In Ontario, Canada to apply for a license you must be at least 16 years old and pass a vision test and test of your knowledge of the rules of the road and traffic signs. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) after you pass these tests, you can get a Class G1 or M1 license. New drivers earn full driving privileges in 2 stages and have 5 years to complete the G1, G2 or M2 program and graduate to a full G or M license.

From this information it appears that when you are applying for a license you can go for your G1 or M1 and thus would not be required to obtain the G1 first. We would recommend double checking with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) though to find out for certain if you can do this.

The MTO site notes the following regarding how you obtain a license to drive a motorcycle. You must spend a minimum of 60 days with a Class M1 license, which is valid for 90 days. At the end of your M1 you must pass a Ministry-approved road test to move to level 2, the M2.

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 license, you can drive mopeds and limited-speed motorcycles only; you will not be able to operate a full-powered motorcycle.

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 license, 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.

The MTO does specifically point out that drivers in Ontario holding G1, G2, M1 or M2 licenses must follow the specific rules for their class of license.