You must be at least 16 years and 9 months old before you are issued with a learner rider licence. However, you may book into and attend a pre-learner course at the age of 16 years and 6 months. You do not have to hold a driver licence to get a motorcycle licence.
Pre-learner courses
The pre-learner course is held over two days (3.5 hours each day). Motorcycles, helmets, gloves and tuition are provided at the training centre.
The pre-learner course is designed for people with no motorcycle riding experience.
However, learning to ride a motorcycle requires a high level of balance, co-ordination and concentration and not everyone has these skills. If you can ride a bicycle and drive a manual car you probably have the necessary basic skills. If you can’t or if it is a long time since you did, you may require time to progress through the training.
The training is a competency based course with a pass or fail criteria. You will only be permitted to continue riding if you have passed all of the competencies, in order. For your safety and that of others, the instructor may stop you from riding during the course. If you are stopped from riding, the instructor will advise you of the best way to proceed with your training.
Note: If a scooter is required for training please nominate the type of motorcycle at the time of booking.
Arrival Times
Plan to arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled course start time. Applicants who arrive after the course has started WILL NOT be allowed to join the course.
Courses must start on time. To include those who arrive late would require the instructor to restart the course, thereby disrupting and inconveniencing other participants.
Applicants who arrive late forfeit their course fees and will be required to repay and re-book before re-attending training.
After the course
Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be issued with a pre-learner Certificate of Competence (green in colour). A Certificate of Competence is valid for three months from the date of issue.
To get a learner rider licence, go to your nearest motor registry and:
- Take your Pre-learner Certificate of Competence.
- Take Proof of Identity documents.
- Complete an application form.
- Pass an eyesight test.
- Pass the rider knowledge test. A fee is applicable and a booking may be required (bookings for a knowledge test can now be made from the myTests section of this website or by phoning 13 22 13).
- Pay the licence fee.
You will then be issued with a learner rider licence, valid for 12 months.
Motorcycle learner riders must:
- Clearly display a black-on-yellow L plate at the rear of the motorcycle when riding. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden.
- Not ride faster than 80km/h and must observe the speed limit where it is below 80km/h.
- Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration (this means you cannot drink before riding). It is also illegal to ride under the influence of drugs.
- Not tow any trailer or vehicle.
- Not ride within the boundaries of Centennial Park, Sydney.
- Not carry passengers on a motorcycle.
- Not ride motorcycles with an engine capacity over 660ml and a power-to-weight ratio over 150kw/tonne and has not been approved by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) and shown on the Approved motorcycles for novice riders list.
- Not use any functions of a mobile phone, including hands-free devices while riding.
- Wear an approved motorcycle helmet that has been properly fitted.
From 28 September 2009, demerit points apply to learner licence holders. A learner licence will be suspended or refused if the threshold of four (4) demerit points is reached or exceeded.
You must hold the learner licence for a minimum period of three months before you can attend the pre-provisional course. Make sure you book into a pre-provisional course at least 4 to 6 weeks before your learner rider licence expires.
Learner rider licences issued from 1 July 2007 will be valid for 12 months. If you have not passed the pre-provisional course within 12 months, your learner rider licence will expire and you will need to attend the pre-learner course again. Learner rider licences issued before 1 July 2007 are valid for six months only and you will need to pass the pre-provisional course within this time to get your provisional rider licence.
Refunds of rider training course fees
Refunds will not be given for the following reasons:
- Lateness in attending the course
- Proof of identity issues
- Problems with the mechanical fitness or type of motorcycle
- Delays in traffic/motor vehicle accidents
- Inclement weather conditions
How to obtain your licence in an undeclared area
To get a learner rider licence, go to your nearest motor registry and:
- Take your proof of identity documents.
- Complete an application form.
- Pass an eyesight test.
- Pay and pass the rider knowledge test.
- Pay the licence fee.
To get a provisional rider licence, go to your nearest motor registry or visit myTests on this site or phone 13 22 13 and:
- Pay for and make a booking for your riding test.
- After you have passed the test pay the licence fee.