I just (Aug 15..17) completed the course offered by a local college (Conestoga in Kitchener.) This was pretty intensive: Fri 7-10pm, Sat and Sun 8:30am to 6:30pm. The M1-exit test occurred during the last hour or so of the Sunday. The entire class basically lined up and performed a series of tests as the instructors -- now wearing the mantle of "ministry official" -- observed, timed and judged.
At the beginning of the course we'd filled out ministry forms that would be involved in upgrading from the M1 to the M2. These were submitted to the instructors along with envelopes. At the end of the course, after the exit test, those who passed filed back into the classroom. We were handed back the envelopes -- now sealed -- with some additional information including the course and instructor info. We also received fancy certificates and a copy of our test results (with any demerit points etc) as part of the "package."
The instructions were that when the 60-day minimum period of the M1 had elapsed, we could walk into a Drive Test office and present the sealed envelope to the clerk. If all went to plan, you'd be granted M2 status and be out of there. If they gave you any guff, you'd present the rest of the package -- the certificate and the copy of the exit test results) as further proof you're the real deal.
I too highly recommend the course. The low-speed maneuvering (balance and direct steering), emphasis on braking, control, higher-speed steering (counter steering) plus the personal anecdotes and experiences of the instructors who've been riding for decades etc are all worth the price of admission.