Quebec transportation authorities announced on June 17, 2026 that all new riders will be required to wait two years before they are permitted to operate high‑performance motorcycles. The measure was presented alongside Karen Ferrazzano, president of the Association of Quebec Driving Schools, as part of a broader effort to manage risk on the province’s roads.
The new regulation defines high‑performance motorcycles as machines built for high speed and enhanced performance characteristics. Under the rule, a rider who has held a motorcycle licence for less than two years may not ride any motorcycle that meets this definition, regardless of the rider’s age or prior experience on lower‑power bikes.
Officials explained that the policy targets motorcycles that are designed to achieve higher speeds, with the intention of keeping less‑experienced riders from accessing these vehicles until they have accumulated a minimum period of riding experience. The two‑year threshold applies uniformly across the province and will be enforced through standard licensing checks.
The Association of Quebec Driving Schools, represented by Ferrazzano, noted that the change aligns with the organization’s focus on rider safety and graduated licensing principles. Driving schools are expected to adjust their curricula to ensure that learners understand the waiting period and the classification of high‑performance motorcycles.
The regulation comes at a time when authorities are reviewing a range of traffic safety measures. By imposing a mandatory waiting period, the province aims to reduce the likelihood of accidents involving riders who have not yet developed the skills needed to handle high‑speed motorcycles safely. The rule will take effect immediately following its announcement, and riders will be required to comply with the two‑year waiting period before accessing the specified class of motorcycles.