3 steps to get M1 Motorcycle Licence in Ontario FAST!
Have you ever wanted to ride a motorcycle? Motorcycles offer a fun and thrilling way to travel, giving you a sense of freedom and flexibility that cars simply can’t provide. But before you hit the open road, there are a few essential steps you should know about.
Getting Your M1 Motorcycle License
The first step is obtaining your M1 motorcycle license. It’s easier than you might think and involves just three basic steps:
- Study the Handbook
Purchase the official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) motorcycle handbook. If you don’t already have a G license or experience driving, you should also get the driver’s handbook to learn the general rules of the road. - Take Practice Tests
Once you’ve studied the handbook, take practice tests online. This will help you gauge how well you’ve absorbed the material. Keep practicing until you consistently get the answers right. - Write the M1 Licensing Test
Depending on your location, you may need to schedule an appointment, or you can simply walk into a testing center. The motorcycle test is completed on a computer, and you’ll know immediately whether you’ve answered each question correctly. If you’re unsure of an answer, you can skip the question and come back to it. At the end of the test, you’ll find out right away whether you passed.
If you don’t pass, don’t worry! You can always retake the test, which only costs $15. Make sure to allow enough time for a retake if necessary. Once you’ve passed, congratulations—you’ve got your M1 license!
Rules for M1 License Holders
With your M1 license, you’re legally allowed to ride any registered and insured motorcycle. However, there are some important rules you must follow:
- No Night Riding: You’re only permitted to ride from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset.
- Zero Blood Alcohol Content: Any alcohol in your system can result in penalties, impacting not just your motorcycle license but also any other driving licenses you may have.
- Stay Off Roads with Speed Limits Over 80 km/h: There are exceptions listed in the MTO Motorcycle Handbook, but generally, you must avoid roads with higher speed limits.
- No Passengers: You’re still learning, so riding solo is a must until you gain more experience.
Before Buying a Motorcycle
Now that you have your M1 license, you might be tempted to buy a motorcycle right away. Before you do, contact insurance companies to find out how much it will cost to insure the type of motorcycle you want. There’s nothing worse than purchasing a bike only to realize you can’t afford to ride it due to high insurance costs.
Getting Your M2 License
To progress to your M2 license, one option is to take an M1 exit course, which is a motorcycle safety course. Many training schools provide motorcycles for the course, and they may offer a variety of styles, such as cruisers, sport bikes, and dual-sport motorcycles. This gives you a chance to try different types of bikes before making a purchase.
Taking an M1 exit course also allows you to complete your testing earlier. If you go through the DriveTest center, you must wait at least 60 days after getting your M1 before taking the M2 test. With the exit course, you can complete the test as soon as the day after getting your M1, although you’ll still need to wait 60 days before officially obtaining your M2.
Important Reminders for M1 License Holders
- No alcohol in your system while riding.
- No passengers until you are more experienced.
- Stay off roads with speed limits over 80 km/h.
- Avoid night riding.
Following these steps will help you get your motorcycle license quickly and safely. Soon enough, you’ll be hitting the open road with confidence and enjoying the thrill of motorcycling.
