Getting an Ontario M1 Motorcycle License

The Ontario Motorcycle Handbook has everything you need to know about the road signs and road rules all Ontario motorcycle drivers must obey. Knowing the information in the Ontario M1 Handbook is key to successfully passing the M1 sign test.

Ontario Motorcycle Handbook

Make sure you thoroughly study all the information in the Ontario M1 Handbook, and the Official MTO Drivers Handbook - this is absolutely critical to getting the Ontario M1 motorcycle license. Once you feel confident that you have a good grasp of the information, you are ready to start practicing with our M1 practice test. Our practice tests are designed to be as close as possible in content and structure to the actual M1 knowledge test. Our M1 practice test builds confidence and makes one more comfortable with the test taking environment on the day of your M1 written test.

• Option to take the test on paper or electronically at various Ministry of Transportation (MTO) locations
• The M1 written test paper version is available in both English and French
• The test is not timed, and you can use as much time as you need to finish (until the office closes)
• The M1 written test format is 60 multiple choice questions (MCQ's). 20 questions on road signs, 20 questions on road rules (very similar to the G1 written test) and 20 questions dedicated to concepts specific to motorcycle driving
• The test is marked on the spot. To pass the M1 test you need to get 16/20 correct on each one of the individual sections. To avoid failing any of the sections make sure you spend time studying the Ontario Motorcycle Handbook and practicing the M1 knowledge test

In addition to the Ontario M1 written test, you will also be required to successfully pass a vision test. The vision test is in place to check if you need vision aids to drive, and if so, it will show that on your Ontario M1 motorcycle license documents.

The Ontario M1 written test paper version is available in both English and French. The computerized version is available in Arabic, Badini, Chinese (Cantonese), Croatian, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Kurmanji, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Tamil. Make sure to check out your local driver examination center for all options, and if needed, possible translations of the Ontario Motorcycle Handbook in your native language.

The M1 test can be written without an appointment, but you should still arrive early and give yourself at least an hour before closing time to attempt the test and have your eye test completed.

If you are attempting the M1 test during vacations times like March break or summer, keep in mind the driver examination centers are much busier, so your best option is to get there early in the day.

All Ontario written tests including the M1 written test require proper documentation to be presented before attempting the test. You will need to bring documents that can confirm the following personal information:

• Your legal name
• Your date of birth
• Your signature

Acceptable Identity Documents

Make sure you bring along any vision aids like glasses or contacts to the test.

Read up on the exact fee amount for the M1 written test and make sure you are able to pay it prior to starting your actual test.

Ontario Licensing Fees

If you fail the M1 written test, you can take the test as many times as needed after paying a $10 re-test fee.

After passing the M1 knowledge test, you will receive an Ontario M1 motorcycle license, which is valid for 90 days. You must remain at the Level One (M1) stage for a minimum of 60 days, after which you can attempt the M1 Road Test or Level One Road Test to get your M2 license. To actually drive your motor bike on public roads, you must also be able to present appropriate Ontario motorcycle insurance, license plate and owner’s permit. If your M1 expires, you will need to re-take the M1 written test and start the Ontario M1 motorcycle license process from the beginning.

You must remain at the M1 level for a minimum of 60 days, and use that time to master the motorcycle operating skills necessary to pass the Level One Road Test or M1 Road Test. You should use your Ontario M1 motorcycle licence to practice your driving and learn how to operate a motorcycle in a variety of situations.

At the M1 level, you cannot carry any passengers. You must be the only individual on the motorcycle.

Your blood alcohol level must always be zero when driving a motor bike and absolutely no alcohol consumption is permitted at the Ontario M1 motorcycle license level.

An M1 driver is not permitted to drive during nighttime hours. You must limit your motorcycle driving to daylight hours (½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset).

You are only allowed to operate a motorcycle on roads with speeds limits of 80 km/hr or less. The only highways M1 licence holders can drive on in Ontario are highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144 and 655.

Motorcycle driving can be very dangerous without the right protective gear. All motorcycle drivers must wear a ministry approved helmet while operating a motorcycle on any Ontario roadway.