How to Get Your Motorcycle Licence in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

Getting a motorcycle licence in Australia is a step-by-step process. The requirements vary depending on the state you're in.

Having your motorcycle licence is a requirement by law to ride on public and forest roads. You do not need a licence to ride on private property.

At OpenRoads Rally we use public forest roads. So, you must have a motorcycle licence to take part.

We’ll guide you on how to get your motorcycle licence in the coming sections.

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Understanding the Motorcycle Licencing System

Australia’s motorcycle licencing system is generally divided into three main stages:

1. Learner (L) Licence
2. Provisional (P) Licence
3. Full (R) Licence
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Learner Licence (L)

A Learner Licence is the initial step for anyone wanting to ride a motorcycle. This licence lets new riders learn motorcycle basics under supervision. It has restrictions to enhance safety.

Age Rule: Varies by state and territory. Please see the table below for details.‍

Training Course: Some states need you to complete a pre-learner course. It must cover both theory and practice. This course will teach new riders the basics for safe riding.

Knowledge Test: Applicants must pass a motorcycle theory test. It assesses their knowledge of road rules, motorcycle operation, and safety practices. This test is often conducted in a computer-based format and includes multiple-choice questions.

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Provisional P1 Licence (Red Ps)

The Provisional P1 Licence is the next step after obtaining a learner licence. It allows for more independent riding. But, it restricts some things to ensure safety as the rider gains experience.

Age Rule: Varies by state and territory. Please see the table below for details.‍

Holding Period: You must hold a learner licence for a period of time before you can apply for your P1 licence. This is usually 3 to 6 months, depending on the state or territory.‍

Practical test: To get a P1 licence, you must complete a pre-provisional course. It includes further training and a practical riding test. The practical test often assesses skills such as balance, control, and hazard perception.

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Provisional P2 Licence (Green Ps)

The Provisional P2 Licence is a step closer to full riding rights. It has fewer restrictions than the P1 licence. It allows you more freedom as you continue to gain experience.

Age Rule: This can vary by state, but generally, you must have progressed from a P1 licence.

Holding Period: You must hold a P1 licence for at least 12 months before you can move to a P2 licence.

No Extra Test: In most states, you do not need to pass another test to move from P1 to P2. The progression is automatic after the holding period.

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Full Licence

A Full Licence is the final stage in the graduated licensing system. It allows for unrestricted riding.

Age Rule: Varies by state and territory. Please see the table below for details.‍

Holding Period: You must have held a P2 licence for at least 2 years in most cases.

Automatic Upgrade: In most regions, you automatically upgrade to a full licence after the required time with a P2 licence – if you have no major traffic offences.

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Here is a summary of motorcycle licence rules in different Australian states:

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National Requirements

Regardless of the state, there are some universal requirements:

Minimum Age: Typically, the minimum age to apply for a learner permit is 16 years and 9 months.

Good Vision: Adequate eyesight is required, and you may need to pass an eye test.

Health and Fitness: You must be medically fit to ride.

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New South Wales (NSW)

Learner Rider Licence

1. Pre-Learner Course: Enroll in a compulsory pre-learner course. This is a two-day course covering basic riding skills and road safety.
2. Knowledge Test: Pass the motorcycle knowledge test at a Service NSW centre.
3. Apply for a Learner Rider licence: After completing the course and passing the test, you can apply for your learner rider licence.

Provisional P1 and P2 Licences

1. Pre-Provisional Course: Complete a pre-provisional course and pass the MOST (Motorcycle Operator Skill Test).
2. P1 Licence: Hold the learner rider licence for a minimum period (3 months) before upgrading to P1.
3. P2 Licence: After holding the P1 licence for a certain period (12 months), you can upgrade to P2.

Full Licence

1. P2 Period: Hold the P2 licence for 24 months.
2. Upgrade to Full Licence: After the required P2 period, you can apply for a full rider licence.
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Victoria (VIC)

Learner Permit

Pass a 2 day course which includes

1. an eyesight test
2. a learner permit knowledge test
3. an on-road and off-road assessment

Licence

1. Book a "Check Ride": Check Rides are used to review your riding skills and prepare you for your licence training and assessment.
2. Motorcycle licence Assessment: Complete a mandatory course and assessment.
3. Probationary Licence: Obtain a probationary licence after holding the learner permit for at least three months.
4. Full Licence: After a probationary period of three years, you can upgrade to a full motorcycle licence.
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Western Australia (WA)

Learner Permit

1. Learner Permit Application: Apply for a learner's permit by passing a motorcycle theory test.
2. R-E Class Permit: Start with an R-E class permit, which allows you to ride bikes up to 250cc.

R-E Class Licence

1. Practical Riding Assessment: Pass a practical riding assessment after holding the learner permit for six months.

R Class Licence

1. Upgrade Process: After holding an R-E class licence for a certain period, complete another practical test to upgrade to an R class licence, which allows you to ride bikes over 250cc.
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Queensland (QLD)

RE Learner Licence

1. Knowledge Test: Pass a motorcycle knowledge test to get the RE learner licence.
2. Q-Ride Course: Complete a Q-Ride course, which is a competency-based training and assessment program.

RE Licence

1. Holding Period: Hold the RE learner licence for a minimum period of three months.
2. Q-Ride Assessment: Complete the Q-Ride assessment to upgrade to an RE licence.

R Licence

1. RE Licence Holding Period: Hold the RE licence for at least two years.
2. Q-Ride Course for R Class: Complete another Q-Ride course for the R class licence, which permits riding all motorcycles.
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South Australia (SA)

Learner's Permit

1. Basic Rider Safe Course: Enroll in and complete a Basic Rider Safe course.
2. Knowledge Test: Pass a motorcycle knowledge test.

R-Date Licence

1. Advanced Rider Safe Course: After holding your learner's permit for at least 12 months, complete an Advanced Rider Safe course.

R Licence

1. Holding Period: Hold the R-Date licence for at least 12 months.
2. Upgrade to R licence: After the required period, apply to upgrade to an R class licence.
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Tasmania (TAS)

Learner's Licence

1. Pre-Learner Course: Complete a pre-learner motorcycle course.
2. Knowledge Test: Pass a motorcycle knowledge test.

Provisional Licence

1. Provisional Course: Complete a provisional motorcycle course.
2. Practical Test: Pass a practical riding assessment.

Full Licence

1. Provisional Period: Hold the provisional licence for 12 months.
2. Upgrade to Full Licence: Apply for a full motorcycle licence after completing the provisional period.
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Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Learner's Permit

1. Road Ready Course: Complete the Road Ready course.
2. Knowledge Test: Pass the motorcycle knowledge test.

Provisional Licence

1. Pre-Provisional Course: Complete the pre-provisional course.
2. Practical Test: Pass the practical riding test.

Full Licence

1. Provisional Period: Hold the provisional licence for 12 months.
2. Upgrade to Full licence: Apply for a full motorcycle licence after the provisional period.
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Northern Territory (NT)

Learner's Permit

1. Pre-Learner Course: Complete a pre-learner motorcycle course.
2. Knowledge Test: Pass a motorcycle knowledge test.

Provisional Licence

1. Holding Period: Hold the learner's permit for at least six months.
2. Practical Test: Pass a practical riding assessment.

Full Licence

1. Provisional Period: Hold the provisional licence for 12 months.
2. Upgrade to Full Licence: Apply for a full motorcycle licence after the provisional period.
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Difference Between a Learner's Permit vs. a Full Licence

Learner's Permit

A Learner's Permit is an introductory stage that allows you to gain experience under controlled conditions. Here are the key restrictions and requirements for learner riders:

1. Engine Capacity and Power Limits (LAM Scheme):
   • Learners are restricted to Learner Approved Motorcycles (LAM), which are generally less powerful and easier to handle. This includes motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 660cc and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 150 kW per tonne.

2. Display of L-Plates:
   • L-plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the motorcycle, signalling to other road users that the rider is a learner.

3. Supervision Requirements:
   • In some states, learners must ride under the supervision of a fully licensed rider. This can be done either by following another motorcycle or riding as a pillion passenger.

4. Passenger Restrictions:
   • Learners are not permitted to carry passengers.

5. Speed Limits:
   • Learners are subject to lower speed limits, often restricted to a maximum of 80 km/h, or the posted limit if it is lower.

6. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC):
   • A strict zero BAC policy applies to learners, meaning they must not have any alcohol in their system while riding.

7. Night Riding and Curfew Restrictions:
   • In some states, learners may face restrictions on night riding or riding during certain hours to ensure safety.

8. Protective Gear:
   • Wearing an approved helmet is mandatory. Additional protective gear such as gloves, jackets, and boots are strongly recommended for safety.

9. Logbook Requirements:
   • Learners may need to log a specific number of supervised riding hours in a logbook, which may include a minimum number of night riding hours.

10. ‍No Mobile Phones:
    
    • The use of mobile phones while riding is prohibited, even if hands-free.
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Full Licence

A Full Licence is the final stage of motorcycle licensing. It shows that the rider has enough experience and skills to ride without the restrictions on learners and provisional riders. Here are the main features and freedoms associated with a full licence:

1. Engine Capacity and Power Limits:
   • Riders with a full licence are not restricted by the LAM scheme and can ride motorcycles of any engine capacity and power.

2. No Display of Plates:
   • Full licence holders are not required to display L-plates or P-plates.

3. Supervision Requirements:
   • Full licence holders can ride without the need for supervision.

4. Passenger Restrictions:
   • Full licence holders can carry passengers on their motorcycles.

5. Speed Limits:
   • Full licence holders can ride at the same speed limits as other vehicles, with no special restrictions.

6. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC):
   • Full licence holders must adhere to the standard BAC limits applicable to all drivers, which is typically 0.05% in most states and territories.

7. Night Riding and Curfew Restrictions:
   • Full licence holders do not face any restrictions on night riding or curfews.
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8. Logbook Requirements:
   
   • Full licence holders do not need to maintain a logbook of riding hours.
   • Full licence holders can use mobile phones while riding, provided they comply with hands-free laws applicable to all drivers.
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9. Use of Mobile Phones:
   
   • Full licence holders can use mobile phones while riding, provided they comply with hands-free laws applicable to all drivers.

What are the fees involved in applying for a motorcycle licence?

Learner's Permit Application: About $100 to $200. This covers the fee, the theory test, and the learner log book.

Training Courses: Pre-learner course costs around $200 to $400. Pre-provisional and advanced training courses may range from $200 to $500 each.

Tests: Theory test fees range from $20 to $30 per attempt. Practical riding test fees are around $100 to $150. Hazard perception test fees range from $20 - $30 per attempt.

Licence Issuance: Provisional licence issuance fee is typically around $50 to $100. Additionally, the full motorcycle licence issuance fee ranges from $100 to $150.

Renewals and Resits: Renewal fees for a learner's permit or licence range from $50 to $100. Resit fees for tests vary but are generally around $20 to $50 per attempt.

Miscellaneous: Costs for using training facilities and materials may vary. They could add up to $50 to $100.

These estimates are indicative. They can vary by state or territory in Australia. Check with local transport authorities for the latest fee info.

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Conclusion

The process to get a motorcycle licence in Australia is long. But, it's worth it. You'll see that the requirements change at state and national levels. Many resources are available to help you get a motorcycle licence.

To join future OpenRoads Rally events, you must get your licence.

If you have a learner's permit, you can join our beginner-friendly tracks during our events.

For updates on our upcoming events, you can  sign up to our newsletter or joining our Discord community. We are all happy to help and answer any questions you may have!

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Where you can find more information:

●      NSW Government

●      VicRoads

●      Government of SA

●      Government of Western Australia

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