISES

The f i rst s ix stepsshown in the ProgressReport on page 18 are atthe very basis of operat-ing a motorcycle. Forsafety's sake, your learn-er should practise theseuntil mastered.

STAGE BEXERCISES IN LIGHT TRAFFIC

Instill in your learnerthat good vision is abasic requirement touse of any vehicle. Thelearner must scan theroad far ahead and toeach side, check themirrors frequently andmake sure of being seen.The learner must keepout of drivers' blindspots, those deadlyareas where the driver'sline of sight is blockedby the very vehicle heor she is driving.

Agree with your learneron the manoeuvres tobe done and the route tobe taken.

Alternate your relativeposition as you take thelearner through theexercises: ahead at first to demonstratem a n o e u v r e s , t h e nbehind your learner, toe v a l u a t e p ro g re s s .Adapt your teaching inlight of your observa-tions.

Review the pre-roadexercises, manoeuvres1 to 6 of the ProgressReport, then go on tod o m a n o e u v r e s 7through 16.

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During the exercises on the roadway recom-mended in Stages B and C, evaluate the attitudesand behaviour of the learner. You are urged tocheck the following aspects:

� observance of traffic rules and of road signsand traffic signals prescribed by the HighwaySafety Code;

� respect for other road users;

� awareness of accident risk;

� foresight and attention.

These elements are found at the end of theProgress Report (page 28).

It is important to evaluate them throughout training.

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17

STAGE CEXERCISES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC(MAIN HIGHWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS)

Review the manoeuvres7 to 16 done in light traf-fic, then go on to do

manoeuvres 17 to 23 ofthe Progress Report. Atthis point, the learnershould be made to prac-tise in more difficult con-ditions (ex.: on a gravelroad, in poor weather,on rough surfaces, etc.).

PROGRESS REPORT

The Progress Reportis a tool to measuret h e l e a r n e r ' simprovement at var-

ious times during theperiod of accompani-ment. It lists the mainskills and behavioursyour learner must exhib-it to safely operate amotorcycle. For ease of

assessment, you needonly circle the appropri-ate symbol ( ) tomark the result asaspects are checked.

Mastery

On way to mastery

Does not master

EVALUATION OF THE MANOEUVRES ASPECTS CHECKEDTO BE DONE STAGE A STAGE B

PRE-ROAD IN LIGHT TRAFFIC

Re-checksto be done in Stage B

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PRE-ROADEXERCISES

1) Inspection of the motorcycle

2) Position on the motorcycle3) Starting and stopping the motorcycle

4) Movement forward, riding at low speed, keeping your balance

5) Changing gears: to higher gears, to lower gears

6) Turns: countersteering, taking a curve

Re-checksto be donein Stage C

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EVALUATION OF THE MANOEUVRES ASPECTS CHECKEDTO BE DONE STAGE B STAGE C

IN LIGHT TRAFFIC IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

Behaviour at the controls must be evaluated throughout Stages B and C.Aspects to be evaluated are listed at the end of this Progress Report (page 28).

EXERCISES IN LIGHTTRAFFIC

Redo preliminary manoeuvres 1) to 6)7) Use of signal lights

8) Position in the lane: choose a position keeping in mind your visibility to other motorists, the distance to keep from other vehicles, the condition of the road and your projected course



9) Changing lanes and passing• observance of speed limits, road signs and

of traffic lights

• signalling intentions(looking ahead, behind and to the sides)

• use of mirrors to estimate the distance and speed of other vehicles

• checking blind spots

• doing a manœuvre gradually

• turning off flasher once manoeuvreis done

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10) Crossing an intersection11) Turning at intersections

• checking that the manoeuvre is legal

• for traffic (through the rear-view mirrors, ahead, to the left and to the right)


• signalling intentions well in advance

• slowing down

• getting into the correct lane before turning

• gradual acceleration and turning off of flasher

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12) Curves• slowing down before you get to a curve

• maintaining a constant speed in the curve

• leaning the motorcycle in a curve (feet on the pegs)

• acceleration on coming out of the curveto resume speed

13) Riding at low speed• accelerating smoothly

• head high

• keeping balance

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14) Changing gears• appropriate engine speed for gear changes

15) Starting on a hill• precision and smooth action for the manoeuvre

16) Stopping• good visual exploration

• observance of pavement stop lines and pedestrian crosswalks

• respect for right of way rules

• coming to a complete stop

• maintaining a proper distance from other vehicles

• gradual braking23

EVALUATION OF THE MANOEUVRES ASPECTS CHECKEDTO BE DONE STAGE C

IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

EXERCISES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC (MAIN HIGHWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS)

Review the manoeuvres 7 to 16 done in light traffic,and evaluate the learner's behaviour (page 28)

17) Changing gears• appropriate engine speed for gear changes

18) Starting on a hill• precision and smooth action for the manoeuvre

19) Stopping• good visual exploration

• observance of pavement stop lines and pedestrian crosswalks

• respect for right of way rules

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IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

• coming to a complete stop

• maintaining a proper distance from other vehicles

• gradual braking

20) Turning at intersections• checking that the manoeuvre is legal

• for traffic (through the rear-view mirrors, ahead, to the left and to the right)


• signalling intentions well in advance

• slowing down

• getting into the correct lane before turning

• gradual acceleration and turning off flasher25


IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

21) Entering and exiting expressways• appropriate visual checks

• checking in rear-view mirrors


• use of flasher

• travel at appropriate speed

• turning off flasher

22) Changing lanes and passing• observance of speed limits,

road signs and of traffic lights

• signalling intentions (looking ahead, behind and to the sides)

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IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

• use of mirrors to estimate the distance and speed of other vehicles


• doing a manœuvre gradually

• turning off flasher once manoeuvre is done

23) Curves• slowing down before you get to a curve

• maintaining a constant speed in the curve

• leaning the motorcycle in a curve (feet on the pegs)

• acceleration on coming out of the curve to resume speed

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EVALUATION OF ASPECTS CHECKEDBEHAVIOUR STAGE B STAGE C


BEHAVIOUR AT THE CONTROLS

Evaluation of behaviour must be done in Stages B and C

■ Observance of traffic rules and of road signs and traffic signals prescribed by the Highway Safety Code*

■ Respect for other road users;

■ Awareness of accident risk• scanning (Observe - Evaluate - Act)

• selects appropriate gear

• signals intentions

• keeps a safe following distance

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* Ref: Driver’s Handbook

EVALUATION OF ASPECTS CHECKEDBEHAVIOUR STAGE B STAGE C


• adapts to circumstances: rain, traffic density, night riding

■ Foresight and attention• assesses risk (school zones, pedestrian crosswalks,

reduced visibility, slow vehicles)

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COMMENTS

Published by the Société de l’assuranceautomobile du Québec

AcknowledgmentsThe authors are grateful for the collaboration of Ms.Nicole Paquin of the SAAQ service centre in Val D’Orand Mr. Paul Montreuil of the SAAQ driver assessmentcentre in Québec City.

For more information, telephone :

(514) 873-7620 in Montréal;

643-7620 in Québec (city and vicinity); or

1 800 361-7620, toll free, from elsewhere in Québec, Canada and U.S.A.

Web site : www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca

Version française disponible sur demande

2nd Quarter 2003

Legal deposit - Bibliothèque nationale du Québec, 1999ISBN : 2-550-35850-3

C-3436-A(05-06)

on a motorcycle - quebec · help perfect motorcy-cling techniques and manoeuvres learned in a...

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