About the Ontario M1 knowledge test

To get your M1 motorcycle licence in Ontario, you need to be at least 16 and pass a vision test and two written tests at a DriveTest centre: one on traffic signs and one on motorcycles and the rules of the road. The practice tests on this page follow the same two parts, and every answer comes with a short explanation from the Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook.

What the test covers

Sample questions

A few questions from the practice bank. Tap one to see the answer.

When may an M1 rider drive?

Half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset

M1 riders are not allowed to ride at night because they don't have the experience yet.

To start a turn to the right at normal speed, you push forward on:

The right handlebar

This is counter-steering or push steering. It makes the motorcycle lean into the turn.

About how much of your stopping power does the front brake provide?

About three-quarters

You still need both brakes to slow down and stop effectively.

The best position in a lane is usually:

The left or right tire track

It's called the blocking position: it keeps a safe distance, helps you see and be seen, and discourages others from squeezing past.

When motorcycles ride together, the safest formation on an open road is:

Staggered formation

The leader rides on the left of the lane and the second rider about a second behind on the right.

At speed, the front wheel starts to wobble. You should:

Grip firmly and close the throttle gradually, without braking

Pull off the road as soon as you can stop, then check the load and tire pressure.

To cross railway or streetcar tracks that run alongside your path, cross them at an angle of at least:

45 degrees

That keeps your wheels from getting caught. Don't edge across or brake heavily.

How to study

  1. Read the Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook, plus the "Safe and responsible driving" and "Traffic signs and lights" chapters of the Official MTO Driver's Handbook.
  2. Take a practice test for each part. Each one is a fresh set of questions you haven't seen yet.
  3. Review the questions you missed, then use Smart practice to drill your weak topics.
  4. When you pass both parts several times in a row, you're ready for the real test.

Frequently asked questions

What is on the Ontario M1 knowledge test?

Two written tests: one on traffic signs and one on motorcycles and the rules of the road. You also need to pass a vision test. The Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook lists topics such as motorcycle controls, lane position, steering, helmets, carrying passengers or cargo, dangerous surfaces, downshifting and maintenance.

How many questions are on the M1 test, and what's the pass mark?

DriveTest doesn't publish the question count. Our practice tests use 20 sign questions and 20 motorcycle and rules questions, with 16 out of 20 needed on each (80%), like the G1 test.

How old do I have to be for an M1?

At least 16. You apply and take the tests at a DriveTest centre.

What can't I do with an M1 licence?

You must have zero blood alcohol, ride only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, stay off roads with limits over 80 km/h (except certain listed highways), carry no passengers and wear an approved helmet.

How long is the M1 licence valid?

90 days. You must hold it at least 60 days before the Level One road test, so book the road test early.

Are the road sign questions the same as for the G1?

Yes. The signs are the same for every driver, so the M1 road signs practice uses our Ontario G1 sign questions.

Are these the real MTO test questions?

No. Every question here is original, written from the Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook and the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. This site is not affiliated with the Ministry of Transportation or DriveTest.

How many practice questions are there?

503: 366 motorcycle and rules of the road questions and 137 road sign questions. Practice tests don't repeat a question until you have seen every question in that section.