Getting Licensed
Ontario's system has three stages: M1, M2, then full M. Full details, restrictions, and exact timelines are on our Ontario Motorcycle Laws page — here's the short version.
- M1: Pass a knowledge test and vision test at any DriveTest centre. You can start riding immediately, with restrictions — daylight only, no highways over 80 km/h (with a few exceptions), no passengers, zero blood alcohol.
- M2: After at least 60 days on M1, pass the Level One road test. Most of the M1 restrictions lift — you can ride at night and carry a passenger.
- Full M: After holding M2 for 22 months (18 with an approved safety course), pass the Level Two road test. No more restrictions.
Finding a Safety Course
Ontario keeps an official list of government-approved motorcycle safety courses on ontario.ca — dozens of providers across the province, including colleges, road safety associations, and dedicated training schools. Completing one doesn't just teach you to ride safer, it also lets you take your road test sooner (see the M2 timeline above).
We're not naming individual providers here since the list changes — always check the official Ontario page above for the current, government-verified list before booking.
Choosing Your First Bike
The classic advice holds up: your first bike doesn't need to be your dream bike. A few things that actually matter more than looks or top speed when you're starting out:
- Seat height and weight you can manage. You should be able to flat-foot (or close to it) at a stop and comfortably walk the bike backward out of a parking spot.
- Moderate power. A lot of new riders outgrow a true beginner bike within a year or two — that's normal, and cheaper than buying too much bike up front and being intimidated by it.
- Standard or naked riding position tends to be more forgiving and comfortable to learn on than an aggressive sportbike crouch or a very low cruiser stance, though this comes down to personal fit.
- Buying used for your first bike is common and sensible — drops and minor mistakes are part of learning, and a used starter bike holds its value better than a new one that takes the same scuffs.
Essential Gear
"ATGATT" — All The Gear, All The Time — is the standard most experienced riders will tell you to hold yourself to, even for a five-minute ride.
Helmet
Look for a DOT, ECE 22.05/22.06, or Snell certification sticker inside the helmet — these are recognized safety standards. Fit matters more than price: a helmet should feel snug with no pressure points, and shouldn't shift when you shake your head.
Jacket
Abrasion-resistant material (leather or reinforced textile) with impact armor at the shoulders and elbows, minimum.
Gloves
Full-fingered, motorcycle-specific gloves — your hands are an instinctive first contact point in a fall.
Pants
Riding pants or reinforced denim with knee/hip armor — regular jeans offer very little abrasion protection.
Boots
Over-the-ankle boots with a sturdy sole and some impact protection — ankles are easy to injure and hard to live without.
Hearing protection
Wind noise alone can reach damaging levels on longer rides — foam earplugs are a cheap, common addition, and legal to wear while riding in Ontario.
Riding Basics
Riding in the rain
- Painted lines, metal grates, and manhole covers get slicker than pavement — treat them with extra caution
- The first 10–15 minutes of rain after a dry spell is often the slipperiest, as oil residue lifts off the road
- Increase following distance and brake earlier and more gently than you would on dry pavement
Basic road positioning
- Ride in the part of your lane that gives you the best visibility and the most space from hazards — not always dead center
- Stay out of drivers' blind spots for anything longer than a moment
- Give yourself an escape route — a gap you could move into if something ahead goes wrong
Maintenance & Winter Storage
Regular checks
- Tire pressure and tread — check monthly, tires are your only contact with the road
- Chain tension and lubrication, if your bike is chain-driven
- Brake pad wear and fluid level
- Lights and signals, every ride
Storing over winter
- Fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer to prevent moisture buildup and gumming
- Either disconnect the battery or put it on a trickle/maintenance charger
- Store somewhere dry; a breathable cover beats a fully sealed tarp, which can trap condensation
If Something Goes Wrong
General good practice if you're involved in a collision — this isn't legal advice, and serious incidents may have specific reporting requirements:
- Get to safety if you're able to move, and check yourself and anyone else for injuries before anything else
- Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there's significant damage
- Exchange information with anyone else involved: name, contact info, insurance, licence plate
- Document the scene — photos of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage
- Get checked by a doctor even if you feel okay — adrenaline masks injuries, and some, like concussions, don't show obvious symptoms right away
- Contact your insurer promptly to start a claim
Sources
- Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook — Graduated Licensing (ontario.ca)
- Government-Approved Motorcycle Safety Courses (ontario.ca)
Gear, riding, and maintenance sections reflect general, widely-taught rider practices rather than a single cited source — they're not a substitute for a hands-on safety course.