- Age 16For any motorcycle licence
- Two written testsTraffic signs, and motorcycles and the rules
- 60 daysBefore the Level One road test
- 90 daysHow long an M1 is valid
Step by step
- Study the Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook, plus the "Safe and responsible driving" and "Traffic signs and lights" chapters of the Official MTO Driver's Handbook.
- Go to a DriveTest centre. You'll be asked questions about your health, and since May 11, 2026 you also declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal.
- Pass a vision test, a written test on traffic signs and a written test on motorcycles and the rules of the road. You then have an M1 licence and are at Level One.
- Book your Level One road test early: you must wait at least 60 days, but the M1 is only valid for 90 days. If it expires, you start over.
What to bring
- Two pieces of original identification showing your legal name, date of birth and signature
- Money for the test fees: cash, debit or credit card
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to read or write
Fees
You pay a fee to apply and to take the tests. DriveTest lists the current amounts at drivetest.ca/fees.
If you don't pass
If you don't pass, you can take the test again. DriveTest charges a fee for each extra knowledge test attempt.
Once you have your licence
- Zero blood alcohol.
- Ride only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- No roads with speed limits over 80 km/h, except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144 and 655.
- No passengers, and always an approved helmet.
- After the Level One road test you're at Level Two (M2) for at least 22 months, or 18 with a ministry-approved motorcycle safety course.
Frequently asked questions
What tests do you need for an Ontario M1?
A vision test, a written test on traffic signs and a written test on motorcycles and the rules of the road, all at a DriveTest centre.
How long is an 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.
Can an M1 rider carry a passenger or ride at night?
No. M1 riders can't carry passengers and may ride only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
Official sources
- Ontario.ca: Get a motorcycle licence
- Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook: Graduated licensing
- DriveTest: fees
Checked against these sources on October 29, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with MTO before you go.
More practice: Ontario M1 road signs test · Ontario M1 rules test · All Ontario M1 practice tests