Ready, Set, Ride: Your Guide to Motorcycle Riding in Ontario

Summer is here, the open road is calling, and you’re ready to learn how to ride a motorcycle. But how do you get started? Read on to learn how to get your motorcycle license in Ontario, stay safe on the roads and find friends to ride with.

Motorcycle regulations in Ontario

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regulates motorcycle licensing and related laws in the province. According to the MTO, to ride a motorcycle on Ontario roads, you must be at least 16 years old and have an approved helmet, valid insurance, an owner’s permit, a licence plate and an M-class licence. (There is a religious helmet law exemption for Sikhs, for whom a motorcycle helmet interferes with wearing a turban.)

Aspiring riders must learn and follow the rules that apply to all vehicle drivers, but they also need to know the laws and guidelines that apply specifically to motorcycles. These include correct lane positioning and what constitutes stunt riding. Ready to get started? First, familiarize yourself with the Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Motorcycle Handbook.

Getting your licence

Once you’ve studied the MTO motorcycle handbook, it’s time to get licensed to ride. Grab a piece of valid ID and head to your nearest Ontario DriveTest centre, where you will take an eye exam and complete a written test about the rules of the road and traffic signs. If all goes well, you’ll walk out with an M1 licence, which is valid for 90 days. The M1 allows you to ride without a passenger, with zero blood alcohol, during daylight hours, on roadways with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h. (Keep in mind that everyone must go through the full graduated licensing steps to ride a motorcycle in Ontario, whether or not you already have a driver's licence for another type of vehicle.)

After at least 60 days with your M1, licence holders can take the M1 exit exam and graduate to the next licence level. The M2 licence lifts time-of-day restrictions for the rider and allows a passenger (or pillion). After two years, M2 riders are eligible to “graduate” to a full M-licence, which grants all road privileges.

Learn more about motorcycle licensing in Ontario here.

Staying safe

Even if you pass your M1 and M2 with flying colours, it’s important to focus on safety and best riding practices every time you’re out on your bike. “Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users, like bicycles and pedestrians,” says Sergeant Kerry Schmidt of the Ontario Provincial Police’s Highway Safety Division. “You need to have your head on a swivel and understand your surroundings.”

Schmidt points out that although the top causes of injury and death to motorcycle riders are excessive speed, loss of control and failure to yield right-of-way, almost 40 percent of collisions are not due to rider error. That’s why it’s so important for riders to stay calm, focused and alert to the behaviour of the drivers around you.

Schmidt recommends that beginner riders take a motorcycle training course, choose a bike that best fits their size and experience level, and understand their limitations. That means practicing on quieter streets at slower speeds. “Riding straight and fast is easy,” he notes. “It’s manoeuvring that’s more challenging.”

When it comes to gear, think ATGATT — “All The Gear, All The Time.” Even when the weather is warmer or you aren’t travelling far, always wear properly fitted gear that covers your body, including an approved helmet, armoured pants and jacket, gloves and solid over-the-ankle footwear. In the event of a fall from your bike — even a minor one — you’ll be glad you did.

Find new friends

Once you’re comfortable riding solo, you might want to find a group to ride with. A good rule of thumb is to work up to group riding slowly, first honing your skills by riding with one responsible, experienced rider. They can reassure you, recognize and correct potentially dangerous habits, and lead by positive example.

Once you can balance the extra input from another rider while still staying aware of your surroundings, it’s time to find a group that will happily mentor new riders. To get an idea of what it feels like to navigate the road with others, search online to find local motorcycle meet-ups in your area. Then, before joining a group ride, learn the group’s riding hand signals and etiquette. (If you’re at all uncertain during the ride, let your fellow riders know and exit the ride.)

Learning to ride a motorcycle is a momentous achievement, and you will soon realize that you are part of an incredibly supportive, resourceful community. So, get out into the elements, plan some travel and enjoy your newfound freedom on two wheels.

Did you know CAA Membership includes motorcycle roadside coverage for Plus and Premier Members?

Learn more.