Ontario

PASSENGER VEHICLES MOTORCYCLES

To obtain a motorcycle licence in ON (Class M1) individuals must enter Ontario's Graduated Licensing System (GLS) and complete both Class M1 and Class M2 license phases.

Individuals may also attain M2 and M licenses with a limited-speed (L) condition by completing M1 and M2 road-tests on a limited-speed motorcycle or moped.

Effective date of program implementation: Apr.1, 1994; revisions Aug. 1, 2010


AGE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum entry age: 16 years
Minimum exit age: 16 years and 2 months
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Driver education: Voluntary
Knowledge test: Must pass - then riders get a Class M1 license
Parental consent
Vision test: Must pass
EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Successfully passed test ⁄ course: Ministry's M1 road test or an approved motorcycle safety course before that includes a M1 road test
Time completion: M1 license is valid for 90 days. After 60 days, eligible for required M1 road test
STAGE DURATION
Minimum duration: 60 days
Maximum holding period: 90 days
SUPERVISORY DRIVER
Age
BAC level while supervising
Driver log
Licence held
Location while supervising: Seated in the front passenger seat next to the driver at all hours
Other Restrictions
Time Licensed
SUPERVISED DRIVING
Minimum amount of supervised driving
SUSPENSION & PROHIBITION
At 6-8 points, they may have to go to an interview to discuss their record and give reasons why their licence should not be suspended; if they do not attend the interview, their licence may be suspended
At 9 or more demerit points, their licence will be suspended for 60 days (may lose their license for up to 2 years if the fail to surrender their license)
Lower driver penalty point threshold: yes, suspension is 9 or more demerit points for Class M1/M2 drivers (instead of 15 or more points for fully licensed drivers)
Novice Drivers Escalating Sanctions Program (see below)
Receipt of any demerit points, riders will be sent a warning letter
Zero BAC condition for young and novice drivers (see "Additional Information")
DRIVER IMPROVEMENT ACTIONS
N⁄A: NOVICE DRIVERS ESCALATING SANCTIONS PROGRAM

As of August 1, 2010, any driver that holds a Class M1/M2 license will face escalating sanctions for:
 
> any combination of repeat violations of GLS conditions
> convictions HTA offences totaling four or more demerit points or;
> a court-ordered licence suspension for HTA offences that would have resulted in four or more demerit points had the suspension not been ordered.

The Novice Driver Escalating Sanctions are:

> 30 days for a first instance;
> 90 days for a second instance;
> Cancellation of novice licence, loss of all credit for any fees or time spent in GLS including any Beginner Driver Education time discount, and requirement to re-apply to enter G1 or M1, as the case may be, for a third instance.
DRIVING RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS
BAC level while driving: 0.0 BAC
Display "L" sign⁄plate when driving
Night driving: Must ride only during daylight hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset)
Other restrictions
Passenger restrictions: Rider cannot carry passengers
Road restrictions: Driver must not ride on highways with speed limits of 80 km/h, except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144 and 655
ADDITIONAL CLASS M1 FEATURES
With a Class M1 licence, an operator can drive a moped, limited-speed motorcycle, and a motorcycle
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Effective August 1, 2010, all drivers under 22 years of age, regardless of their class of licence (including those who have completed GLS), must maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration level when driving. This is similar to the 0 BAC licence condition that already applies to novice drivers in GLS. Penalties for non-compliance are as follows:

Young Drivers (under 22 years of age)

> immediate 24-hour licence suspension at roadside
> upon conviction, a fine of $60 to $500 and a 30-day licence suspension

Novice Drivers

> immediate 24-hour licence suspension at roadside
> upon conviction, a fine of $60 to $500 and a licence suspension as per the Novice Driver Escalating Sanction program, which may include cancellation of the M1/M2 licence
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ministry of Transportation
Safety Policy and Education Branch
1201 Wilson Avenue
Downsview, ON M3M 1J8
Phone: 416-235-3585 
Toll Free: 1-800-387-3445
Email: speb@ontario.ca
Website:
Graduated Driver Licensing: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/gradu/index.html
Ministry of Government Services
Service Ontario Driver and Vehicle Contact Centre
Phone: 416-235-2999 in Greater Toronto Area 
Toll Free: 1-800-387-3445