Take a driver knowledge test: Motorcycle Learner Licence
You need to pass a Knowledge Test before you can get a Motorcycle Learner Licence. The test assesses your knowledge of the rules for safe motorcycle driving. After you pass the test, you need to complete additional requirements to get your licence (you can’t drive a motorcycle right away).
You need to pass a Knowledge Test for drivers before you can get a Motorcycle Learner Licence. You need to take the test on your own (with no help from others and no resource materials).
What you’re tested on
You need to review the Driver's Handbook to prepare for the Knowledge Test.
The Knowledge Test assesses your knowledge of the rules for safe motorcycle driving. The test has 20 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need to answer at least 16 correctly.
Languages
Right now, the Knowledge Test is available online in English and French. If you need to take the test in another language, contact Registry of Motor Vehicles to review your options and make arrangements to take the test with an interpreter.
If you don’t pass the Knowledge Test
If you don’t pass the Knowledge Test, you need to pay for another test and take the test again.
When you pass the Knowledge Test
You don’t get your Motorcycle Learner Licence as soon as you pass the Knowledge Test and you can’t drive a motorcycle right away. You need to complete additional requirements before getting your licence.
Additional requirements to get your Motorcycle Learner Licence
To get your Motorcycle Learner Licence, you also need to:
- provide your driver’s licence
- complete and pass a Balance Test
If you take the Knowledge Test online, you need to complete the additional requirements after you pass the test to get your licence. You don’t need to complete any of the additional requirements before you take the test.
You need to pass the Balance Test and get your Motorcycle Learner Licence within 12 months of taking the Knowledge Test (if not, you need to take the Knowledge Test again).
Balance test
Balance Tests are only available seasonally (tests are not available from late fall to early spring). Availability also depends on weather conditions.
You need to pass a Balance Test before you can get your Motorcycle Learner Licence. The Balance Test includes basic motorcycle balancing maneuvers and braking techniques.
You need to bring a motorcycle to the test. You need to transport your motorcycle by trailer or have someone who has a Motorcycle Licence drive it to the test for you (you can’t drive the motorcycle to the test yourself).
Your motorcycle must pass a pre-trip inspection before the Balance Test can start. The motorcycle needs to have a valid licence plate and vehicle permit (or temporary vehicle permit). You need to provide proof of motor vehicle inspection and insurance for the motorcycle.
Before you visit Registry of Motor Vehicles or Access Nova Scotia, contact Registry of Motor Vehicles to book an appointment to take the Balance Test.
If you take an approved motorcycle training course, the Balance Test is included as part of the course (you don’t need to visit Registry of Motor Vehicles).
Other licence classes
Right now, you can only take the Knowledge Test online for a Motorcycle Learner Licence, Learner’s Licence (class 7) or Farm Tractor Licence (class 8). For any other class of licence, you need to take the Knowledge Test in person.
Eligibility
You can take the Knowledge Test for a Motorcycle Learner Licence if you meet all the following criteria:
- you’re 16 or older
- you have a driver’s licence or Learner's Licence (class 7)
- you meet all the requirements to apply for a Motorcycle Learner Licence
- you don’t have any outstanding fines or privilege reinstatement fees
- your licence isn’t suspended and you’re not prohibited from getting a licence for any other reason
If you’re not comfortable taking a written test, contact Registry of Motor Vehicles to make arrangements to take the test verbally.
How to take the test
- Review the Driver's Handbook to prepare for the Knowledge Test.
- Complete the Application Information Form online.
- Include payment with your form.
- Submit your completed form and payment.
- The service emails you a payment confirmation. Keep a copy for your records.
- Once your payment is complete, you can take the test online right away. Or you can take the test online at a different time by signing in with the access code provided in your confirmation email.
How long it takes
You need to complete the Knowledge Test within 30 minutes. You should get the test results right away. If you take the test online and your test is flagged for review, it should take 1 week to get your test results.
Cost
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle Learner Licence Knowledge Test | $15.15 |
Payment options
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit card, cheque, money order, cash. Make your cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. Payment options may vary depending on how you take the test.
When you pay online you need to pay the fee by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard).
Before you start
Make sure you pay any outstanding fines or privilege reinstatement fees.
Take the test online
When you take the Knowledge Test online you need an email address (this is where the test results are sent). You also need a desktop computer or laptop (you can’t take the test on a phone, tablet or other device) and a web camera connected to your computer or laptop (the camera takes photos of you throughout your test). Once you’re ready to start your test, you can take a sample test to get familiar with the online testing procedure.
You can visit Registry of Motor Vehicles or Access Nova Scotia to take the Knowledge Test in person if you’re unable to take the test online. Or you can contact Registry of Motor Vehicles to book an appointment or book an appointment online at Access Nova Scotia.