You must have held your learner rider licence for a minimum of three months before you are eligible to attend the pre-provisional course. However, you may book your course any time after gaining your learner rider licence.
Learner rider licences issued from 1 July 2007 will be valid for 12 months. If you have not passed the pre-provisional course within twelve months your licence will expire and you will need to attend the pre-learner course again. Mature age riders are exempt from the requirement to wait three months between courses. 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.
Provisional P1 riders must:
- Clearly display a red-on-white P plate at the rear of the motorcycle when riding. The letter P on the plate must not be hidden.
- 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 ride faster than 90km/h and must observe the speed limit where it is below 90km/h.
- Only ride automatic motorcycles unless a test is passed on a manual motorcycle.
- Not ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity exceeding 660ml and a power-to-weight ratio greater than 150kw/tonne. The motorcycle must be approved by the RTA and shown on the Approved motorcycles for novice riders list below.
- Not carry a pillion passenger.
- incur a licence suspension if four or more demerit points are accumulated or for any speeding offence.
- Not instruct a learner driver or rider.
- Not tow any vehicle or trailer.
- Wear an approved motorcycle helmet properly fitted.
- Not use any functions of a mobile phone, including hands-free devices.
Pre-provisional course
The pre-provisional course is six hours of training followed by the Motorcycle Operator Skill Test (MOST). Testing usually takes about one hour, depending on the number of tests to be conducted.
Motorcycle Operator Skills Test (MOST)
The MOST is designed to measure a rider’s ability to handle a motorcycle, including starting, accelerating, turning and braking. It is undertaken at the end of the pre-provisional rider-training course. For more information about MOST use the related link.
What do I bring with me on the day?
You will not be allowed to undergo training or testing on a motorcycle that is not roadworthy, fully registered and learner-approved by the RTA.
The list of 'Approved motorcycles for novice riders' will tell you which motorcycles are learner-approved.
Some training centres have motorcycles for hire.
After the course
Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be issued with a Pre-provisional Certificate of Competence (red in colour) that is valid for three months. If you don’t upgrade to your provisional licence within the three months, you will need to go through the training again.
To get your provisional licence, go to your nearest RTA Motor Registry and:
- Take your Pre-provisional course Certificate of Competence.
- Take your Learner Rider Licence.
- Pay the licence fee.
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, visit mytests on this website or phone the RTA on 13 22 13 and:
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