The online version of the Ontario motorcycle handbook. Use this book to study for your M1 motorcycle license, test your knowledge and prepare for your M road tests.
Driving is a privilege — not a right
Introduction
This handbook provides guidelines for drivers of motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles (LSMs) and motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds). Unless stated otherwise, references to motorcycles in this handbook include three-wheeled motorcycles and limited-speed motorcycles.
Motorcycle and moped driving can be an enjoyable, even exciting, experience — but it can also be dangerous. As a driver of one of the smallest vehicles on the road, you are more likely to be injured or killed if you are involved in a collision. To avoid collisions and survive, you must learn to drive carefully and safely.
Driver error is the most common cause of traffic collisions. A large percentage of fatal collisions among motorcycle and moped drivers is due to losing control while speeding.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation encourages new motorcycle and moped drivers, and those who wish to improve their skills, to take a motorcycle-safety training course.
Getting your Motorcycle Licence
This chapter tells you what licence you need to drive a motorcycle, a motor tricycle, a limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) and a motor-assisted bicycle (moped) in Ontario, whether you are a new driver, a visitor or a new resident. It explains the graduated licensing system, including the tests you will have to pass and the driving privileges you will have at each licence level.
Types of Vehicles Requiring a Class M Licence
There are four types of vehicles for which you require a motorcycle class of licence to drive on public roads in Ontario: motorcycles, motor tricycles, limited-speed motorcycles (LSMs) and motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds).
Restrictions
A driver will have their Class M licence restricted to the type of vehicle they bring to the road test, e.g., if a driver brings a LSM for their road test their licence will be restricted to LSM only and they may not drive a full class M vehicle. A restricted class M licence for motor tricycles has a condition that will allow licence holders to drive three-wheeled motorcycles only. A restricted class M limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds will allow licence holders to drive these vehicles only.
Motorcycles
The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
defines a motorcycle as a self-propelled vehicle with a seat or saddle for the driver, designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
Motorcycles must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation and have a valid motorcycle licence plate attached in order to be driven on public roads in Ontario.
What you need to Drive a Motorcycle in Ontario
In Ontario, there are 12 different classes of licence. Each class qualifies you to drive a different type of vehicle. The class of licence you have must match the type of vehicle you are driving.
To drive a motorcycle you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid motorcycle licence (Class M1, M2 or M).
You must have the proper type of licence plate attached to the rear of your motorcycle or moped, as well as valid vehicle registration. You must also have liability insurance. Carry your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance card with you in case a police officer asks to see them.
An applicant will have a condition added to their class M licence, if they pass the Level One or Level Two road test in a motorcycle that is not a full class M vehicle.
- The M condition is added to your licence if you pass the Level One or Level Two road test using a three-wheeled motorcycle. The M condition means you are licensed to drive a three-wheeled motorcycle only.
- The L condition is added to your licence if you pass the Level One or Level Two road test using a limited-speed motorcycle or moped. The L condition means you are licensed to drive either a limited-speed motorcycle or a moped only.
Graduated Licensing
New drivers applying for their first car or motorcycle licence enter Ontario’s graduated licensing system. Graduated licensing lets new drivers gain driving experience and skills gradually. The two-step licensing process takes at least 20 months to complete.
To apply for a motorcycle licence, you must be at least 16 years old. When you apply, you will be asked questions about your health. People with some types of physical or medical conditions are not allowed to drive for safety reasons. If your physical or medical condition means you cannot be licensed, you will be told when you apply.
You must pass a vision test and a written test of your knowledge of traffic signs. You must also pass a written test of your knowledge of motorcycles and the rules of the road. There is a fee charged for these tests.
After you pass these tests, you enter Level One and get a Class M1 licence.
You must pass two road tests to become fully licenced. Passing the Level One road test gives you a Class M2 licence and you move to Level Two. Passing the Level Two road test gives you a full Class M driver’s licence.
Road Tests
Road tests check your skill at handling a motorcycle or moped and driving on Road tests check your skill at handling a motorcycle or moped and driving one on the road. You will be tested on your ability to apply the rules of the road and safe driving practices.
The Level One road test deals with basic driving skills. The Level Two road test deals with advanced knowledge and skills that are generally gained with driving experience. Your performance in each of these tests will tell you whether you need more training or practice. All road tests have a set time frame. Before you begin your test, your examiner will tell you how much time you have to complete it.
Motorcycle safety courses
The Ministry of Transportation encourages all new drivers to take a ministry-approved motorcycle safety course to help learn the proper driving skills and required knowledge. This course can be taken in Level One or Level Two and includes a road test. If you pass a ministry-approved course, you can reduce the time you must spend at Level Two, and you may qualify for a reduction in insurance premiums.
Level One – Class M1
To enter Level One, you must be at least 16 years old. You must pass a vision test and a written test of your knowledge of traffic signs. You must also pass a written test of your knowledge of motorcycles and the rules of the road.
Checklist: Level One Knowledge Test
Before attempting the knowledge test, be sure to study this handbook, as well as “Safe and responsible driving,” and “Traffic signs and lights,” in the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook. Bring the following items to the knowledge test:
- Two pieces of identification (see MTO Driver’s Handbook for acceptable documents)
- Money for test fees – cash, debit or credit card
- Glasses or contact lenses (if you need to wear them to read or write)
Once you pass the vision and knowledge tests, you get a Class M1 licence and enter Level One. You must stay at Level One for a minimum of 60 days from the day you obtained your M1 licence, after which you may attempt the Level One road test.
The M1 licence is only valid for 90 days, so it is a good idea to book your Level One road test early in order to complete it before your M1 licence expires.
While at Level One
With an M1 licence, you may drive a motorcycle, motor tricycle, a limited-speed motorcycle or a moped, under the following conditions:
- You must not drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Your blood-alcohol level must be zero.
- You must drive only during daylight hours — one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
- You must not drive on roads with speed limits of more than 80 km/h, except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144 and 655. (These exceptions are made because some drivers have no other route available to them.)
- You must not carry passengers.
Level One Road Test
You must pass a road test of your driving skills to obtain a class M2 licence and move to Level Two. When you book the road test, you will be required to indicate the type of vehicle you plan to bring to the test (for example, motorcycle, limited-speed motorcycle or moped). The type of motorcycle you bring to the test will determine the type of licence you will receive.
If you pass the test using a limited-speed motorcycle or moped, you get an M2 licence with an L condition. The L condition restricts you to driving a limited-speed motorcycle or moped on public roads other than controlled-access highways and any other highways listed in Reg. 630 of the Highway Traffic Act.
If you pass the test on a three-wheeled motorcycle (motor tricycle or motorcycle with sidecar), you will receive an M2 licence with an M condition. The M condition will restrict you to driving only three-wheeled motorcycles on any public road in Ontario.
If you pass the test on a motorcycle other than a three-wheeled motorcycle or a limited-speed motorcycle, you get an M2 licence (no L or M condition), and you may drive a motorcycle or motor tricycle on any public road in Ontario. You may also drive a moped or limited-speed motorcycle on public roads where they are permitted.
Checklist: Level One Road Test
Before taking the Level One road test, make sure you have studied the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook and the Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook.
Bring the following items to the test:
- Vehicle in good working order (see “Out-of-order road test”)
- M1 driver’s licence
- Approved motorcycle helmet (helmets that comply with Regulation 610 of the Highway Traffic Act)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if you need to wear them to drive)
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the road test appointment.
Please note: If you take your Level One road test as part of a ministry-approved motorcycle safety course, you must still wait 60 days minimum to move to Level Two. Remember that the course certificate is valid for only six months. Be sure to take it to a DriveTest Centre after the 60 days but before the six months have passed, or you will have to take your road test again.
Level Two – Class M2 or M2(L), or M2(M)
Level Two lasts a minimum of 22 months from the day you obtain your M2 or M2(L), or M2 (M) licence. However, if you pass a ministry-approved motorcycle safety course, you can reduce the time spent at Level Two by four months. You may stay at Level Two for a maximum of five years from the day you pass your Level One road test. You must either attempt the Level Two road test to move to a full-class M, M (M), or M(L) licence or re-apply for Level Two before your Level Two licence expires at the end of the five years.
While at Level Two
At Level Two you have more privileges because of your driving experience.
- You may drive at night.
- You may carry passengers (except on a moped).
- With an M2 licence, you may drive a motorcycle or motor tricycle on any public road. You may also drive a limited-speed motorcycle or a moped on any public road other than those listed in Regulation 630 of the Highway Traffic Act.
- If you have an M2(L) licence, you may drive a limited-speed motorcycle or moped on any public road other than those listed in Regulation 630 of the Highway Traffic Act.
- If you have a Class M2 (M) licence, you may not drive a two-wheeled motorcycle, limited-speed motorcycle, or moped.
- If you have a valid Class M2, M2(L), or M2(M) licence, you may also drive Class G vehicles under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence. Please see the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook for more information on Class G licences.
Do not:
- Carry passengers on a moped; it is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act
- Drive your motorcycle or moped if you have been drinking alcohol; your blood-alcohol level must be zero
Level Two Road Test
After you have completed the time required at Level Two, you may take the Level Two road test to qualify for full-class M licence privileges.
Before taking the Level Two test on a motorcycle that is not limited-speed, you must complete a declaration of highway driving experience form, on which you will describe your experience driving a motorcycle on highways with speed limits of 80 km/h or greater.
LSMs and mopeds at the M2 level are allowed to drive on all highways except for the controlled-access freeways listed in Regulation 630, so if you take the M2 road test on a limited-speed motorcycle, or moped, you do not complete the freeway driving section of the test. However, you will be required to drive on 50 km/h roads. Before taking the Level Two test on a limited-speed motorcycle, or moped, you must sign the declaration on the M2 Examination form stating that your limited-speed motorcycle, or moped is capable of maintaining a safe speed on a 50 km/h road. The safe speed may vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If you are unable to sign the declaration, your road test will be cancelled and you may be charged half of your test fee.
During the M2 road test, the examiner will give you directions through a disposable earphone and, as you complete the tasks, will watch to make sure you successfully perform the required skills.
When you book a road test, you will be required to indicate the type of vehicle you plan to bring to the test (for example, motorcycle, limited-speed motorcycle, or moped). The type of motorcycle you bring to the test will determine the type of licence you will receive.
If you pass the road test on a motorcycle that is not three-wheeled or limited-speed, you get a class M licence and you may drive a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle on any public road in Ontario. You may also drive a limited-speed motorcycle, or moped, on public roads other than those listed in Regulation 630 of the Highway Traffic Act.
If you pass the test on a limited-speed motorcycle, or moped, you get an M(L) licence and you may drive a limited-speed motorcycle, or moped, on public roads other than controlled-access highways and those roads listed in Regulation 630 of the Highway Traffic Act.
If you pass the test on a three-wheeled motorcycle, you get an M (M) licence, which allows you to only drive motor tricycles on public roads.
Checklist: Level Two Road Test
Bring the following items to the test:
- Vehicle in good working order (see “Out-of-order road test”)
- Motorcycle helmet
- Current driver’s licence
- Money for test fees (if applicable)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if you need to wear them to drive)
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the road test appointment.
Upgrading from Class M(L) or Class M(M) to class M
If you already hold an M2(L), M(L), M2(M) or M(M) licence and you want to upgrade to a full-class M licence (no L or M condition), you must pass both road tests on a motorcycle that is not a three-wheeled or a limited-speed motorcycle. You must first obtain a 90-day motorcycle training TDL (temporary driver’s licence), available from the Queen’s Park Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office or any DriveTest Centre. This TDL allows you to practice driving a non-three-wheeled or a non-limited-speed motorcycle. You need this TDL to take the required road test(s) as well.
Out-of-Order Road Test
If your vehicle does not meet ministry standards for the purpose of a road test, or if there is a non-vehicle-related reason for which the examiner determines that the road test cannot be completed, the examiner declares the road test out-of-order. You lose 50 per cent of your road test fee. The other 50 per cent of the fee remains as a credit on your driving record, and may be applied when booking a new road test. In order to book the new road test, you will have to pay the 50 per cent of the fee lost through the out-of-order.
You must bring the appropriate vehicle to the road test you have booked. For example, if you have booked a regular motorcycle road test, you cannot bring a limited-speed motorcycle. If you do bring a limited-speed motorcycle, and the DriveTest Centre cannot accommodate a limited-speed road test that day, your road test will be declared out of order, and you will lose 50 per cent of the fee. You will have to rebook your test.
If you have any concerns that your road test may be declared out-of-order, contact the DriveTest Centre before your scheduled test to discuss it.
Visitors and New Ontario Residents
If you are a visitor to Ontario and want to drive while you are here, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid motorcycle licence from your own province, state or country.
If you are from another country and visiting Ontario for more than three months, you need an international driver’s permit from your own country.
If you do not have an international driver’s permit, you can apply for an Ontario licence.
If you are a new resident of Ontario and have a valid motorcycle licence from another province or country, you can use that licence for 60 days in Ontario. If you want to continue to drive after 60 days, you must get an Ontario motorcycle licence.
New Residents from Australia, Canada, Northern Ireland, Switzerland and the United States
If you are a licensed motorcycle driver (of motorcycles other than limited-speed motorcycles or motor tricycles) with two or more years of driving experience in the last three years in another Canadian province or territory, Australia, Northern Ireland, Switzerland or the United States, you may get full-class M licence privileges without taking a knowledge or road test.
If you are a licensed limited- speed motorcycle, or moped, driver from Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Quebec, you are eligible for a full-class M(L) licence without taking a knowledge or road test.
New residents from other Areas
If you are a licensed motorcycle or moped driver from a country other than Canada, the United States or Switzerland, you must pass a vision test and a written test of your knowledge of motorcycles and the rules of the road. You must also pass a written test of your knowledge of traffic signs.
If you have acceptable proof of two or more years of driving experience, you may take the Level Two road test to earn full driving privileges. If you do not pass this road test, you will get a Level One licence and may immediately schedule a Level One road test.
If you have less than two years of driving experience, you will be placed in Level One. However, if you have acceptable proof that you have the driving experience required for Level One, you can immediately schedule a Level One road test. A motorcycle licence from another area is considered acceptable proof if it shows you have the driving experience required. If you do not have such a motorcycle licence to show as proof of your driving experience, you must start at the beginning of Level One as a new driver.
Could you pass?
The rest of this handbook gives you information you will need to pass your tests and keep your driving privileges once you get your motorcycle licence. Here is a sample question that could appear on the written knowledge test:
When a group of motorcyclists is travelling together, the safest way to drive is: (choose one)
- Staggered formation
- Four side by side
- Three side by side
- In a group
The knowledge test may also ask you about:
- Rules of the road
- Traffic signs
- Knowledge of motorcycle controls
- Proper lane position
- Steering control of a motorcycle
- Motorcycle equipment requirements
- Safety helmets
- Carrying passengers or cargo
- Handling dangerous surfaces
- Downshifting of gears
- Proper maintenance of your motorcycle
The road tests will test how well you use your knowledge. You will be tested on:
- Starting, stopping and turning
- Traffic signs and lights
- Passing vehicles and driving in passing lanes
- Travelling through controlled and uncontrolled intersections
- Entering and exiting freeways (not applicable to road tests taken on limited-speed motorcycles, or mopeds)
- Foreseeing hazardous conditions and being ready for them
- Other safe driving practices
Summary
By the end of this chapter, you should know:
- The differences between a motorcycle, a motor tricycle, a limited-speed motorcycle, or a moped
- The requirements to drive a motorcycle or moped under the Graduated Licensing System
- General information on the Level One and Level Two road tests
- What to bring to a knowledge or road test
- What may result in an out-of-order road test
- How to obtain a motorcycle licence if you were previously licensed in another jurisdiction
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