M1 Motorcycle Practice Test Part 3
Get Ready for Your Ontario M1 Motorcycle Written Test
Preparing for your M1 Motorcycle Practice Test ? Whether you’re a beginner rider or new to the province, our free, up-to-date Ontario M1 Motorcycle Practice Test are designed to help you pass with confidence. Based on the official MTO Motorcycle Handbook, these tests cover everything you need to know to earn your first motorcycle licence.
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What to Expect on the Official Ontario M1 Motorcycle Test
Road Signs
20
Rules of the Road
20
Motorcycle-Specific Issues
24
Passing score
80%
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario M1 Practice Tests
The M1 is a written knowledge test required to get your motorcycle learner’s licence in Ontario. It includes questions about road signs, traffic laws, and motorcycle-specific safety practices.
There are 64 multiple-choice questions in total, divided into three sections:
20 questions on road signs
20 questions on rules of the road
24 questions on motorcycle-specific topics
You need at least 80% in each section to pass. That means:
16/20 in Road Signs
16/20 in Rules of the Road
19/24 in Motorcycle-Specific Questions
The test is passable if you study. Many people fail because they don’t read the Motorcycle Handbook or take practice tests. Focusing on understanding motorcycle handling and safety tips is key.
No, the M1 test must be taken in person at a DriveTest Centre.
Use the Ontario Motorcycle Handbook provided by the Ministry of Transportation. It covers all the topics that appear on the test. Supplement with free online practice tests.
The total cost is about $17.50 for the knowledge test. You’ll also need to pay for your licence package (around $90–$160 depending on what you’re applying for).
The M1 licence is valid for 90 days. You must move to M2 within that time or start over.
Yes. With an M1, you cannot:
Ride at night
Carry passengers
Ride on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways
Have any alcohol in your system (zero BAC)
If you fail, you must pay a re-test fee and try again. You can retake the test as soon as another slot is available, often the next day.
Free Ontario M1 Practice Test – Prepare for Your M1 Motorcycle Knowledge Exam
Want to pass your Ontario M1 motorcycle test on the first try?
👉 Take our Free M1 Practice Tests
📘 Read the Official Ontario MTO Motorcycle Handbook
📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for M1 Tutorials
Motorcycle Road Signs & Signals
Reading and reacting to road signs is critical for passing the Ontario M1 test, especially since motorcyclists face greater risks from changing road conditions.
Regulatory Signs
Indicate legal requirements: Stop, Yield, No Passing, Helmet Required
Warning Signs
Alert riders to dangers: Loose Gravel, Sharp Turns, Slippery Surfaces, Wind Gust Areas
Guide Signs
Help with safe trip planning: Rest Stops, Service Areas, Hospitals
✅ Rider Tip: The M1 test often asks you to identify sign shapes and meanings—practice quick recognition.
Defensive Riding Techniques
This part of the M1 written test focuses on how well you understand safe riding strategies.
Ride Within Your Limits – Avoid high-speed roads early in your training
Lane Positioning – Ride in the left or right third of your lane, never dead center
Escape Plan – Always be ready to swerve or stop
Watch for Left Turns – A top cause of collisions
Use Shoulder Checks – Mirrors alone aren’t enough
ATGATT – All The Gear, All The Time for full protection
✅ M1 Test Tip: Be prepared to answer questions on scanning, braking, and managing road hazards.
Intersections & Lane Use
Motorcycle-specific right-of-way and lane use rules are tested heavily on the M1 motorcycle test.
Key Rules for Intersections
4-Way Stops: Yield to the right
Left Turns: Wait for a clear path or protected arrow
Crosswalks: Always stop well ahead and never pressure pedestrians
Motorcycle Lane Use
You get a full lane — use it to maximize visibility and safety
Adjust position to avoid oil patches and debris
Signal early and clearly before turning or changing lanes
✅ M1 Test Tip: Expect questions on safe merging, group riding formation, and how to navigate roundabouts.
Motorcycle Gear, Visibility & Rider Safety
A big focus of the M1 test in Ontario is how well you understand and use proper motorcycle gear and visibility techniques.
Required Protective Gear
Helmet: DOT, ECE, or CSA-approved
Jacket & Pants: Abrasion-resistant materials with armor
Gloves & Boots: Full coverage and reinforced
Be Seen
Use daytime headlights (required)
Wear reflective or bright clothing
Avoid riding in blind spots
✅ M1 Test Tip: You’ll see questions on helmet laws, gear safety, and rider visibility practices.
Braking, Swerving & Emergency Maneuvers
The Ontario M1 test checks your ability to respond quickly and safely to hazards.
Safe Braking
Use both brakes together—especially the front
Avoid braking while turning
Practice stopping in a straight line
Swerving Techniques
When braking won’t work, swerve around obstacles
Keep your eyes up and knees tight to the tank
Release the brake to stop a skid
✅ M1 Test Tip: Know your stopping distances and how to handle emergencies like hydroplaning.
Solo vs. Group Riding Rules
Group riding is part of M1 training and may appear in your Ontario M1 motorcycle test.
Group Riding Basics
Staggered formation for better spacing
Single file on curves or narrow roads
Never pass inside the group
Tail rider (sweeper) helps manage emergencies
✅ M1 Test Tip: Learn how to ride safely in groups and how to use proper group signals.
Lane Splitting, Filtering & Shoulder Use (Canada-Specific)
Motorcycle laws vary globally, but for the Ontario M1 test, know what’s not legal in Canada:
❌ Lane Splitting: Illegal in all provinces
❌ Filtering to the Front at Lights: Also not allowed
❌ Shoulder Use: For emergencies only
✅ M1 Test Tip: Expect at least one question on what motorcycle maneuvers are illegal in Ontario.
Lights, Horns & Signals – What’s Legally Required?
The M1 test checks if you know your motorcycle’s required equipment.
Required by Law
Always-on Headlight
Brake Light from both brake systems
Turn Signals or hand signals
At least one rearview mirror
Functional horn
License plate light
Pre-Ride Check (TCLOCS)
Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, Stands
✅ M1 Test Tip: Learn the pre-ride checklist and when to use hand signals legally.
Parking, Roadside Stops & Loading Your Bike
Even small bikes follow legal rules for parking and carrying.
Motorcycle Parking
Use marked motorcycle-only zones if available
Never park on sidewalks or crosswalks
Lock your steering and secure the bike
Carrying Passengers or Cargo
Bike must be equipped (footpegs, proper seat)
Load low and center to avoid imbalance
Use saddlebags or bungee cords to secure
✅ M1 Test Tip: Expect questions about where to park legally and how to carry passengers or gear.
Weather, Wind & Seasonal Riding
Weather awareness is key to M1 test success and real-world survival.
Riding in Rain or Cold
Slow down and avoid painted road markings
Increase following distance
Wear waterproof, reflective gear
Windy Conditions
Lean into gusts, especially near open bridges or highways
Stay alert when passing large vehicles
Cold-Weather Hazards
Look out for black ice in shaded spots
Let tires warm up before pushing your speed
Check battery and tire pressure regularly
✅ M1 Test Tip: Know how to adjust your riding in rain, wind, or cold—and how to spot danger zones like black ice.