My motorcycle licence
Learner's permit
Steps to get a Learner's permit
- Minimum age 18, unless you are;
- 17 years of age and hold a provisional licence for another class of vehicle; or
- 16 or 17 years of age and you live in a "Prescribed Locality". If you live in one of those locations you will be eligible for a restricted learner's permit and must only ride for the following reasons:
- To attend tertiary education, vocational education or training, or within the course of tertiary education, vocational education or training.
- For work purposes; or
- To participate in a sporting activity
- Pass a theory test or hold a driver's licence
- Pass Rider Safe basic training
Learner's permit conditions and rules
- Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) restricted motorcycle (PDF, 1219 KB)
- Zero alcohol/drugs
- Must display 'L' plates
- Must not exceed speed limit by more than 10kph
- Must not ride over 100kph
- Must not incur 4 or more demerit points
- No pillion passengers or passengers in a side car. This includes a person acting as a Qualified Supervising Driver
- No towing of any vehicle (i.e. a trailer)
- Must hold a learner's permit for a minimum period of 12 months regardless of your age, or if you hold a full driver's licence for another class, before you are eligible to apply for an R-Date licence classification
- Restricted to an automatic motorcycle if you complete the Basic or Advanced Rider Safe course or practical driving assessment on a motorcycle with automatic transmission
- You must not use any function of a mobile phone while riding. You can use your mobile phone to pay for goods and services while the vehicle is stationary in a road-related area. This includes using a mobile phone’s Apple Wallet or similar Android App to make electronic payments at a drive-thru outlet or car park, or the use of QR codes or vouchers for similar purposes. Riders may also show identification on their mobile phone (for example a digital driver’s licence), where they are required to do so, or where the phone is required for entering or leaving a road-related area..
- If you are under 25 years of age you must not ride a motorcycle between the hours of midnight and 5AM unless you meet the exemption criteria.
You must carry your learner’s permit card or digital permit when riding and show it to a police officer when asked.
Learner's permit's can be renewed but if the permit expires by more than twelve months you may be required to re-sit the Rider Safe Basic Course.