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Being Seen
What you need to know
Use headlights and bright gear — many collisions happen because drivers don't see riders. In the official Ontario tests, questions on this topic come from the Ministry of Transportation's Driver's Handbook (for cars) and Motorcycle Handbook (for riders).
Sample practice questions
Why do riders use SMIDSY positions or proactive scanning?
- A To make the motorcycle more visible and anticipate drivers who may not see it
- B To reduce wind drag
- C To keep the engine cool
- D To save fuel at intersections
💡 SMIDSY refers to a driver saying they did not see you; the rider stays in a visible lane position and scans to counter that risk.
What can you do to make yourself more visible to other drivers at night and in poor weather?
- Wear bright or reflective gear and use your headlight
- Wear all black clothing
- Ride close to the centre line only
- Flash your high beams at everyone
💡 Bright and reflective clothing plus a working headlight make you much easier for others to see.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do riders use SMIDSY positions or proactive scanning?
- A To make the motorcycle more visible and anticipate drivers who may not see it SMIDSY refers to a driver saying they did not see you; the rider stays in a visible lane position and scans to counter that risk.
- What can you do to make yourself more visible to other drivers at night and in poor weather?
- Wear bright or reflective gear and use your headlight Bright and reflective clothing plus a working headlight make you much easier for others to see.
More questions on Being Seen and every other topic live in the G1 practice test and M1 practice test.