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Alberta Class 6 overview

Alberta Class 6: Night, weather and road surfaces

Riding at night and in fog, wind and temperature extremes, hydroplaning, gravel, ice, metal gratings and railway tracks.

  • 17 questions
  • Topic drill
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Night, weather and road surfaces · Question 1Score 0/0

Is the front brake still useful on a slippery surface?

Study reference: Rider's Guide (Spring 2023), Ch. 6 Riding in Challenging Conditions, pp. 47–49

All 17 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. Is the front brake still useful on a slippery surface?

    1. Yes, if you squeeze it gradually
    2. No, use only the rear brake
    3. Yes, if you grab it hard
    4. No, use only engine braking

  2. In which season is loose gravel and sand along roadsides usually worst?

    1. Fall
    2. Spring
    3. Midsummer after rain
    4. Summer

  3. Rain has just started to fall. Which part of the lane should you avoid?

    1. The centre portion
    2. The right wheel track
    3. Every part equally
    4. The left wheel track

  4. How far from an oncoming vehicle should you switch to low beams?

    1. 50 m or more
    2. 150 m or more
    3. 100 m or more
    4. 300 m or more

  5. What does it mean to overdrive your headlights?

    1. Riding too fast to stop within the lit distance
    2. Riding at night with a burned-out or misaimed headlight
    3. Leaving headlights on in daylight
    4. Using high beams in the city

  6. Your motorcycle starts to hydroplane on a wet highway. What should you do?

    1. Accelerate to regain grip
    2. Steer sharply toward the shoulder where the water is shallower
    3. Don't brake; keep eyes up and slow very gradually
    4. Brake firmly with both brakes

  7. You are hit by a strong crosswind from the left. What should you do?

    1. Move to the edge of the lane nearest the wind
    2. Lean into the wind
    3. Lean away from the wind
    4. Brake hard

  8. Which headlights should you use in fog?

    1. No lights
    2. High beams
    3. Parking lights only
    4. Low beams

  9. You are crossing a metal grating bridge deck and the bike starts to wander. What should you do?

    1. Hold a steady speed and avoid sudden inputs
    2. Speed up quickly
    3. Brake firmly until across
    4. Steer firmly against the wander to keep the bike straight

  10. At what times of day are animals most likely to be on or near the road?

    1. Early afternoon
    2. Dawn and dusk
    3. Late morning
    4. Midday

  11. Where are patches of ice most likely to form?

    1. In the middle of busy intersections
    2. On bridges, overpasses and shaded areas
    3. On freshly paved roads
    4. On sunny hilltops

  12. How can you use the vehicle ahead of you at night?

    1. Ride beside it for protection
    2. Its lights can show bumps and the road ahead
    3. Follow closely to share its light
    4. Use its high beams to see oncoming traffic

  13. Railway tracks cross the road at an angle. How should you ride over them?

    1. Turn to cross them at a right angle
    2. Speed up to get across quickly
    3. Straight ahead, keeping your speed even
    4. Brake while crossing the rails

  14. You are using high beams on a dark road. A vehicle is ahead of you in your lane. When must you dim?

    1. Before you are within 150 m of it
    2. Only if the driver flashes lights
    3. Before you are within 300 m of it
    4. Before you are within 50 m of it

  15. How should you sit on the motorcycle in strong, gusty wind?

    1. Stiffen your arms and lock your elbows
    2. Lean back and hold the grips tightly
    3. Grip with your thighs and keep your arms loose
    4. Stand on the foot pegs

  16. How should you reduce the risk of hydroplaning on a wet road?

    1. Reduce your speed without braking
    2. Increase your tire pressure
    3. Ride in the water-filled wheel ruts
    4. Ride in a higher gear at speed

  17. Why are distances harder to judge after dark?

    1. Your eyes adjust faster at night
    2. Headlights make objects look farther
    3. The contrast of light and shadow is missing
    4. Roads look narrower at night

Night, weather and road surfaces: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

Rider's Guide (Spring 2023), Ch. 6 Riding in Challenging Conditions, pp. 47–49

  • Slow down when you can't see well; distances harder to judge after dark (contrast missing under artificial light).
  • Don't overdrive your headlights: be able to stop within the lit distance.
  • High beams on poorly lit roads; switch to low beam before 150 m (492 ft) from a vehicle ahead and 300 m (984 ft) or more from oncoming vehicles.
  • Use the headlights of the vehicle ahead to see further; bouncing lights warn of bumps.
  • Reflective clothing/tape; helmet with built-in reflective material; reflectors on bike.
  • Keep goggles, face shield, windshield clean; replace if too scratched; clear untinted lenses only at night.
  • Watch for animals especially dawn and dusk — scan ditches for movement and eye shine.
  • Rain, fog, smoke, dust: same precautions; slow down.
  • Fog: low beams (high beams reflect back as glare; also smoke, dust, rain, snow).
  • Avoid poor weather; spring and fall may bring winter weather; check forecasts and road reports.
  • Cold/wind chill → body loses heat, concentration suffers; heat → dehydration, heat exhaustion.
  • Wind: grip with thighs, upper body relaxed, arms bent and loose.
  • Crosswind: lean into it; space cushion in case it drops; lane position away from oncoming traffic.
  • Wind tires you faster; extreme wind — safest not to ride.
  • Fluid leaks collect in the centre of the lane.
  • Most slippery just after rain starts (oil and dirt not yet washed away) — avoid the lane centre then.
  • Hydroplaning: water layer between tires and road. Prevent by slowing without braking. If it happens: don't brake, keep eyes up, maintain or very gradually reduce speed. Avoid ruts where water collects.
  • Gravel, sand, tar strips, mud, paint, steel surfaces like utility hole covers: avoid or cross cautiously.
  • Dirt/gravel/sand collect at road sides, residential areas, curves and highway ramps; spring is worst (winter sanding).
  • Ice forms in low or shaded areas, on bridges and overpasses.
  • Reduced traction: slow before slippery surface and before curves; smooth inputs; front brake still effective — squeeze gradually, progressive pressure; threshold-brake the rear; keep bike from leaning on slippery surfaces; avoid hard braking, quick acceleration, sudden steering.
  • Metal grating bridges or grooved pavement: bike may vibrate/wander — slow before, hold constant speed, gradual inputs.
  • Railway tracks: go straight ahead whatever the angle of the tracks (don't cross into another lane); keep speed even; don't accelerate or brake.

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