About the NWT Motorcycle Probationary Licence

Before you can begin getting licensed to drive a motorcycle in the Northwest Territories, you need to have an operators licence such as a NT Class 7 learners licence. A Class 7 licence can be obtained by passing a written test on NWT road signs and rules, and an eye exam. You can test your knowledge of the road signs and rules of the road here.

By default, if you have a Class 7 learners licence you must also be 15 years of age or older.

The NWT motorcycle handbook is the best place to start learning key road signs, rules of the road and driving techniques specific to motorcycle driving in the Northwest Territories.

Northwest Territories Motorcycle Operators Licence Information Guide

The motorcycle practice tests created by the ICanDrive.ca team mimic the actual NWT Class 6 motorcycle knowledge test, and are a great way to test your understanding of NWT road signs and road rules as they apply to motorcycle drivers. Make sure you practice our NT Class 6 practice test to be as prepared as possible.

You have to book and pay for your motorcycle road test and on-lot test appointment in advance with your local Northwest Territories DMV office.

With a Class 6 probationary licence, you have the ability to practice motorcycle driving under the supervision of someone who is 19 years of age or older, who holds a valid, full Class 6 licence. They must either be seated behind you or following in another motorcycle/vehicle. Take as much time as possible to practice practical motorcycle riding skills such as:

• Balancing and controlling your motorcycle in a serpentine (weaving) and straight line pattern
• Starting on a hill
• Shifting around curves
• Emergency parking
• Making turns and riding in a circle
• Proper signaling
• Correct road position
• Speed control

The knowledge test will be administered at your local DMV office location and is a multiple choice exam, with questions based on both the Basic Licence Driver's Handbook and the NWT Motorcycle Operators Manual. Reading through both manuals, practicing our free NWT Class 7 knowledge test practice and our free Northwest Territories motorcycle practice test is the best way to be prepared for your Class 6 knowledge exam at the DMV office.

Before the on-lot motorcycle road test can begin, your bike will be checked to ensure that it is mechanically fit to take the test. If any of the controls (brakes, lights, horn etc) are not functioning correctly, your test could be denied. Make sure you check your motorcycle before leaving home.

You will be asked to drive through a preset route within a parking lot and demonstrate skills showing the following 8 maneuvers:

• a test of balance and control by weaving between markers (serpentine)
• Riding slowly in a straight line
• Starting on a hill
• Collision avoidance
• Shifting around curves
• Emergency Braking
• Riding in a circle
• Making left and right-hand turns

The road test will be administered in actual traffic situations and you will be provided guidance either in advance of the test or during the test via a one-way radio. You will be asked to drive through a route and will be expected to demonstrate good motorcycle handling, balance, turning, road position, intersection navigation and speed control during your road test.

The more rested you are, the more alert you will be during the knowledge/road tests and the higher your chances of passing on your first attempt to get a NWT motorcycle probationary licence.

Always arrive well in advance of closing time. For the road test you will have to book an appointment in advance, so make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of the road test appointment.

Identification - You need to provide proof of identification through one or more ID's that prove your legal name, date of birth, photo ID and proof of residency.

Vehicle Documents - Your motorcycle's registration and insurance documents might also be requested so bring them along.

For the practical tests, you need to be wearing proper motorcycle gear (helmet, full sleeve jacket etc).

You must remain at the NWT motorcycle probationary licence stage for a minimum of 12 months before you become eligible for an unrestricted, full NWT Class 6 motorcycle license.

Similar to the Northwest Territories car probationary licence, you cannot consume any alcohol before or during the time you are operating a motorcycle.

If you accumulate 6 or more demerit points your NWT motorcycle probationary licence will immediately be suspended.