Motorcycle Licence Requirements by Province
Every province and territory licenses motorcyclists differently — different class names, test lengths, pass marks, and graduated stages. Here's all 13 systems in one table, with a full guide behind each one.
| Province / Territory | Licence | Authority | Knowledge test | Pass mark | Licensing path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Class 6 | ICBC | 40 questions | 32 of 40 (80%) | Class 1-5 holders: Class 6 learner → skills test after 14 days → Class 6 road test after 30 days. No licence or a Class 7: Class 8 learner → skills test after 30 days → Class 8 road test after 12 months → Class 8 novice for at least 24 months → Class 6 road test |
| Alberta | Class 6 | Alberta Registries | 30 questions | 25 of 30 (83%) | Class 7 learner's licence (at least 12 months) → Class 6 knowledge and road tests → probationary Class 6 (at least 24 months) → full Class 6 |
| Saskatchewan | Endorsement M | SGI | 50 questions* | 80% | You need a Class 5 or higher licence first. 6 Endorsement learner (12 to 24 months) → Novice 1 with Endorsement M (at least 12 months) → Novice 2 (at least 12 months) → full M endorsement |
| Manitoba | Class 6 | MPI | 50 questions* | 80%* | Knowledge test → Class 6M while you take the mandatory training course → Learner (at least 9 months) → Intermediate (at least 15 months) → full Class 6 |
| Ontario | M1 | MTO / DriveTest | 64 questions* | 80% | M1 → M2 → M graduated licensing |
| Quebec (FR test · FR panneaux) | Class 6A | SAAQ | 32 questions | 27 of 32 (85%) | Knowledge test → Class 6R (ride only in the course, with your instructor) → mandatory course → closed-track test → Class 6A learner's licence (at least 11 months) → road test → probationary licence if you don't hold a Class 5 |
| New Brunswick | Class 6 | Service New Brunswick | 50 questions* | 80%* | Mandatory training course → 12-month motorcycle GDL program → on-road test → full Class 6 |
| Nova Scotia | Class 6 | Service Nova Scotia | 20 questions | 16 of 20 (80%) | Knowledge and Balance tests → Learner (Class LM, at least 6 months, or 3 with a course) → road test → Newly licensed (Class 6N, at least 2 years) → Restricted (Class 6R, 2 years) → full Class 6 |
| Prince Edward Island | Class 6 | Access PEI | 50 questions* | 80%* | Class 7 instruction permit (Stage 1: 365 days, or 275 with driver education) → practical exam → later GDL stages → full Class 6 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Class 6 | Motor Registration Division | 50 questions* | 85% | Level I learner (Class 6I, 12 months, or 8 with an approved course) → road test → Level II (Class 6II, 12 months) → full Class 6 |
| Yukon | Class 6 | Government of Yukon | 50 questions* | 80%* | Confirm the current stages with the Government of Yukon |
| Northwest Territories | Class 6 | GNWT Infrastructure | 50 questions* | 80%* | Learner's Class 7 (at least 12 months) → probationary Class 6P (12 months) → full Class 6 |
| Nunavut | Class 6 | Government of Nunavut | 50 questions* | 80%* | Class 7 learner's licence → written tests, vision test and road test → Class 6 |
* We couldn't find this figure published by the licensing authority, so it's shown as a labelled practice standard. Confirm current details directly with them. Data as of 2026.
What stands out
Four provinces publish both an official question count and pass mark for their motorcycle knowledge test — British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Three more publish an official pass mark without a public question count: Ontario (a total score of at least 80%), Newfoundland and Labrador (85%), and Saskatchewan (80% on each of three separate exams). We couldn't find either figure published for the other six provinces and territories, so this table uses a labelled practice standard for them. Three provinces are confirmed to require an approved riding course as part of licensing: Quebec (after the knowledge test and Class 6R learner's licence), Manitoba (before a first-time applicant's motorcycle learner licence), and New Brunswick (before you can apply for a motorcycle licence at all). Saskatchewan also requires an approved training course or a basic ability road test before you can ride as a learner. Whatever your province, the free practice app covers road signs, rules of the road and riding skills, chapter by chapter — pick your province and start.
Practice your province's test free →Frequently asked questions
Which provinces publish an official motorcycle knowledge test pass mark?
Only a few: Alberta needs 25 of 30 correct (83%), British Columbia 32 of 40 (80%), Nova Scotia 16 of 20 (80%), and Quebec 27 of 32 on the motorcycle-specific portion (85%). Ontario publishes a total score of 80% and Newfoundland and Labrador 85%, but neither publishes a question count. Saskatchewan requires 80% on each of three separate exams. We couldn't find official figures for the rest, so this app uses a labelled practice standard for them.
Is a motorcycle riding course mandatory anywhere in Canada?
Yes. We've confirmed three provinces: Quebec requires an approved riding course as part of getting a Class 6A (after the knowledge test and Class 6R learner's licence), Manitoba requires first-time applicants to complete an approved motorcycle training course before they can get a motorcycle learner licence, and New Brunswick requires a mandatory training course before you can even apply for a motorcycle licence. Saskatchewan requires an approved training course or a basic ability road test before you can ride as a learner. We haven't confirmed the rules in every other province and territory, so check with yours.
Is a motorcycle licence from one province valid in another?
Each province and territory sets its own rules for riders with an out-of-province licence, including when you must exchange it after you move. Check with the licensing authority where you'll be riding.
Unofficial comparison — not affiliated with any licensing authority. Always verify current requirements with your province or territory.