Frequently Asked
Questions
Licensing for Operators of Motor Scooters and
Mopeds
- Why did the province introduce a restricted class M licence that allows drivers to operate motor scooters and mopeds only?
- What is a limited-speed motorcycle?
- Has the definition of a moped changed?
- If my LSM or moped does not comply with the definition will it be licensed?
- What do I need to drive a limited-speed motorcycle or moped?
- On what roads can a limited-speed motorcycle and/or moped travel?
- When did the province introduce the restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycles or mopeds?
- What does this program mean for moped and LSM drivers?
- What if I already have a class M licence and took my road test on a limited-speed motorcycle?
- What are the fees to obtain the M driver's licence?
- How does the road test work?
- How do I go about booking a road test?
- What does the limited-speed motorcycle plate look like?
- If I hold a restricted M motorcycle licence for a motor scooter/moped, what do I need to do to upgrade to a full motorcycle licence?
- I own a moped but my daughter has driven it for years. What steps does she need to take to get the restricted licence for moped operators?
- There are motorcycle training courses. Are there training courses for LSMs and mopeds?
1. Why did the province introduce a restricted class M licence that allows drivers to operate motor scooters and mopeds only?
The Class M restricted licence allows drivers to take a road test using their motor scooter/moped and be licensed for that type of vehicle:
- In the past, any Class G licence allows a driver to operate a moped without taking a motorcycle knowledge or road test on that type of vehicle.
- Motor scooter drivers were required to take their road test on a motorcycle because their vehicles could not complete the M2 road test on highways with speed limits of 80 - 100 km/hr.
- This was frustrating because:
- Some motor scooter drivers had to rent or borrow a motorcycle, even though they had never intended to drive a motorcycle, just to complete the M2 road test so they can drive their motor scooter.
- Motor scooter operators who opted not to take the road test on a motorcycle had to return every five years to take the M2 test over again because they could never attain a full M status without taking the test on a high-powered motorcycle.
2. What is a limited-speed motorcycle?
A limited-speed motorcycle is also known as a "motor scooter." You can usually tell a limited-speed motorcycle by its "step through" design - you don't have to straddle the seat. Motor scooters can be either electric or gas powered and have a maximum speed of 70 km/h and a minimum speed of over 32 km/h.
Most motor scooters have automatic transmissions, with a maximum engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters. If in doubt, most motor scooters have a label on the bike itself, which says "LSM" For a full definition see Licensing Changes for Operators of Motor Scooters and Mopeds: Vehicle Descriptions
3. Has the definition of a moped changed?
No. A moped is a motor-assisted bicycle fitted with pedals that can be operated at all times and has a maximum speed of 50 km/h.
4. If my LSM or moped does not comply with the definition will it be licensed?
No. If your vehicle does not comply with the definition of a limited-speed motorcycle or moped and it is not a full-speed motorcycle, it will not be registered.
5. What do I need to drive a limited-speed motorcycle or moped?
You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid motorcycle licence or you can opt for a valid motorcycle licence with the condition that will allow you to drive a limited-speed motorcycle and moped - but not a full-powered motorcycle.
The vehicle must be insured, registered and have a valid licence plate. The operator must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
6. On what roads can a limited-speed motorcycle and/or moped travel?
You may not 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 or greater.
7. When did the province introduced the restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycles or mopeds?
November 28, 2005.
8. What does this program mean for moped and LSM drivers?
People who want to ride mopeds must have either a full Class M licence or a restricted M licence that will allow them to drive a moped and limited-speed motorcycle only.
Moped drivers are no longer able to drive a moped on a Class G licence. However, persons who have demonstrated their previous experience driving mopeds can be issued a restricted class M licence as long as:
- They have held a valid permit for a moped between November 27, 2002 and November 28, 2005;
- They have held a valid driver's licence as well as a valid permit for a moped; and,
- They apply for a licence before November 28, 2008.
9. What if I already have a class M licence and took my road test on a limited-speed motorcycle?
You do not need to do anything. You can keep your class M licence.
10. What are the fees to obtain the new M driver's licence?
The fees to obtain an M driver's licence for mopeds and LSMs are the same as for motorcycles.
- $10.00 for the written + $7.50 for the 90 days M1 permit
- $40.00 for the level 1 road test
- $75.00 for the level 2 road test
11. How does the road test work?
M1 road test
The M1 road test is the same as the M1 road test for standard motorcycles.
The test will be completed mainly in a parking lot and the applicant will be required to complete a three-part motorcycle skill test by driving their vehicle through sets of cones to test their skills in manoeuvring their vehicle.
The M1 licence must be held at least 60 days before you 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.
M2 road test
The M2 road test is the same as the M2 road test for standard 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.
The safe speed may vary depending on road and traffic conditions.
Important: Your LSM or moped must be capable of maintaining a safe speed on the 50km/hr 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/hr 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 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 M2 licence must be held for 22 months (18 months if taking a ministry approved motorcycle safety course) before taking your M2 road test.
12. How do I go about booking a road test?
Applicants should decide what type of motorcycle licence they need and bring the appropriate vehicle to do the road test. Applicants are required to indicate the type of motorcycle that they will use for their test when they book an M1 or M2 road test.
- 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.
Important: The M2 test route includes roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/hr. Before you book your M2 road test, please make sure your vehicle is capable of reaching and maintaining a safe speed on a 50 km/hr road.
- 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 and be asked to re-book your test with the appropriate vehicle if your test cannot be accommodated by the test centre.
13. What will the new limited-speed motorcycle plate look like?
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.
Moped and motorcycle plates will remain the same.
14. If I hold a restricted M motorcycle licence for a motor scooter/moped, what do I need to do to upgrade to a full motorcycle licence?
To upgrade to a full M licence, one that will allow you to drive a full-speed motorcycle, you must do the following:
- You must successfully complete an M1 and M2 road test on a full-speed motorcycle
- You will need a 90-day temporary licence, that will allow you to operate a full-speed motorcycle for training purposes; you may obtain this for a fee of $7.50 and it will allow you to practise on a full-speed motorcycle
- Novice conditions may apply depending on what licence you hold.
16. I own a moped but my daughter has driven it for years. What steps does she need to take to get the restricted licence for moped operators?
People who are not registered moped plate owners or moped licence holders but who operated a moped on a Class G or other licence prior to November 28, 2005 may be fast-tracked to obtain their restricted M licence:
- Applicants must submit an affidavit indicating their experience in operating their moped to be fast-tracked up to November 28, 2008.
- These applicants will be waived the 60-day mandatory waiting time required before a M1 road test can be conducted.
All other Class M requirements must be met, including a vision test, a test of your knowledge of the rules of the road and traffic signs and an M1 and M2 road test.
17. There are motorcycle training courses. Will there be training for LSMs and mopeds?
The ministry has approved motor scooter training courses. These courses are offered by motorcycle safety associations/colleges and these courses include road testing. Motorcycle safety associations/colleges may also offer motor scooter training courses without road testing.
You may contact them directly to see what courses they offer.
We would encourage you to check this website for information on motor scooter training courses.
