Ian CheesemanMy friend recently bought a motorcycle impulsively even though he doesn’t know how to ride one. Armed with the knowledge he obtained by watching a couple of YouTube videos, he wore his helmet and sped off.
Predictably, however, he panicked at a turn and hit the brakes too hard. Not only did he wreck his bike, he also badly bruised his knee (not to mention his ego).
He should’ve gotten lessons from a pro motorcycle instructor—someone qualified who can teach him critical skills like braking, cornering, and hazard awareness.
So, to avoid costly and painful mistakes, here are the top places for motorcycle lessons in Toronto. Learn from one of the best and ride with confidence!
How much do motorcycle driving lessons cost in Toronto?
In Toronto, motorcycle driving lessons for beginners range from $150 to $180, while comprehensive M2 licensing courses are priced between $499 and $549. Advanced M licensing courses are generally priced from $425 to $449.
1. Motorcycle Training Organization Inc.
Motorcycle Training Organization Inc. or MTO has been around since 2013, offering Canada Safety Council-certified courses.
For total beginners, we recommend their Three-Hour Introductory Course, which is perfect if you’re wondering whether riding is for you. The cost is $150, but what’s cool is that if you continue with their M1 to M2 course, they’ll knock $40 off.
Speaking of the M1 to M2 course, it offers a mix of classroom and on-bike training, where you’ll learn everything—from basic handling to defensive riding techniques. Heads up though, slots fill up quickly, so you’ll want to book early.
Now, for not-so-new riders, they offer Advanced Riding Courses, as well as Retest Courses in case you fail your licensing test.
While we mostly heard good things, some former students have reported minor injuries during training.
Nicest and best people you will meet
“This course and these instructors are the nicest and best people you will meet. I did this course with my husband together and we couldn’t be happier. Matt, Paul and Cindy were such amazing teachers, really focusing on how to help you and where you can do better. They take things 1 step at a time and from never being on a motorcycle, in 2 days I passed and feel very confident getting on one! Thank you so much to this team and being so fantastic.”
Patrycia H, Google Review
So much empathy and so skilled at teaching
“Completed the M2 course here in July. Every instructor was kind, patient, dedicated, and amazing. Had an absolutely wonderful time learning how to ride. Love the trainers, so much empathy and so skilled at teaching. Highly recommend MTO for all your training needs. They also provide helmets which a lot of other places don’t.”
maryam quraishi, Google Review
2. Learning Curves Foundation
Since 2010, the Learning Curves Foundation has been helping Ontario riders get their M2 and M licenses. In fact, their instructors are MTO-approved to conduct M2 and M on-bike tests, meaning you don’t have to book a separate test elsewhere.
Not familiar with motorcycle riding? Shell out $185 for their “Get Your Feet Wet” Course, where you’ll get three hours of foundational training—you’ll also get $50 off if you continue with the M2 course!
Now, the M2 Course kicks off with a three-hour classroom session, followed by two full days of on-bike training. By the end of the 2nd day, you’ll take the M2 On-Bike Test.
You can also decide to sign up for their M Course if you want a full M license.
Keep in mind, however, that some students had to redo their tests due to stopwatch-timing issues.
One of the best learning experiences in my life
“Got my M2 certificate from these amazing guys! That was one of the best learning experiences in my life. Ernesto and others really love bikes and like to teach to love them. In the end of two days of study and practice I felt pretty confident riding a bike despite the fact I didn’t know which lever is the front brake and which is the clutch before this weekend🤓”
GRINYA (Aleksandr Grinchuk), Google Review
Best decision I made when going for my motorcycle license
“Learning curves was the best decision I made when going for my motorcycle license. Alex, Al and Jordan were phenomenal instructors! They made the environment comfortable, educational and professional. All of my anxieties were addressed with kindness and support and understanding. Feedback was given professionally and fairly. The instructors cared about our successes and did everything they could to support and help us. Will highly recommend to all who want to go for the M2 or M!”
Carly Cassady Google Review
3. Motorsoul Riding School
Motorsoul Riding School is a nonprofit organization. It was founded in 2013 by Ginny Allen, a former MTO examiner, who has been riding bikes for over 25 years!
We like their wide range of training bikes (125cc to 200cc) such as enduros, sports bikes, cafe racers, and cruisers.
To get an M2 license, sign up for their Motorsoul MotorCore program—an express two-day course, which includes testing. They also offer an M Course with testing, as well as retests. M2 evening classes and private lessons are available too.
Now, if you want to focus only on a specific riding skill, you can sign up for their Enhancement Courses, with “clinics” that specialize in cornering, big bike handling, slow speed control, and more!
Note that due to the smaller class sizes, slots fill up fairly quickly, so book in advance.
ABSOLUTE BEST motorcycle school in all of Toronto!
“This is the ABSOLUTE BEST motorcycle school in all of Toronto! I was studying recently for my M1 and learned I needed to do riding school and pass a road test to get my M2, I was a bit lost on what to do from what I read on the handbook so I called Motorsoul to ask questions. Ginny was an absolute angel, she spoke to me over the phone for a very long time and told me how to get my license and what to do and explained everything about gear and other things to me. I was adamant on getting my motorcycle license before the end of this year but left it for the end of the season. (Oops) Ginny was so encouraging and helpful and she let me sign up for the M2 course before I did my M1 test and said she could hold a spot for me until I pass my M1 test. I wrote my test and I passed!”
gracielaestevez75, Google Review
Best experience I could have hoped for
“Learning from Ginny was the best experience I could have hoped for. With my license about to expire, I needed to take my M exit test, but I wasn’t at all confident I would pass. However, the theory class boosted my confidence because of Ginny’s positive, friendly and engaging nature, and after a frank discussion wherein she offered some much-needed advice, I was feeling far better about the practical.”
PUKE FACE, Google Review
4. Traction Control
Traction Control is owned by Tushar Dongre, who believes that riding skills are more important than fancy motorcycle specs. To prove this, he even completed a cross-Canada journey using only a 300cc motorcycle.
His school is known for the Advanced Street Riding Course, where the instructor will go to your home address. They cover within 50 km of Toronto, and out-of-area bookings cost extra.
Initial drills will be at a nearby parking lot, after which you’ll hit the streets, getting live feedback via headset. What’s cool is that your session is video-recorded, so you can view your riding footage afterward with your instructor.
To hone specific techniques, sign up for their Custom Course, where they’ll design a personalized training course just for you.
While they do offer an M Prep Course, they do not offer motorcycle licensing courses.
Patient and knowledgeable with a safety-first perspective
“This advanced training was absolutely amazing! Tushar is a fantastic instructor – patient and knowledgeable with a safety first perspective which I valued very much. Before the training I was intimidated by my 700 lbs bike and after the 3-hour training I was riding with decent confidence. I highly recommend this training to any new rider to gain the skills and confidence to be a good rider. I plan to take this 1-on-1 training again once I get my M2 to gain some confidence riding on highways!”
Johnny B, Google Review
Passed my M test on the first try!
“Tushar is a great instructor! Super personable and knowledgeable. Works with you patiently to improve your motorcycle skills! It is with his help that I passed my M test on the first try!”
Ancho F, Google Review
5. Rider Training Institute
Rider Training Institute or RTI is Ontario’s biggest motorcycle licensing and training organization, catering to both new and expert riders.
Newbies can check out their Intro to Riding Course, which focuses mostly on balance and control. Class sizes are limited to 6 students and 2 instructors, so you’ll be guaranteed one-on-one attention.
Now, for those who want to hone real-world riding skills, try their Roadworthy Skills Course. This full-day experience covers slow-speed control, braking, and cornering, plus you’ll even get a guided mini-tour!
Motorcycle licensing courses are offered as well. A bonus is if you’ve taken a course with them before (e.g. intro class), you can score a discount off another course due to their Loyalty Pricing program.
Unfortunately, we heard from some students that they were given older, worn-out bikes—not ideal, especially for beginners.
Best experience of my life!
“It was absolutely amazing! The best experience in my life! All instructors we had are real professionals! I have no fear, they taught me how to ride a motorcycle in 2 days! these are amazing people! I will remember you forever and will definitely come back for my m full.”
Malinna Mi, Google Review
Amazing experience! 1000x worth it!
“Amazing experience! 1000x worth it! Went from never riding a bike to feeling super confident and passing! I attended the M2 course in Guelph, and the instructors were all so nice, welcoming, and reassuring while teaching new skills, and providing all the tips to make it better for me during practice exercises. Really so glad for having Mark, Jonathan, Matt & Ibrahim! Couldn’t have passed without their continuance patience, support and guidance. You truly feel like they are rooting for you, and that’s a big confidence boost! Highly recommended this course, it’s so much fun, and they guys are awesome! Happy riding all!”
Kimberly, Google Review
