Manitoba Class 6 study guide: key rules on all 13 topics

Free Manitoba Class 6 study guide: 220 key points from the MPI Motorcycle Handbook in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.

By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team · Updated October 17, 2026

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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the Manitoba Class 6 Motorcycle Knowledge Test on one page: 220 short points in our own words, grouped by topic and by handbook section. Read it from top to bottom before your first practice test, or jump to a topic from the list below.

Each topic ends with a link to its practice questions, so you can check what you just read straight away, and a link to the official chapter for the full wording. The notes summarise the MPI Motorcycle Handbook from the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI); they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.

Study these notes as flashcards →

Class 6 licensing and GDL

The knowledge test and the M stage, the motorcycle training course, Learner, Intermediate and Full stage rules, the road test, and who may ride a moped.

Practise Class 6 licensing and GDL questions Flashcards Official chapter

Basic Class 6 (Motorcycle) licensing requirements

A Class 6 licence is required to ride a motorcycle in Manitoba.
To apply for a Class 6 Learner Stage licence you must be at least 16 and hold a valid Manitoba licence of any class and stage.
First step: a Class 6 knowledge test on safe motorcycle operation; it is not open book.
In GDL, a failed knowledge test means a seven-day wait before you retry; outside GDL you can retry the next working day.
Only one knowledge test (or road test) of the same class per day.
Passing the knowledge test gives a Class 6M licence: you may ride only while taking an approved motorcycle training course.
Time in the M stage does not count toward the nine-month Learner Stage.
If you need corrective lenses to pass the vision standard, your licence shows it.
A medical condition that may affect safe driving must be reported to Driver Fitness before the knowledge test.

Graduated Driver Licensing Class 6

Everyone getting a first Class 6 licence, whatever their age, is in GDL.
Class 6 stages: M (training course), L (Learner, at least 9 months), I (Intermediate, at least 15 months), F (Full).
An approved one-day, user-pay motorcycle training course is required before the Learner (L) licence is issued.
Learner Stage: no drugs or alcohol in your system, no passengers, no night riding (half an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunrise), no towing, no off-road vehicles along or across highways unless you hold at least a Class 5 Intermediate licence.
Intermediate Stage: reached by passing the Class 6 road test; still no drugs or alcohol; passengers and towing allowed.
The Intermediate Stage is done only once: time served in Class 5 Intermediate counts for Class 6, and the reverse.
Full Stage: no drugs or alcohol while riding for the first 36 months.
Time is not credited while your licence is suspended, expired or not paid up.
Authorized Instruction (A) stage for de-classed or transferring experienced riders: no drugs or alcohol, no passengers.

Road test

Motorcycle testing season runs May 1 to October 30 (weather permitting, sooner or later).
First-time riders must wait out a nine-month learning period before the road test.
The road test has two parts: identify, explain and demonstrate all controls; then ride safely and legally in typical traffic.
Bring a motorcycle in good working order with a registration certificate showing it is registered and insured, or the test is cancelled.
A failed road test means a 14-day wait before the next one.
Knowledge and road tests are given on weekdays only and in English or French.

Mopeds

A holder of a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 licence may ride a moped without further licensing.
Mopeds may not be driven on highways with a speed limit over 80 km/h, but may cross them.

Helmets and riding gear

Approved helmet standards and exemptions, eye protection, motorcycle-specific clothing, boots and being visible.

Practise Helmets and riding gear questions Flashcards Official chapter

Helmets

Every motorcyclist and passenger must wear an approved helmet, properly adjusted and securely fastened.
Accepted standards: Snell M2010 or M2015, U.S. FMVSS 218, or UN ECE Regulation 22.
Exempt from helmets: riders in a legally authorized parade, and members of the Sikh religion.
A helmet is your only protection against a serious or fatal head injury; inspect it for cracks or damage.
Choose a helmet that lets you wear prescription glasses if you need them.

Riding gear

Riding gear is the rider's only personal protection from the weather and in a collision.
Windshields and fairings do not replace eye protection; a moment of blurred vision from rain, wind, dust, insects or debris can cause a loss of control.
Best eye protection: goggles or a clear face shield designed for your helmet.
Ordinary glasses and sunglasses give little protection.
Do not wear tinted shields in low light; "bubble" shields distort vision.
Eye protection must be clean, scratch-free and shatterproof.
Motorcycle-specific clothing has reinforced seams, windproofing and body armour; wear motorcycle leather or textile jackets, pants and gloves.
Clothing should fit snugly yet allow full movement of arms and legs.
Boots should be leather and at least cover the ankle, and still let you work the controls.
Wear bright or fluorescent colours such as yellow, red or orange, and add reflective tape to clothing, helmet and motorcycle.

Choosing and equipping a motorcycle

Fitting a motorcycle to your size, weight and ability, the equipment Manitoba law requires, and how a motorcycle and a moped are defined.

Practise Choosing and equipping a motorcycle questions Flashcards Official chapter

The right motorcycle

Three factors in control: size, weight and the rider.
Size: both feet on the ground when you straddle the saddle; reach all hand and foot controls easily.
Weight: you should be able to push the bike through a figure eight, put it on its side and main stands without straining, and lift it upright if it falls.
Rider: the bike should suit your height, weight and riding ability.

Equipment

Brakes on front and rear wheels, able to stop the bike within 9 m from 30 km/h on a dry, smooth, level road.
Fenders on both wheels to reduce spray.
Altering the neck angle of the front frame is illegal.
Front forks no longer than 82 cm (bottom of lower triple tree to axle centre).
Handlebars between 53 cm and 92 cm wide; grips no more than 39 cm above the seat with the rider seated.
Horn audible from 60 m under normal conditions.
One or two headlamps; on 1975 and newer models the headlamp must be on whenever the bike is operated.
A red running lamp and red stop lamp at the rear, and a white light on the rear licence plate.
Front and rear signal lights on 1975 and newer models.
At least one rear-view mirror on the left side; two are recommended.
A working muffler and a working speedometer.
Tires must have at least 0.8 mm of tread.

Definition of a motorcycle and a moped

Motorcycle: handlebar steering, no more than three wheels on the ground, seat at least 650 mm high, rims at least 250 mm, wheelbase at least 1,016 mm, top speed over 50 km/h.
Moped: two or three wheels over 250 mm, seat at least 650 mm, engine of 50 cm³ or less (or electric), top speed no more than 50 km/h.

Controls and safety checks

Where the controls are and what they do, and the safety check of tires, wheels, brakes, fasteners, throttle, clutch, chain, fluids, cables, lights, mirrors and horn.

Practise Controls and safety checks questions Flashcards Official chapter

Controls

Controls should be within easy reach of your hands and feet.
Left handlebar: light switches (including the dimmer), horn button and clutch lever.
Clutch lever: squeeze to disengage the clutch, release to engage it.
Front brake lever: right handlebar, squeezed to apply the front brake.
Throttle: right grip; rotate toward you to speed up, away from you to slow down.
Electric starter usually on the right handlebar; a kick-starter, if fitted, is above the right footrest.
Gear selector: lift or press the pedal; on most bikes it is on the left (on the right on some older bikes).
Rear brake pedal: press down; on most bikes it is on the right (on the left on some older bikes).
Choke: adjusts the air–fuel mixture, usually for starting a cold engine.
A speedometer is required; other instruments may include odometer, tachometer, high beam, neutral, turn signal and gear indicators.

Safety checks

Check the bike often, before a long trip, and thoroughly after any collision or spill.
Tire pressure directly affects handling: check it with tires cold and adjust it for the load you carry; look for cuts and objects in the tread.
Wheels: broken or loose spokes, cracked castings, worn bearings.
Vibration loosens fasteners; pay special attention to wheel, brake and steering fasteners and add-ons such as fairings and saddlebags.
The throttle should spring closed when released.
Check the clutch for "drag" or "slip"; adjust the cable or have it repaired.
Drive chain: with you seated, at least 2 cm of play at the centre, and well lubricated; check gear oil on a drive shaft and slack on a belt.
Check gas, oil and coolant levels; replace frayed cables.
Each brake should turn the brake light on and off; check all lights and signals, mirrors and horn.

Riding position, starting and stopping

The four-point procedure before you ride, riding position, smooth starts and downshifts, starting on a hill, and braking to a controlled stop.

Practise Riding position, starting and stopping questions Flashcards Official chapter

Before you ride

Learn in a safe place away from traffic and pedestrians before riding in traffic.
Before traffic, you should know every control, shift smoothly, start and stop under control, and balance well.
Four-point routine before starting the engine: do the safety check; put on all safety gear; mount from the left side holding both grips, both feet down; move the bike off its stand and make sure the stand is up.

Riding position

Sit so your elbows are slightly bent with your hands on the bars.
Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward to reduce wind resistance.
Hold the throttle with the wrist lowered so your fingers easily reach the brake lever.
Feet level and firmly on the footpegs, ready for the foot controls.
Keep slight pressure on the fuel tank with your knees.

Starting

Beginners most often lose control while starting and stopping.
A controlled start needs smooth clutch and throttle coordination, with no jerking or lugging the engine.
Downshifting: pull in the clutch and raise engine speed slightly; a mismatch can skid the rear wheel when the clutch is released.
Hill start: hold the bike with the front brake, start the engine and select first, switch to the foot brake and release the front brake so you can use the throttle, then release the clutch and foot brake gradually.

Stopping

A controlled stop uses both brakes at the same time without locking them.
Signs a brake is near locking: the front tire whines and the rear tire shudders.
The front brake gives 70 per cent of the braking force; squeeze it gradually and evenly, never harshly.
A locked rear brake can usually be controlled; a locked front brake rarely can.
Downshift when slowing or preparing to stop: it keeps you ready to accelerate and adds stopping force.
In a line of traffic, flash your brake light first, then brake steadily; most vehicles cannot stop as quickly as you, so brake earlier and gradually.
Never ride with a brake partly applied: it lights the brake light, confuses drivers and wears the brakes.
Below 10 km/h, pull in the clutch and shift to first before stopping; use both brakes as you put a foot down.
Take special care braking on slippery or rough surfaces, while leaning into a turn, or with the front wheel turned.

Lane position, following and passing

Seeing and being seen, the dominant lane position, blind spots, the four-second following distance, passing parked cars, being passed and changing lanes.

Practise Lane position, following and passing questions Flashcards Official chapter

Lane position

To other drivers, a motorcycle ahead or behind looks only one-third to one-half the size of a car.
Ride where you can see traffic and traffic can see you, in a position that discourages drivers from moving alongside you.
Stay near the centre of your lane but not on the centre strip between the tire tracks, which can be slippery with oil, especially near intersections.

Dominant lane position and blind spots

On a multi-lane road, ride in the dominant position: the tire track closest to the line dividing lanes going your direction.
The dominant position leaves room to manoeuvre and makes it harder for drivers to box you in.
Never ride in another driver's blind spot, behind or beside them.
Keep to the right side of your lane near the crest of a hill or around corners, where oncoming drivers may crowd your lane.

Following

Following too closely cuts your reaction time, stopping room and view of the road.
Ride where the driver ahead can see you in the rear-view mirror.
Use a four-second following distance in ideal conditions; count from when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark; increase it in bad conditions.

Passing

Passing parked vehicles on a street with marked lanes: ride in the left track of the lane and slow down.
On residential streets, stay about 1.3 to 1.8 m from parked vehicles.
When a vehicle is overtaking you, keep to the left tire track; moving right invites drivers to share your lane.
When meeting oncoming traffic, especially large vehicles, be ready to move to the right of your lane to avoid air turbulence.
Never pass slower or stopped vehicles by cutting between lanes of traffic.

Lane changing

Signal and shoulder check before changing lanes; a shoulder check is the best check of what is behind you.
Motorcycle mirrors often show a limited view and can be blurred by vibration.
Several lane changes may be made in one continuous movement after one clear signal and check.
Shoulder check even before moving from one tire track to the other within your lane.

Turns and intersections

Right and left turns by tire track, slow turns, counter-steering and cornering above 20 km/h, and staying safe at intersections and around left-turning vehicles.

Practise Turns and intersections questions Flashcards Official chapter

Right and left turns

Right turn: from the right tire track of the right lane into either tire track of the right lane of the new road.
Left turn: from the left tire track of the left lane, passing left of the centre of the intersection, into either track of the new road.

Slow turns

At slow speed, turn the handlebars toward where you want to go, as on a bicycle.
Lower your right wrist so you do not add throttle by accident.
Keep both feet on the footpegs and your right foot ready over the rear brake pedal.

High-speed turns and cornering

Above 20 km/h a motorcycle must lean to turn.
Counter-steering: push on the right handlebar to turn right, on the left handlebar to turn left.
Keep your head up and look where you want to go.
Slow down by braking and/or downshifting before entering the turn; keep the throttle steady in the turn; accelerate slightly coming out to straighten up.
While leaning, avoid shifting gears or braking.
Watch for sand, potholes, manhole covers and cracks; slow down more on wet or dirty surfaces.
Counter-steering is the quickest way to change direction and helps you avoid debris, potholes or a collision.
If you go faster in a corner, you must lean more.

Intersections

Most collisions happen at intersections, with left-turning vehicles or vehicles entering from side streets.
Slow down and be ready to move left or right in your lane, whichever gives more room.
Look ahead, behind, left and right; ride where you can be seen; use your horn if a driver seems to look right past you.
Cover your brakes (hand over the front lever, foot over the rear pedal) and be ready to stop; right-of-way means nothing if a vehicle is in your path.
Move into position well before the intersection so others know whether you are turning.
With traffic entering from both sides, stay in the left tire track of your lane to even out the space.
An oncoming left-turning driver may misjudge how close you are and how fast you are going, even though you have the right-of-way.

Highway riding, group riding and parking

Risks at highway speed, a driver pulling out to pass toward you, re-entering from the shoulder, group size and staggered formation, and parking at the curb.

Practise Highway riding, group riding and parking questions Flashcards Official chapter

Highway riding

Other drivers find it hard to judge a motorcycle's distance and speed on the highway.
Watch vehicles behind oncoming vehicles: a car that keeps drifting over the centre line is probably about to pull out to pass.
If someone pulls out to pass toward you, your best option is usually to slow down and move onto the shoulder.
On an unpaved shoulder avoid heavy braking; re-enter the pavement slowly at an angle of 45 degrees or more.
Watch for vehicles turning onto the highway or crossing at a median.
On highways: keep a safe distance, stay out of blind spots, signal lane changes early, check mirrors often, watch for wildlife.

Group riding

Avoid large groups; if your group is larger than four, split it into two or more groups.
Plan the route in advance.
Slower or inexperienced riders should lead.
Never ride directly beside another motorcyclist; sharing a lane limits room and reaction time.
Always ride in a staggered formation, four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you, and more at highway speeds.

Parking

Park at the curb at a 45-degree angle so the motorcycle is more visible to drivers looking for a spot.

Passengers and cargo

Who may carry a passenger, preparing the motorcycle, instructing the passenger, and carrying cargo safely.

Practise Passengers and cargo questions Flashcards Official chapter

Passengers

Class 6 Learner (L) and Authorized Instruction (A) licence holders may not carry passengers.
Passengers and cargo change balance, steering, acceleration and braking; wait until you are confident of your control.
Check the owner's manual that the motorcycle is built to carry a passenger, and add the specified tire pressure.
Allow more room to manoeuvre and brake.
Tell the passenger how to ride with you and not to give hand signals.
The passenger moves with you: forward when you accelerate, back when you slow down, and with you into corners.
Adjust the shock absorbers, check drive chain slack and adjust the headlight angle.
The passenger keeps both feet on the footpegs at all times, even when stopped; hot pipes and mufflers are a major hazard.
The passenger sits as far forward as possible without crowding you and holds your waist or hips.
You need a proper seat and footpegs so the passenger sits behind you without moving you from your normal position.
The passenger should wear protective gear like yours.

Cargo

Motorcycles are not designed for cargo; small loads are safe only if positioned and fastened properly.
Use equipment made for the bike, such as a tank bag or saddlebags.
Cargo strapped to the tank or seat must be evenly distributed and well secured.
Straps and brackets must not touch moving parts such as the chain, swing arm or shocks.
Keep cargo in front of the rear axle.
Never carry loose cargo between your knees or in your hands or arms; do not overload; check the fastenings often.

Night, reduced visibility and wildlife

The learner night restriction, riding in poor visibility, using low and high beams, and avoiding collisions with deer and other wildlife.

Practise Night, reduced visibility and wildlife questions Flashcards Official chapter

Night riding

Class 6 Learner Stage riders may ride only in daylight: from half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset.

Reduced visibility

In poor visibility: slow down, keep at least four seconds of following distance, signal earlier, brake sooner and flash your brake lights, and pass only when necessary.
Low beams light the road just ahead; use them in rain, fog or smoke.
High beams let you see farther and are generally used for night highway riding, but they reflect off rain, fog and smoke, so do not use them in those conditions.

Wildlife

MPI claims data show October and November are the worst months for wildlife collisions in Manitoba.
Hitting a wild animal is very often catastrophic for a motorcyclist.
Slow down at animal crossing signs, at dawn, dusk and night, in rural and forested areas, near lush grass or where a creek passes under the road.
At night ride at a speed that lets you stop within the reach of your headlight.
Scan the roadside; use high beams at night but dim them for oncoming traffic and when following closely.
Watch for deer eyes reflecting your light; deer rarely travel alone.
If an animal is near your path: slow down at once and be ready to stop; dim your headlight, since bright lights can make a deer freeze; sound the horn or rev the engine.
If a crash is unavoidable, brake firmly; swerve only if necessary and only onto a path you know is clear.

Obstacles and road surfaces

Obstacles, rough and slippery surfaces, loose sand and gravel, grated bridge decks and railway crossings.

Practise Obstacles and road surfaces questions Flashcards Official chapter

Obstacles

Sudden obstacle: reduce speed, counter-steer, move to the safest side, stay in your own lane.
If you must ride over it: meet it head-on, slow down, stand slightly on the footpegs with knees flexed, and lighten the front wheel by leaning back slightly and accelerating a little as you reach it.

Rough surfaces

Avoid bumps, broken pavement and potholes when you can; otherwise keep the bike as upright as possible, slow down, and stand on the footpegs to absorb the shock.

Slippery surfaces

Watch for wet pavement just after rain starts, oil slicks in the centre of the lane, wet metal such as manhole covers and bridge gratings, and wet lane markings.
Snow and ice should be avoided completely.
If you must ride on a slippery surface: slow down, use both brakes smoothly and gradually, avoid sudden moves, and shift to a lower gear for traction, releasing the clutch gradually.

Loose material on surfaces

Sand, gravel, mud or leaves on pavement can be even more dangerous than wet pavement.
Approaching loose material: slow down, grip firmly, rise slightly off the seat and move slightly back for traction, keep arms and wrists loose so the front wheel can move a little, keep feet on the pegs, and hold a steady throttle once slowed.

Grated surfaces and railway crossings

On grated bridge decks the bike tends to vibrate and wander; this is usually not dangerous, so do not fight it.
Keep a steady speed and ride straight across, standing slightly with knees flexed, arms relaxed, firm grip, head up.
You do not need to cross railway tracks at a full 90 degrees; with other traffic around, 45 degrees or more is enough and avoids swerving.

Emergency situations

Tire blowouts, speed wobble, a stuck throttle, skids and leaving the road.

Practise Emergency situations questions Flashcards Official chapter

Blowout

Rear tire blowout: keep your position on the bike, do not brake, ease off the throttle.
Front tire blowout: hang on firmly and try to steer straight.
Once you have slowed down, move to the right side of the road.

Speed wobble

Do not brake; hang on firmly; do not try to stop the wobble; close the throttle gradually; pull off the road as soon as you can.
Typical causes: unequal tire pressure, bent or misaligned wheels, loose bearings or spokes, a badly mounted windshield or fairing.

Stuck throttle

Squeeze the clutch lever immediately.
Twist the throttle back and forth several times; if it will not close, turn off the engine with the kill switch.
Steer off the road and brake to a stop.

Skids

Most motorcycle skids come from braking too hard with the rear wheel so it slides sideways.
Slow-speed skid: steer slightly in the direction of the skid while slowly easing off the brake so the wheel can turn.
High-speed skid: counter-steer carefully out of it; do not oversteer, or the bike can tip over toward the skid.

Leaving the road

Do your slowing and steering before you leave the pavement, and release the brakes just before you leave it.
Off the pavement, rise slightly on the footpegs, shift your weight back and brake gradually, favouring the rear brake.

Impaired riding and penalties

How alcohol and drugs impair a rider, the drug and alcohol restriction, roadside and administrative suspensions, driving while suspended, Driver Improvement and Control, and the Driver Safety Rating.

Practise Impaired riding and penalties questions Flashcards Official chapter

Alcohol and drugs

Impaired drivers usually do not realize they are impaired; alcohol and drugs slow reactions, distort vision and impair judgment.
Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant; coffee, food or a cold shower do not sober you up — only time does.
Roughly 25 per cent of fatal collisions on Manitoba roads are linked to impaired driving.
You can be charged with impaired driving whatever your blood alcohol level if your ability is impaired.
Legal drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) and illegal drugs can slow reactions, upset speed control, balance and coordination, and attention.
Drug-impaired driving can bring the same Criminal Code charges as alcohol; never mix drugs and alcohol before riding.
Manitoba's impaired driving laws apply to all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles.

Consequences

Police can give an immediate 24-hour roadside suspension to a driver suspected of being under the influence of any drug.
Novice drivers who break the drug and alcohol restriction get an immediate 24-hour roadside suspension, a possible further suspension from Driver Improvement and Control, and a reinstatement charge.
Tiered Administrative Licence Suspension for a BAC of .05 to .079 (or a "warn" on a screening device, or failing a drug or coordination test): 72 hours for a first occurrence, 7 days if a child under 16 is in the vehicle, 15 days second, 30 days third, 60 days fourth and later, counted over 10 years.
A tiered suspension also moves you down five levels on the Driver Safety Rating scale.
Three-month Administrative Licence Suspension: BAC of .08 or more, failing or refusing a screening test or sample, THC over 5 ng, or any illegal drug in your system.

Driving while suspended

A vehicle driven by a suspended or prohibited driver is impounded for at least 30 days, even if someone else owns it.
Other consequences can include up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $2,000, and a lifetime licence suspension.

MPI Motorcycle Handbook (07/23), Driver Improvement and Control; Driver Safety Rating

All riders are covered by the Driver Improvement and Control Program: at-fault collisions, convictions and impaired-driving suspensions can bring letters, courses or a full record review.
New riders who break a GDL restriction may have their record reviewed for further sanctions.
On the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale, safe driving moves you up (usually lower premiums); convictions, at-fault claims and suspensions move you down.

Written in our own words from: MPI Motorcycle Handbook

FAQ

Manitoba Class 6 study guide: common questions

What is the best way to use this Manitoba Class 6 study guide?

Read one topic, then answer that topic's practice questions while the rules are fresh. Note the questions you miss, re-read those notes, and finish with a full practice test across all 13 topics.

Is this the official Manitoba Class 6 handbook?

No. It is our own summary of the MPI Motorcycle Handbook. Use it to review, and use the official handbook when you need the exact wording of a rule.

Can I print the study guide?

Yes, with your browser's print command. For practice questions on paper with an answer key, use our printable questions and answers page instead.