If you are an aspiring motorcyclist in Saskatchewan, Canada or are moving into the city with a motorbike, you must familiarize yourself with the requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license. In essence, Canadian traffic laws require prospective riders to pass a knowledge test and all stages of the Motorcycle Graduated Driver Licensing (MGDL) program before getting a license. Here is a breakdown of the Saskatchewan motorcycle knowledge test and the process to get a license.
What are the requirements for a motorcycle license in Saskatchewan?
If you are a first-time motorbike rider, you should be at least 16 years of age and hold a Class 5 or higher driver's license. You should also have successfully passed all stages of the MGDL program. The MGDL program moves new motorcycle drivers through incremental levels of risk based on the gained motorcycle driving experience. As per the motorcycle driver's handbook, there are generally three stages that new riders should pass:
Motorcycle Learner- 6 Endorsement
Before obtaining your motorcycle learner's license (6 Endorsement), you must meet learner criteria and take 4 tests. Once you pass these tests, you must take either a basic ability road test or SGI-approved motorcycle training before you can drive a motorbike as a learner. These texts comprise:
· Basic knowledge exam: this is a computer-based or written knowledge test that assesses your understanding of the road rules from the Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook. The passing grade is 80%.
· Signs exam: this is also a computer-based or written exam that tests your understanding of traffic signs in the Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook. The passing grade for this exam is also 80%
· Motorcycle knowledge exam: this is a computer-based or written knowledge test exam that assesses your understanding of the road rules related to motorcycles and as per information from the Motorcycle Driver's Handbook. The passing grade for this exam is also 80%.
· SGI-approved motorcycle training course OR Basic ability road test: As mentioned earlier, you can take either an SGI-approved motorcycle training course or a basic ability road test. If you opt for an SGI-approved motorbike course, you don't have to pay fees in the three MGDL stages or have an "R" engine size restriction on your license. On the other hand, the basic ability road test assesses your ability to maneuver the motorbike safely in reduced traffic conditions.
Motorcycle Novice 1- Endorsement M
Your 6 Endorsement stage (learner stage) expires in 24 months. To move from the Learner stage to Novice 1, you must have had your learner's license for 12 months and pass a motorcycle road test. This test assesses motorcycle riding practices such as lane position and safe riding methods.
Motorcycle Novice 2- Endorsement M
To move from Novice 1 to Novice 2, you must have stayed incident-free for the last one year. The novice 2 stage allows you to ride motorcycles or mopeds up to 400cc. Once you complete 12 consecutive moves as a Novice 2 rider without incidents or interruptions, you graduate to an unrestricted "M" Endorsement. Ultimately, this makes you an experienced motorcycle rider with a new license. However, if your 12 consecutive months in Novice 2 have any incidences, you must restart the Novice 2 stage and avoid any incidents for the entire 12 months.
What Kind of Seat Position Should Your Passenger Adopt?
You can only carry passengers if you have an Endorsement M or have obtained the Novice 2 level in the MGDL program. The law requires riders to have a proper seat to comfortably accommodate both them and the passenger and a footrest for the passenger. The passenger is required to do the following in regard to seat position:
· Notify the rider when ready to mount or dismount and wait for approval
· Hold the rider’s waist or hips and keep both feet on the footrest
· Keep feet away from moving and hot parts
· Gaze over the rider’s shoulder in the direction of the turn
· Avoid any surprise moves that could compromise stability
Now that you know all about motorcycle knowledge text in Saskatchewan, it is time to kickstart your licensing process. We wish you a safe and enjoyable riding experience!
