April 2025 brought big changes to Ontario’s motorcycle safety inspections and if you’re planning to register, re-plate, or sell your bike this season, you’ll want to pass the first time.
The new DriveON system replaces paper certificates with a digital photo-based inspection. That means less room for “close enough” passes, higher prices, and fewer shops offering inspections.
But don’t sweat it. This blog gives you:
- ✅ A fast checklist of what fails most often
- 🔧 A 10-minute DIY garage pre-check
- 💸 Booking tips that’ll save you time and cash
Let’s get you ready to pass first try. So you can ride, not wrench.
🔍 What Changed in 2025?
The DriveON system is now mandatory for all motorcycle safety inspections in Ontario. What that means for you:
| ❌ Old System | ✅ New DriveON |
|---|---|
| Paper forms | Digital reports & photos |
| Any licensed tech | Only DriveON-registered Vehicle Inspection Centres |
| $60–$100 average cost | $170–$250 average cost |
Even though the mechanical checklist is still based on the 2015 standards, techs now upload VIN data and timestamped photos to the Ministry of Transportation. No fudging it, if your pads are too thin or your tires are cracked, it’s a fail.
🛠️ Tip: Some shops may offer a “pre-safety” walkaround for $50. Ask when you book.
🛑 Top 12 Reasons Riders Fail Their Inspection
- Tires with under 1.5mm tread or sidewall cracks
- Brake pads too thin or fluid leaks
- Loose or stretched chain / belt
- Steering bearings clunk when tested
- Worn wheel bearings (feel for wobble or grinding)
- Non-DOT lighting (like tinted or aftermarket LEDs)
- Missing reflectors front and rear
- Exhaust too loud or missing a catalytic converter
- Leaking oil, coolant, or forks
- Frame cracks or sketchy welds
- Dead horn or under 85 dB
- No kickstand kill-switch (if your bike is 2004+)
🧰 10-Minute DIY Pre-Check (Before You Book)
Use this checklist in your garage before handing your bike over for inspection:
- Tires: Use a toonie. If the tread doesn’t touch the silver edge, replace them.
- Brakes: Look for at least 2mm pad left.
- Chain/Belt: Check for slack, rust, missing guard.
- Forks: Pump them. Any oil mist = fail.
- Wheel Bearings: Spin the wheels, no noise or play.
- Steering Head: Lift the front and wiggle. No notch, no clunk.
- Lights & Reflectors: Test every light and reflector, even your licence plate.
- Horn: Honk it, it needs to be loud.
- Kill Switch & Kickstand Switch: Test both.
- VIN & Compliance Sticker: Make sure it’s readable and on the frame.
💡 Fix it now and save yourself a failed inspection and a second fee.
📅 How to Book a Safety Inspection (Without Overpaying)
Here’s what to know:
- 📆 Book 2–3 weeks ahead, especially April through July
- 🛠️ Ask if they offer a pre-inspection or credit toward the full safety
- 💰 Expect to pay $170–$250 now (due to tech license + tablet costs)
- 📸 Bring receipts for parts like tires or pads, techs must document everything now
🧠 FAQ: DriveON Safety Inspection
Q: How long is a safety certificate valid?
A: 36 days from the date of inspection.
Q: What if my bike fails?
A: You get 10 days to fix and return to the same shop. Otherwise, you’ll need a full re-inspection.
Q: Can I ride my unsafetied bike to the appointment?
A: Yes, as long as you go directly to/from the appointment and have proof.
Q: What if I have aftermarket exhaust or lights?
A: If they’re too loud, lack a catalytic converter, or aren’t DOT-compliant, you may fail.
