New drivers applying for their limited-speed motorcycle or moped license must be at least 16 years of age and pass a vision test and a test of your knowledge of the rules of the road and traffic signs. After you pass these tests, you will enter Level One and get an M1 license.

You must pass two road tests to become fully licensed on a limited-speed motorcycle or moped. Passing the first road test lets you move to Level Two (class M2 with L condition). Passing the second road test gives you the new restricted class M driving privileges. With this licence, you can drive mopeds and limited-speed motorcycles only; you will not be able to operate a full-powered motorcycle.

To the best of our knowledge you can apply and obtain your M1 license in Ontario, Canada before acquiring your full G license. We would recommend double checking with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) though to find out for certain if you can do this and if so what the process is.

The M1 is level one of graduated licensing to operate motorcycles. With this license you can ride motorcycles, including a limited-speed motorcycle (motor scooter) and motor-assisted bicycle (moped). Also the MTO notes that M1 holders may drive a motorcycle under certain conditions.

An M1 license is designed to allow you to start practicing riding, not for full-fledged riding, so it has many restrictions. New motorcycle riders with a Class M1 license learn to ride under these four conditions:

• your blood alcohol level must be zero;
• you must ride only during daylight hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset);
• you must not ride on highways with speed limits of more than 80 km/h except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144, 655;
• you cannot carry passengers.

After you pass a motorcycle knowledge test, you will get a Class M1 license and an information package for new riders. You must spend a minimum of 60 days with a Class M1 licence, which is valid for 90 days. After 90 days, if you have not graduated to the M2, the M1 expires and you must start over.

Motorcycle riders who successfully complete an approved motorcycle safety course that includes a road test with an M1 license are exempt from taking the ministry's M1 road test and can move to an M2 license after 60 days.

If you complete an approved safety course in either level, you can reduce the time that you must hold an M2 license from 22 to 18 months. While the motorcycle safety course certificate is valid for two years from its issue date, it may only be used for the M1 road test exemption within six months of its issue date.