Ontario M1 Motorcycle Test: Questions, Tips, and What to Study

The Ontario M1 motorcycle test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam based on the MTO Motorcycle Handbook. You need 32 correct answers (80%) to pass.

Two-Part Test

The M1 test covers two sections:

Rules of the Road (20 questions) — Same as general driving rules but applied to motorcycles. Right-of-way, lane position, signaling, passing.

Motorcycle-Specific Knowledge (20 questions) — Protective gear, riding techniques, hazard avoidance, group riding, and carrying passengers.

Gear and Equipment

Questions about gear are very common:

- Helmet: DOT-approved full-face, three-quarter, or half-helmet is required by law - Gloves: Leather or heavy-duty fabric recommended; protect hands in falls - Jacket: Motorcycle-specific jacket with abrasion resistance and armour at shoulders/elbows - Boots: Ankle coverage required; protect against twisting and impact - High-visibility gear: Bright colours and reflective strips make you more visible

Lane Positioning

Unlike cars, motorcycles use the full lane width strategically:

- Left position — Most visible to oncoming traffic; good for passing situations - Center position — Default for most urban riding; avoids centre-line oil drips - Right position — Useful when making right turns or following curves

Never ride in another vehicle's blind spot. Position yourself to be seen.

Safe Following Distance

The two-second rule applies to motorcycles as a minimum. Increase to four seconds in bad weather, on gravel, or at highway speeds. Always have an escape route.

Group Riding

When riding in a group: - Ride in staggered formation (left-right-left), not side by side - Keep a two-second gap to the bike directly ahead - Each rider is responsible for their own safety — don't crowd the rider ahead

M1 Restrictions

Once you have an M1, you cannot: - Drive on 400-series highways (or 80+ km/h roads) - Carry passengers - Drive between midnight and 5 AM - Drive with any blood alcohol at all (zero tolerance)