Hi All
Might seem a dumb question but can I drive a small cc. bike on a Canadian driving licence as we can in the U/K, after exchange of licence of course.

No, it is a seperate licence. car is G, bikes are M.

The answer is likely no.

But there is no such thing as a Canadian drivers licence. Each province issues its own so which one are you planning to move to?

In Alberta the answer is no, a car licence is a Class 5 and a Motorcycle is a Class 6

I seem to think that it is possible whilst learning or something - just something I remember from when OH was learning, he said his mate was going to get a bike on his car licence, I believe there are restrictions like having to go out with a qualified rider and not being able to ride after dusk. Probably best to ask at the licencing place.

Hi
And thanks for your answers. I will be living in Ontario,and it looks like a decisive no but worth a try.

in Alberta you can ride on the street with a class 5 as long as you are within 90 metres (or some such..) of someone with a class 6 who is supervising you.

so there's no ability to ride a moped by yourself.

the upside is there are no power or cc restrictions once you get your license (though if you are 16 and you live with your parents then they might not think this is an upside!)

Hi
In BC you can ride a 'limited speed motorcycle'

Might be worth phoning your licencing authority.

as from wiki , but worth checking first.

http://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Moped_Laws:_Canada

Alberta
Drivers in Alberta are required to have a Class 7 Licence, allowing them to operate:
* A moped;
* A motorcycle, as a learner only, if the operator is at least 16 years of age.

The minimum learning or licencing age is 14, and the applicant is required to complete a written test and vision screening.
All mopeds are required to be licenced and insured, and the operator must wear a helmet.


Ontario
Motor-Assisted Bicycles (Mopeds)

Like limited-speed motorcycles, mopeds can be operated on roads in Ontario.

You will no longer be permitted to drive a moped on any driver's licence. New moped drivers will be required to take road tests.

A new, restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) and moped drivers was introduced on November 28, 2005. This new restricted class M licence has a condition that allows licence holders to drive limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds only.

To operate these vehicles on the roadway:

* driver must hold the new restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycles/mopeds (Class M2 with L restriction or M with L restriction or a valid motorcycle licence (Class M1, M2 or M);
* approved motorcycle helmet is required;
* vehicle must be insured and registered and have a valid licence plate;
* no passengers allowed;
* they must meet federal safety standards for a limited speed motorcycle;
* motor-assisted bicycles are not allowed to travel on 400 series highways.

A motor-assisted bicycle is a bicycle that:

* is fitted with pedals that are operable at all times to propel the bicycle;
* weighs not more than 55 kilograms;
* 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 centimetres; and,
* does not attain a speed greater than 50 km/hr on level ground within a distance of 2 km from a standing start.




Limited-Speed Motorcycles (scooter or noped)

Can be operated as a limited-speed motorcycle on roads in Ontario

A new, restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) and moped drivers was introduced on November 28, 2005. This new restricted class M licence has a condition that allows licence holders to drive limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds only.

A Limited-Speed Motorcycle must meet vehicle requirements as defined under the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA). However, in order to use a limited-speed motorcycle, the driver must comply with the operating requirements of a motorcycle under provincial regulations. A limited-speed motorcycle has a maximum attainable speed of 70 km/h or less.

To operate these vehicles on a roadway:

* driver must hold the 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);
* the vehicle must be insured, registered and have a valid licence plate (a new licence plate for LSMs will be available March 27, 2006);
* the operator must wear an approved motorcycle helmet;
* allowed to carry passengers with full licence- but not recommended;
* cannot operate on certain highways, for example, 400 series highway.

A limited-speed motorcycle is:

1. a motorcycle that:
1. 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;
2. has a maximum attainable speed of 70 km/hr or less;
3. has steering handlebars that are completely constrained from rotating in relation to the axle of only one wheel in contact with the ground;
4. has a minimum seat height, when the vehicle is unladen, of 650 millimetres;
5. has a minimum wheel rim diameter of 250 millimetres and a minimum wheelbase of 1016 millimetres;
6. has a maximum engine displacement of 50 cubic centimetres or less; or,
2. if the motorcycle 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.

cheers
Jerry

from ICBC website.

** Limited-speed motorcycles – Any B.C. driver’s licence
Can be operated with any class of driver's licence. Learners require a Class 6 or Class 8 motorcycle learner’s licence. Where an original driver’s licence applicant intends to operate only a limited speed motorcycle, the applicant would apply for a class 5 or class 6 driver’s licenceor a class 7 or 8 learner’s licence. Upon qualification on the class 6 or 8 road test, conducted on a limited speed motorcycle, the applicant would be issued a class 6 or 8 licence with restrictions 13 “class 6 or 8 not permitted to carry passengers” and 51 “limited speed motorcycles only”.

A limited-speed motorcycle has:
A motor with a piston displacement of 50 cc or less, or a power source that produces a maximum of 1.5 kW
A power drive system that does not require clutching or shifting after the drive system is engaged
A maximum speed of 70 km/h on level ground
A maximum weight of 95 kg
Wheels with a diameter of at least 254 mm

There is no such thing as a "Canadian driving licence". To drive a small cc in Ontario, you will need the equivalent of an Ontario M motorcycle license.

Big Ron,

You need a separate test and training to get a graduated bike license in Ontario..I know, I went through the BS around 6 years ago when I moved from England to Ontario. Definitely take a course - best thing I did even with 30 years of biking experience. Get a decent size bike - the roads are long and the traffic fast. Ride like everyone's out to kill you - the standard of driving is hopeless here!

Check out this site - official Provincial Licensing site - like your DVLA....

www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/gradu/

Ha Guys
Thanks for all the info guess I will just have to get a motorised wheel chair cos there aint no way I will pass a test at my age especially in a new country with different regulations.When I took my test on a scooter in the u/k the examiner followed me round on a horse. Thats how long ago it is.

Was he collecting rag and bones as he went?

Look if you can ride a bike you're almost there in terms of the test.

Hi
Have you thought of taking your test in the UK and then trying to swap your licence in canada ?
I just swapped my UK bike licence for a canadian one a few months ago, only an eye test and a quick question on a couple of road signs.
cheers
Jerry

anyone know how this works in NS? The thought had not occurred to me but I have a bike license and a car license here in UK. I know I have to sit a test to get a car license in NS... is it the same for a bike or can I transfer that one?

I believe BC is one of if not the only Province that allows this. As Triumphguy says as long as you can stay upright on a bike then you've got the test nailed

Sadly, not so in Ontario...graduated, and subject to a 2 day intensive training course.