RTI Rider Training Institute > Motorcycle Licensing

Rider Training Institute

Motorcycle Licensing Information

Motorcycle Licensing in Ontario

In Ontario the process of acquiring a licence to ride a motorcycle is a done in stages. You must successfully test out of each stage until you have gained your full M licence. The whole process can take from 18 months at the earliest to 5 years at the latest.

License information:

M1 License

M2 License

M2"L" or LSM License

Full M License

A few Facts

More Licensing Information

MTO Links

M1 Licence

An M1 licence is valid for up to 90 days and is acquired by passing a multiple choice test available at an DriveTest Examination Centre. The questions are based on the Ministry of Transportation's Motorcycle and Driver's Handbooks. The M1 test is available without appointment.

The M1 licence permits riders to learn to ride under these four conditions:

a zero blood alcohol level
riding only during daylight hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset)
no riding on highways with speed limits exceeding more than 80 km/h (with the exception of highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144, 655, where there is no alternate 80 km/h route).
no passengers

Things you need to study for your M1 written test:

Proper lane position
Steering control of a motorcycle
Motorcycle equipment requirements
Helmet standards
Carrying passengers or cargo
Handling dangerous surfaces
Gear shifting
Proper maintenance of your motorcycle
Driving on wet or slippery roads
Road and traffic signs
Passing other vehicles
Emergency vehicles
Speed limits
Demerit point system
Licence suspensions
Collision reporting

All above information comes from both the Motorcycle Handbook & the Driver's Handbook. Both are available through the MTO as well as most bookstores.

- top -

M2 Licence

To upgrade to an M2, a riding skills test is required. This can be done at an DriveTest Examination Centre by appointment or as part of the "Riding Basics" course anytime after obtaining your M1 permit, however, you must ride under the restrictions of an M1 for at least 60 days before upgrading to the M2 licence.

By completing an approved safety course, like "Riding Basics", you can reduce the time that you must hold an M2 licence from 22 to 18 months. An M2 licence is valid for up to five years before you have to test up to the full M licence.

Having gained an M2 licence, most of the restrictions of the M1 are lifted. The exception is that you must maintain a zero blood alcohol level.

- top -

M2 "L" Licence

- Limited Speed Moped/Scooter To upgrade to an M2"L" Licence, a riding skills test is required. This can be done at an DriveTest Examination Centre by appointment or as part of the Basic - LSM Learning Curves course anytime after obtaining your M1 permit, however, you must ride under the restrictions of an M1 for at least 60 days before upgrading to the M2"L" licence.

For more information on the LSM licensing and to see which vehicles apply, visit the MTO website http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/lsm.htm

- top -

M Licence

You are eligible to take a Class M road test after you have completed the time required with an M2 licence. The time period is 18 months with a approved safety course and 22 months without a course. Another test must be passed before you can gain your M class licence. You can take an appoved safety course like Advanced M 2 X or take your road test with the ministry.

Having gained your full M Class licence all the restrictions are lifted but please do yourself a favour and keep the zero blood alcohol restriction in place.

- top -

A Few Facts

M2 and M Class licence holders may also drive Class G vehicles under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence holder.

You do not need a G Class licence in order to aquire an M1, M2 or M Class licence.

If you hold other class licences, such as a G, D etc, and you are caught ignoring the M1 and M2 restrictions it can result in fines and the loss of your drivers licence. You would lose all your driving privileges in all classes. What you do in one vehicle affects the other.

- top -

Licensing

Visit the Ministry of Transportion's web site for more information on graduated licensing, locations and hours. www.mto.on.ca

Drive test locations for the M1 - http://www.drivetest.ca/en/loc/Dec.aspx

MTO Drivers Handbook MTO Motorcycle Handbook
The Ministry of Transportation's Official Motorcycle and Driver's Handbooks online at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/index.shtml Or can be purchased at MTO offices, Canadian Tire stores and most bookstores. Also check for a copy at your local library branch.