Free practice test
M1 practice test for Ontario
The M1 knowledge test covers traffic signs, motorcycle knowledge and the rules of the road, based on the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook and Motorcycle Handbook. Practise here, then take the real test at any DriveTest centre.
M1 practice test
20 questions, answers explained as you go
Like the real test, you pass with 80% in each section. A new random set every time, from 34 questions.
M1 rules
- Your blood-alcohol level must be zero.
- Ride only in daylight: from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Wear an approved helmet.
- No roads with speed limits over 80 km/h, except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144 and 655.
- Ride alone: no passengers.
Study every question
Road signs (10)
What must you do at this sign?
Answer: Come to a complete stop, then go when it’s safe
A stop sign means a full stop at the stop line (or before the crosswalk or intersection if there’s no line), then you go only when the way is clear.
What does this sign mean?
Answer: Let traffic in the intersection or close to it go first; stop if you need to
A yield sign means slow down, give the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians, and stop if necessary.
A five-sided sign like this one means…
Answer: You’re entering a school zone: drive slowly and watch for children
The five-sided (pentagon) sign marks a school zone. Slow down and watch for children.
What does this sign mark?
Answer: A railway crossing
The white X (crossbuck) marks a railway crossing. Slow down, look both ways and be ready to stop.
What does this sign mean?
Answer: Do not enter
A red circle with a white bar means do not enter: you’d be driving the wrong way.
What does this sign mean?
Answer: No left turn
A red circle and slash means the action shown is not allowed. Here, no left turn.
What does this sign tell you?
Answer: The maximum speed in good conditions is 50 km/h
It’s the speed limit: the most you may drive in ideal conditions. Drive slower when conditions are poor.
This yellow diamond sign warns of…
Answer: A curve to the right ahead
Yellow diamond signs warn of hazards. This one shows a curve to the right ahead: slow down before it.
An orange diamond-shaped sign like this means…
Answer: Construction or roadwork ahead
Orange signs are for construction zones. Slow down, obey flaggers and watch for workers and equipment.
An orange triangle with a red border on the back of a vehicle means…
Answer: It’s a slow-moving vehicle, going 40 km/h or less
The slow-moving vehicle sign is used by farm machinery and other vehicles that travel 40 km/h or less. Be ready to slow down.
Rules of the road (24)
What blood-alcohol level must an M1 rider have?
Answer: Zero
M1 and M2 riders must have a blood-alcohol level of zero.
When can an M1 rider ride?
Answer: Only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
M1 riders ride only in daylight: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
How many passengers may an M1 rider carry?
Answer: None
M1 riders must ride alone.
On which roads may M1 riders not ride?
Answer: Roads with a speed limit over 80 km/h, except a few northern highways
No roads with limits over 80 km/h, except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144 and 655.
Which is required for every M1 rider?
Answer: An approved helmet
An approved helmet is the law. Protective clothing is strongly recommended too.
How long is an M1 licence valid?
Answer: 90 days
The M1 is a 90-day licence. You don’t get a photo card for it: your card comes once you pass the M2 road test.
How long must you hold your M1 before taking the M2 road test?
Answer: At least 60 days
You need at least 60 days of experience on your M1 before the M2 road test.
Without a motorcycle safety course, how long must you hold your M2 before the M road test?
Answer: 22 months
At least 22 months, or about 18 months (550 days) if you finish a government-approved motorcycle safety course.
You have a full G licence and want to ride. Do you still need to go through M1 and M2?
Answer: Yes, every new rider follows the Class M steps
Even fully licensed car drivers must complete every graduated step for Class M.
A licence with the L condition (for example M2 with L) lets you ride…
Answer: Only limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds
The L condition limits you to limited-speed motorcycles (top speed 70 km/h) and mopeds.
Which brake gives a motorcycle most of its stopping power?
Answer: The front brake
The front brake does most of the stopping. Use both brakes together, smoothly.
At speed, to lean the motorcycle to the right and turn right, you…
Answer: Push the right handgrip forward
This is countersteering: press forward on the right grip to lean and turn right, the left grip to go left.
The best time to slow down for a curve is…
Answer: Before you enter it
Slow down before the curve, then roll on the throttle gently through it.
When riding in a group, riders usually ride…
Answer: In a staggered formation
A staggered formation keeps a safe gap and gives each rider room to move in the lane.
What is the biggest reason drivers hit motorcycles?
Answer: Drivers don’t see them
Many crashes happen because drivers don’t see the rider. Ride where you can be seen, wear bright gear, and stay out of blind spots.
On gravel or a slippery surface, you should…
Answer: Slow down and avoid sudden braking, turning or throttle changes
Smooth, gentle inputs keep the tires gripping on loose or slippery surfaces.
How much following distance should a motorcyclist keep?
Answer: At least two seconds
At least two seconds, and more on wet roads or behind large vehicles.
Before changing lanes on a motorcycle, you should…
Answer: Check your mirrors and turn your head to check your blind spot
Motorcycles have blind spots too. Always check over your shoulder.
You come up behind a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. You must…
Answer: Stop at least 20 metres behind it
Stop at least 20 metres behind it and wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves.
At a pedestrian crossover, when may you drive through after a pedestrian has stepped onto the road?
Answer: Only when they’ve completely crossed the road
At pedestrian crossovers and school crossings with a guard, you must wait until the person has completely crossed the road.
When you have to stop at a railway crossing, stop at least how far from the nearest rail?
Answer: 5 metres
Stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate, and don’t cross until the train has passed and it’s safe.
An emergency vehicle with lights and siren comes up behind you. You should…
Answer: Pull to the right as far as you safely can and stop
Pull to the right and stop, clear of intersections, until it has passed.
At an intersection with no signs or signals, two vehicles arrive at the same time. Who goes first?
Answer: The vehicle on the right
At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle on your right.
At a four-way stop, who has the right-of-way?
Answer: The first vehicle to come to a complete stop
The first to stop goes first. If two stop at the same time, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.
Source: DriveTest’s motorcycle licences page. Questions are our own; this isn’t a DriveTest or Ministry test.
Questions people ask
+How much is the M1 licence?
The M1 licence package is $78.75: the knowledge test, one M2 road test and a 90-day licence.
+How long is an M1 licence good for?
90 days. Pass the M2 road test before it expires; you need at least 60 days on your M1 first.
+Can I ride at night with an M1?
No. M1 riders ride only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
+Can I carry a passenger on my M1?
No. M1 riders must ride alone.
+How long until I can get my full M licence?
At least 22 months on your M2, or about 18 months (550 days) if you complete a government-approved motorcycle safety course.
More tools
- G1 practice testFree practice questions on Ontario road signs and rules of the road, with explanations.
- Ontario driver’s licence and test feesThe G1 package, road tests, retests and motorcycle and commercial fees.
- DriveTest centres in OntarioAll 56 full-time centres and 36 travel points: addresses, hours and which road tests each one gives.