Licensing for Operators of Motor Scooters and Mopeds
Licence for limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) and
moped drivers
A restricted Class M
licence permits the licence holder to operate only a:
Moped drivers have to hold a Class M
licence or the restricted Class M licence to operate their moped. You need to pass a
written test and
complete both the M1 and M2 road tests and, if successful, you will receive a
driver's licence that allows you to operate a limited-speed motorcycle (motor
scooter) and moped only.
M1 Licence
The holder of an M1 licence will be able to
operate a limited-speed motorcycle, moped or full-speed motorcycle. At the time
of booking your M1 road test, you must decide which type of vehicle you will
use on the day of your road test, as it will determine which licence you get.
The M1 licence must be held at least 60 days before you are eligible to attempt
the M1 road test. The M1 licence will be valid for 90 days. M1 holders cannot
drink alcohol, drive at night, carry passengers or drive on controlled-access
highways.
Restricted M2 licence with L condition
The holder of an M1 licence who successfully
completes their M1 road test on a limited-speed motorcycle or moped will
receive a restricted M2 licence. The holder of a restricted M2 licence will be
able to operate a limited-speed motorcycle or moped only. The restricted M2
licence must be held for 22 months (18 months if taking a ministry approved
motorcycle safety course) before taking your M2 road test. Holders of a
restricted M2 licence cannot drive on controlled-access highways (e.g., 400
series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa and the
Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway). Holders of a restricted M2 licence cannot drink
alcohol and moped operators cannot carry passengers. (limited-speed motorcycle
drivers may carry passengers at this stage but it is not recommended).
Restricted M licence with L condition
The holder of an M2 licence who successfully
completes their M2 road test on a limited-speed motorcycle or moped will
receive a restricted M licence. The holder of a restricted M licence will be
able to operate a limited-speed motorcycle or moped only. Holders of a
restricted M licence cannot drive on controlled-access highways (e.g., 400
series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa and the
Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway). Moped operators cannot carry passengers.
Vehicle Descriptions
Limited-speed motorcycle (motor
scooter)
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"Step-through design"
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In Regulation 340/94, made under the Ontario Highway Traffic
Act, a limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) is described as:
- a motorcycle that:
- can attain a rate of speed of more than 32 km/hr on level
ground within a distance of 1.6 kilometres from a standing start,
- has a maximum attainable speed of 70 km/hr or less,
- has steering handlebars that are completely constrained from
rotating in relation to the axle of only one wheel in contact with the ground,
- has a minimum seat height, when the vehicle is unladen, of 650
millimetres
- has a minimum wheel rim diameter of 250 millimetres and a
minimum wheelbase of 1016 millimetres
- has a maximum engine displacement of 50 cubic centimetres or
less, or
- if the motorcycle was manufactured on, or after, September 1, 1988,
it must have affixed a compliance label
required under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) that identifies the motor
vehicle as a limited-speed motorcycle.
The definition under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) is the same
as above but does not have a minimum attainable speed or a maximum engine
displacement. See section 1 (1) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act for full definition.
Motor-Assisted Bicycle (Moped)
Under the Highway Traffic Act, a
motor-assisted bicycle is a bicycle that:
- is fitted with pedals that are operable at all times to propel the
bicycle,
- weighs 55 kilograms or less,
- has no hand or foot operated clutch or gearbox driven by the motor
and transferring power to the driven wheel,
- has a piston displacement of not more that 50 cubic centimeters,
and
- does not attain a speed greater than 50 km/hr on level ground
within a distance of 2 km from a standing start
Operator's Licence
What you will need to drive a limited-speed motorcycle or moped in
Ontario
You must be at least 16 years of age and have a new restricted class M
licence for limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds (class M2 with L condition or
M with L condition) or a valid motorcycle licence (class M1, M2 or M) to drive
either a limited-speed motorcycle or moped on public roads in Ontario.
The
vehicle must be insured, registered and have a valid licence plate. The
operator must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
"L" Condition
The "M licence with L condition" allows the operation of
limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds only. Limited-speed motorcycle/moped
owners may take their road tests on their LSM/moped to obtain the M-licence with "L" condition.
The restriction is indicated as "L" on the licence card. The
back of the licence card describes the restriction:
Did you know that moped collisions have risen?
Road testing for mopeds is expected to
improve moped driver safety. In Ontario,
moped collisions from 1999 to 2003 more than doubled (from 48 to 102) while the
number of registered mopeds fell by almost one third (from 3,006 to 2,019) in
the same period.
From 2002 to 2003, the number of injury collisions involving mopeds
rose 33 per cent. The rate of collisions involving motorcycles and mopeds in
2003 indicated mopeds were three times more likely to be involved in collisions
than motorcycles.
Moped drivers are in a high-risk zone for collisions and we would
encourage moped drivers to review the rules of the road often which are
available on the ministry's website and the official Motorcycle and Driver's
Handbooks.
New moped drivers are
required to pass a written test and complete both the M1 and M2 road tests and,
if successful, will receive a driver’s licence that allows you to operate
a limited-speed motorcycle (motor scooter) and moped only.
Road tests for Limited-Speed Motorcycles (LSMs)
and Mopeds
Drivers can take the road test on a
limited-speed motorcycle or moped and receive a driver’s licence for the
operation of this type of vehicle only.
The type of M licence issued will be based on the type of vehicle used
for the road test:
- If you bring an LSM or moped for the M1 road test and pass
this test, you will be issued a restricted M2 licence with an "L"
condition.
- If you bring a LSM or moped for the M2 road test and pass
this test, you will be issued a restricted M licence with an “L”
condition.
- If you bring a full-speed motorcycle for the M1 road test
and pass this test, you will be issued a Class M2 licence, which allows you to
operate a motorcycle, a limited-speed motorcycle and a moped.
- If you bring a full-speed motorcycle for the M2 road test
and pass this test, you will be issued a Class M licence, which allows you to
operate a motorcycle, a limited-speed motorcycle and a moped.
M1 Road Test for LSMs and Mopeds
The M1 road test for LSMs and mopeds is the same as the M1 road test
for motorcycles. The test will be completed mainly on a DriveTest site and the
applicant will be required to complete a three-part motorcycle skill test,
including driving through sets of cones to test manoeuvring skills.
The restricted M1 licence must be held at least 60 days before
applicants are eligible to attempt the M1 road test. The M1 licence is valid
for 90 days. Remember, if you take the road test on your motor scooter or
moped, you will receive a driver’s licence that allows you to operate
these types of vehicles only. If you take the road test on a motorcycle, you
will receive a driver’s licence that allows you to operate a motorcycle,
LSM and moped.
Booking your M1 Road Test
Important: Applicants should decide what type of motorcycle
licence they need and bring in the appropriate vehicle to do the road tests.
The applicant will be informed prior to booking that if a limited-speed
motorcycle with a maximum speed of 70 km/hr or a moped is used for a road test,
then a restricted M2 licence will be issued, allowing them to operate that
vehicle type only.
M2 Road Test for LSMs and Mopeds
The M2 road test for LSMs and mopeds is the same as the M2 road test
for motorcycles with the exception of the freeway portion of the test, which
has been omitted. You will be required to complete the business section of the
road test on a roadway with a posted speed limit of 50 km/hr.
Important: Your LSM or moped must be capable of maintaining a
safe speed on the 50km/h road to complete the test. Before the road test can
begin, you will be required to sign a declaration on the M2 Examination form
that your LSM or moped is capable of maintaining a safe speed on a 50 km/h
road. If you are unable to sign the declaration, your road test will be
cancelled and you may be charged half of your test fee. The safe speed may vary
depending on road and traffic conditions. The examiner will give you directions
through a disposable earphone and, as you complete the tasks, the examiner will
watch to make sure you successfully perform the skills that are required in the
road test.
The restricted M2 licence must be held for 22 months (18 months if
taking a ministry approved motorcycle course) before taking your M2 road test.
Important: If you take the road test on your motor scooter or
moped, you will receive a driver’s licence that allows you to operate
these types of vehicles only. If you take the road test on a motorcycle, you
will receive a driver’s licence that allows you to operate a motorcycle,
LSM and moped.
Booking your M2 Road Test
Important: To book an M2 road test, applicants are required to
indicate if the test will be taken with an LSM, moped or motorcycle. If you
said you were going to bring in a full-speed motorcycle but you bring in a
limited-speed motorcycle, you will forfeit half of your road test fee. The
automated on-line and telephone booking systems will inform and instruct
applicants about booking an LSM or moped test.
Graduated Licensing
Graduated
Licensing applies to drivers of limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds
Like standard motorcycle drivers, new drivers applying for their
limited-speed motorcycle or moped licence will enter Ontario’s graduated
licensing system. You 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 licence. 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 restricted class M
driving privileges.
Level One
(Class M1)
- Level One lasts a minimum of 60 days
- M1 licence is valid for 90 days
- No drinking alcohol -- your blood alcohol level must be
zero
- You must drive only during daylight hours (one-half hour
before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset).
- You must not drive on roads with speed limits of more than
80 km/h, except Highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144, and 655. In
addition, local municipalities can ban mopeds from roads in their jurisdiction
where the speed limit is 80 km or greater.
- You cannot carry passengers.
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Level Two
(Class M2 with L restriction)
- Level Two lasts a minimum of 22 months. An M2 licence is
valid for 5 years. If you pass a ministry approved motorcycle safety course,
you can reduce the time spent at Level Two by four months.
- No drinking alcohol -- your blood alcohol level must be
zero.
- You may not drive your limited-speed motorcycle or moped on
high-speed roads such as the 400 series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the
Queensway in Ottawa and the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway.
- Local municipalities can ban mopeds from roads in their
jurisdiction where the speed limit is 80 km/h or greater.
- Mopeds are prohibited from carrying passengers.
- Limited-speed motorcycles can carry passengers but is not
recommended.
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LSM plate
A distinct licence plate is
available to all limited-speed motorcycles registered after March 27, 2006. The
plate is the same size as the motorcycle plate but is green with
white lettering. LSMs that are newly plated after March 27, 2006 will have the
LSM plate. The fees are the same as for motorcycle plates - $20.00 for the
plate and $42.00 to validate and renew each year. Moped and motorcycle
plates remain the same.
How can I tell if my vehicle is a limited-speed
motorcycle?
The easiest way to identify if your vehicle is a
limited-speed motorcycle is by the label. The label is usually fastened to the
steering column or under the seat. Look beside "type of vehicle" and it will
say LSM/MVL. All newer models of LSMs and mopeds have a label for ease of
identification.
If the vehicle was manufactured on, or after, September 1,
1988, it must have affixed a compliance label required under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) that identifies the motor vehicle as a
limited-speed motorcycle.
If the vehicle was manufactured
before September 1, 1988 and does not have a label, you will be able to
identify it as a limited-speed motorcycle by the following:
- Electric or gas powered
- Maximum speed of 70 km/h
- Automatic transmission
- Has a “step through” vehicle design
- Maximum engine displacement of 50 cubic centimetres or less
To see if your LSM meets the approved definition, please see
Vehicle Descriptions.
Where LSMs and mopeds can travel
You are not allowed to drive your limited-speed motorcycle or moped on
controlled-access highways such as the 400 series highways, the Queen Elizabeth
Way, the Queensway in Ottawa and the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway. The holder
of a Class M1 licence cannot not drive their limited-speed motorcycle or moped
on roads with speed limits of more than 80 km/hr. Local municipalities can ban
mopeds from roads in their jurisdiction where the speed limit is 80 km/hr or
greater.
How can I upgrade from an LSM/Moped to a
motorcycle?
Limited-speed motorcycle and moped drivers with the new restricted M
licence who wish to drive a full-speed motorcycle must successfully complete an
M1 and M2 road test on a full-speed motorcycle. To fill out an application,
visit a DriveTest Centre
to apply for a temporary unrestricted licence and pay the required fee. This
will allow you to practise on a full-speed motorcycle before taking a road
test.
Visitors and new Ontario residents
If you hold a motorcycle licence from another Canadian jurisdiction
that is equivalent to Ontario’s restricted class M licence, you will be
able to exchange your licence.
See also:
