Permis PrêtCarrying a passenger on a motorcycle in Québec: the rules
Who may ride behind you, and what to check before you go.
Short answer: The passenger must be tall enough for their feet to rest on the footrests, wear a compliant helmet and hold on securely. A learner’s licence holder may never carry a passenger.
The rules
- There is no minimum age, but the passenger’s feet must rest on the footrests and they must be able to hold on securely.
- The passenger wears a well-fitted, compliant helmet.
- Learner’s licence: no passenger.
Advice from the SAAQ guide
- Do not exceed the motorcycle’s maximum weight capacity.
- Check tire pressure and adjust the rear suspension.
- Practise in a place with no traffic before heading out with a passenger.
- Ride more slowly, especially in curves, slow down earlier at intersections and increase safety margins.
To remember for the test
- Passenger’s feet on the footrests; compliant helmet.
- Learner: never a passenger.
- With a passenger: more distance and longer braking.
Test yourself on this topic
Original motorcycle questions with an explanation and a source: 10 free.
Practise for free
Original motorcycle questions with an explanation and a source: 10 free.
Practise for free
Official sources
- SAAQ, Transporter un passager à moto (French)
- SAAQ, Moto: ce que dit la loi (French)
- SAAQ, Operating a Motorcycle, “Extra Weight”
General information, current as of 2026-11-01. When in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules can change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca.