Ontario Graduated Licensing

Ontario's Graduated Licensing system is designed to introduce drivers to driving privileges gradually, reducing restrictions as their experience increases. There are separate graduated licensing systems for car and motorcycle drivers.
      As a basic introduction, we will briefly describe the motorcycle graduated licensing system below. However, please note two important points:
 

This is not official government information. It is our plain-language interpretation of the system, as of December 1999 (when this page was developed). You must consult official provincial documents for guaranteed accurate descriptions of the regulations. The MTO Web Site is one easy to use source of official information.   This information describes graduated licensing as it applies to new motorcycle drivers, not previously licensed. If you were previously licensed in Ontario or elsewhere you may have other options, and should contact the Ministry to discuss them.

Ontario motorcycle licenses consist of three classes, M1, M2, and M. Here's how they work:
 
Before You Start
Since there is a written test for your M1 license, you should start by buying a copy of the Ontario Motorcycle Handbook at a bookstore or Ontario Vehicle and Drivers Licensing Office. This book provides all the regulatory information you need to pass the M1 written test.
     The written test will also include a number of "rules of the road" questions such as identification of highway signs. If you are not already a licensed car driver (or if you need a refresher) you should also study the Ontario Drivers' Handbook so you are ready for these questions.
 
M1 License
An M1 license is your "learner's permit." You get one by applying at a licensing office. In Ottawa, the main Walkley Road centre can handle this application, as can many of the sub-offices in nearby cities such as Smith's Falls. However, the small neighbourhood offices where you renew your car license may not be able to handle M1 applications, so check before you go and stand in line. There is a fee for the application and license, and you will have to pass an eyesight examination and a written test based on the Handbook. There is no road test for the M1.
      An M1 license is designed to allow you to start practising riding, not for full-fledged riding, so it has many restrictions:
 

You may not drive with any alcohol whatsoever in your system.   You may drive only during daylight (defined as one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset).   You may not carry passengers.   You may not travel on any highway with a speed limit over 80 km/h, (except for provincial highways 11, 17, 61, 71, 101, 102, 144, and 655).

You must stay in M1 class for at least 60 days, but not more than 90 days. After 90 days, if you have not graduated to M2, M1 expires and you must start over.
      After 60 days (but before 90) you go to a Licensing Centre and either take an Ontario road test or show them the paperwork you received by passing our Gearing Up course. The test is a basic skills test taken on a closed course. (Since our Gearing Up course is provincially certified and involves no street riding, you may take it any time - you don't have to wait until after 60 days. But you still must wait the 60 before taking your paperwork to the Licensing Office.)
      After you pass the Ontario road test or our Gearing Up test, some more paperwork at a Licensing Centre will get you your M2 license.
 
M2 License
An M2 license is your "probationary driver's license," and removes most restrictions. The only remaining restriction is that you still may have no alcohol whatsoever in your system. However, you may now carry a passenger, ride at night, and ride on any highway.
      An M2 license expires after 5 years. If you don't upgrade to full M by then, you will have to take another road test or Gearing Up course and start again.
      You must drive with an M2 license for a minimum of 22 months (if you did the road test yourself) or 18 months (if you took a certified safety course such as Gearing Up). After the 18/22 months you take another road test, or take our M2 Exit course, then more paperwork, and you receive your M license. The M2 Exit test is a full road test, taken on city streets.
 
M License
Once you receive your full M license, you drive with no special restrictions beyond the normal law, and the M does not expire as long as you keep it renewed each year.