Bike License

[tonnyandreti]

What is the procedure of getting a motorcycle license in Canada? How long would it take to get one? Are there any good schools one can go to get this license thing going?
I have ridden bikes in the past however not in Canada.
Anybody with a bike could you please shed some light on insurance rates.
Any additional Information would be appreciated.

 

[mtl_guy]

You can get a learners permit by writing a written test. With this you can not carry passengers.
Then you take your road test.

If youve never riden, then take course. I dont know any in Ontario off hand but check the yellow pages or call the safety counsel.

As for insurance, it depends on the type of bike but rates are sky high regardless.

 

[hambone]

Sheridan College in Oakville offers driver training for bikes.

 

[auto doctor]

When I had a bike 20 years ago we just got them out of a Cracker Jack Box..

 

[hambone]

When I had a bike 20 years ago we just got them out of a Cracker Jack Box..

Yep, I got mine simply because I owned a bike when the requirement for a license came into effect.

 

[gypsy121]

tonnyandreti,

Here is a list of the courses for Ontario. It is definitely money well spent.
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/gradu/motocourse.htm

This one seems to have the most information.
http://www.motorcycle.humber.ca/

I took the course 20 years ago and it saved my ass a few times. Every Spring I still go to a parking lot and practice the skills I learned in that course.

Unfortunately MC insurance is Ontario is pretty expensive far more than it should be but it is a tight market and they figure no one will shout too loud if they just squeeze a bunch of bikers. I have read in Cycle Canada that no thorough studies have been done in North America on MC safety in decades and therefore the actuaries base the insurance rates on "the latest data" which is far out of date. Studies in Europe have shown there is no correlation between engine size and likelihood to have an accident yet collision rates here are still based on this. In fact those of us who drive large displacement bikes often have the most experience and are safer riders. If you are really interested you can look up the past few issues of Cycle Canada. Bruce Reeves (editor) has an excellent Editorial on the false assumptions and dodgey data being used by insurers.

Jesus I was just going to send a link and got off on a tangent. If you are interested in discussing this PM me.

gypsy

 

[flyingdgn]

Highly recommend taking a proper training course. It saved my life on more than one occation. Well worth the money as well as helping with the test. Insurance may be lower as well.

Another thing. NEVER DRINK AND RIDE!

Proper training and a no alcohol policy will keep you alive on a bike.

I have been riding for the last 20 years and haven't gotten into an accident yet.

More interestingly, which bike are you thinking about getting?

 

[hilroy]

Hate to be a party pooper but even if you have had your drivers licence for 20 years and you have decided to get your Bike licence you have to go through this graduated licence program.

step one M1 no alcohol, no passenger ,no 400 series highways, no night driving, (written)

step 2 M2 no alcohol( Road test)

Step 3 M licinence no restrictions (written and road test)

I know been there done that and i have had my licence for fifteen years.

 

[tonnyandreti]

flyingdgn....I’m thinking of getting a Japanese sports bike, something like 500cc. When I get older and richer i may move on to 'the hog' lol. Lets hope so.

 

[bananaman]

I took the Humber course and it was excellent. At the end of it you have your M1.

 

[lickrolaine]

Hate to be a party pooper but even if you have had your drivers licence for 20 years and you have decided to get your Bike licence you have to go through this graduated licence program.

step one M1 no alcohol, no passenger ,no 400 series highways, no night driving, (written)

step 2 M2 no alcohol( Road test)

Step 3 M licinence no restrictions (written and road test)

I know been there done that and i have had my licence for fifteen years.

This is true only if you did not check the "do you want to keep your GM license" The Gov tried that a number of years ago,fortunately I checked the box.Started riding last year after a 17 year absence,no prob got back in like I had never left.If you need a new lisence,you will start with no past exp.

 

[slowpoke]

Yep, I got mine simply because I owned a bike when the requirement for a license came into effect.

I bought a new Triumph Bonneville in the spring of 1967. I'd never ridden a motorcycle in my life but that was during the transition period so anyone could walk into a license office and claim that they'd already been riding and simply pay $2 to have their license reclassified to include motorcycles. I had a few close calls but I learned on my own. Not recommended.

 

[tonnyandreti]

wow, $2 does sound very cheap....anybody have a time machine i could borrow?

 

[Arena]

Regardless of how long you have had your motorcycle licence, the insurance companies will treat you as a newbie if you have not had any motorcycle ins. coverage lately.
Older bikes, not classified as supersport or under 600cc. will usually be less to insure.

 

[Low Rider]

First you get your Motorcycle Handbook from the MTO or Canadian Tire. Read it and write a written test/eye exam @ MTO which is good for 90 days, your M1(so do it around May-June). You can ride without a passenger and no alcohol and no 400 hwys, only during daylight hours. Register early (Jan-Mar) at a Training Course (Humber College, North Campus is excellent, they also provide the motorcycle) choose a date within the 90 days (June-Aug). You must bring your own Jean/Leather Jacket, Helmet, Boots, Gloves, Glasses and Rain Gear(optional). The Humber course is one weekend (Fri-Sun) they will teach you everything from the beginning, no matter how much experience you have. Do the exam on Sunday afternoon, if you pass then you get your M2. You can buy any type of bike and ride anytime of day and any hwys with a passenger, but no alcohol. After 18 months, but no longer than 5 years (60 mths) of getting your M1, you can take the M2 exit exam. You can either register at Humber again or take it at the MTO. Basically they will take you out onto the Highway. It's a piece of cake. You must provide your own Motorcycle and Safety Gear. After you pass then you get your full M. Good luck, LR