How Do You Get Your Motorcycle Licence in Australia? A State-by-State Guide

Ronald Gribble
S1000rr, drifter, sportbike, trackday

Want to ride a motorcycle in Australia? Whether you're dreaming of your first learner-approved bike, a weekend ride through the countryside, or eventually getting your unrestricted licence, the process depends on where you live.

Australia uses a graduated motorcycle licensing system. You'll generally start with a learner permit, gain experience on an approved motorcycle, complete training and assessments, and progress toward a provisional or restricted licence before becoming eligible for an unrestricted licence.

But the rules aren't identical across the country. Minimum ages, mandatory courses, waiting periods and motorcycle restrictions vary between states and territories.

In this guide, we'll explain how to get your motorcycle licence in every Australian state and territory, how long it takes, and what types of bikes you can ride at each stage.

Last reviewed: October 2026. Licensing rules can change, so always confirm the current requirements with your state or territory's transport authority before booking a course or buying a motorcycle.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence in Australia?

The shortest possible timeline depends on your location, age, course availability and whether you already hold a driver's licence.

In many jurisdictions, you can progress from a learner permit to a provisional or restricted motorcycle licence after approximately three months. Other jurisdictions require six or twelve months before you can progress. Getting an unrestricted licence generally takes longer because you must build experience on the relevant intermediate licence first.

State or territory Minimum learner holding period before progression
Western Australia 6 months
New South Wales 3 months
Victoria 3 months
Queensland 3 months
South Australia 12 months
Tasmania 6 months
Northern Territory 6 months
Australian Capital Territory 3 months

These are minimum learner holding periods, not guarantees of when you'll receive a full, unrestricted motorcycle licence. Training, tests, age requirements and additional experience periods also apply. In some jurisdictions, eligibility can differ depending on your existing car licence or other circumstances. 【1】

What are the different motorcycle licence classes in Australia?

Before looking at each state, it's helpful to understand the basic licence stages.

What is a motorcycle learner licence?

A learner licence allows you to begin riding under learner restrictions. Depending on your state, you may need to complete a pre-learner course, pass a knowledge test and satisfy minimum age requirements before you can start riding.

Learners generally need to use an approved motorcycle, display L plates, maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration and follow restrictions on speed, passengers and mobile phone use.

What is a provisional or restricted motorcycle licence?

After meeting your learner requirements, completing the relevant training and passing the required assessments, you'll progress to an intermediate licence.

The terminology varies by jurisdiction. You may see terms such as P1, P2, provisional, probationary, restricted or R-Date.

In many states, this stage still restricts you to motorcycles on the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) list. Other restrictions can apply to passengers, alcohol, speed and mobile phone use.

What is an unrestricted motorcycle licence?

An unrestricted licence generally allows you to ride motorcycles outside the learner-approved category, including high-powered motorcycles, subject to the rules of your jurisdiction.

Some states use separate licence classes for restricted and unrestricted motorcycles. Others use a progression system in which restrictions are removed after the required experience period.

Important: Having an unrestricted car licence does not automatically give you an unrestricted motorcycle licence.

What is a LAMS-approved motorcycle?

LAMS stands for Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme. It identifies motorcycles that eligible novice riders can ride under the relevant licensing rules.

In Western Australia, for example, the LAMS category generally covers motorcycles with an engine capacity up to 660 cc and a power-to-weight ratio no greater than 150 kW per tonne, subject to the applicable approval list and other criteria.

This means that engine capacity alone doesn't determine whether a bike is learner-approved. A relatively small, high-performance motorcycle may be excluded, while a larger-capacity model may qualify if it meets the scheme's requirements.

Always check the exact make, model and variant against the current approved list. Never assume a motorcycle is LAMS-approved just because it is under 660 cc.

How to get your motorcycle licence in Western Australia

Western Australia uses the R-E and R motorcycle licence classes.

What age can you get a motorcycle licence in WA?

You can begin the process at 16 years of age, subject to the applicable learner requirements.

How do you get a motorcycle licence in WA?

The general process is:

  1. Learn the road rules and apply for a motorcycle learner's permit.
  2. Pass the Computerised Theory Test (CTT).
  3. Learn to ride an approved LAMS motorcycle.
  4. Complete the required learning and hazard perception requirements.
  5. Book and pass the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
  6. Receive your R-E licence and comply with the relevant provisional restrictions.

Check the current requirements for logbooks and exemptions with Transport WA, particularly if you already hold a car licence or are over 25.

How long does it take to get your motorcycle licence in WA?

You must generally hold your learner permit for at least six months before progressing to the next stage. You must then hold your R-E licence for at least two years before becoming eligible to upgrade to an unrestricted R licence.

Your actual timeline depends on completing the required assessments and experience.

What bikes can you ride on an R-E licence in WA?

An R-E licence permits you to ride approved LAMS motorcycles. Examples may include eligible variants of the Yamaha MT-03, Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Honda CB500 range.

What bikes can you ride on an R licence in WA?

An R licence permits motorcycles beyond the LAMS restrictions, including eligible high-powered motorcycles such as a BMW S1000RR or Yamaha YZF-R1.

The exact motorcycle must still be road-legal and comply with registration and vehicle requirements.

Official source: Transport WA — Restricted motorcycle licence and Motorcycle licence classes.

How to get your motorcycle licence in New South Wales

New South Wales uses a graduated system involving learner, P1, P2 and unrestricted motorcycle licences, with training and testing requirements.

What age can you get a motorcycle licence in NSW?

You can generally complete the pre-learner course from 16 years and 6 months, but you must be at least 16 years and 9 months to receive your learner rider licence.

How do you get a motorcycle licence in NSW?

  1. Complete the approved pre-learner rider training course.
  2. Pass the rider knowledge test.
  3. Apply for your learner rider licence.
  4. Hold your learner licence for the required period.
  5. Complete the pre-provisional rider training course and skills test.
  6. Progress through the relevant provisional stages and satisfy the requirements for an unrestricted licence.

The precise progression depends on your eligibility and licensing circumstances.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence in NSW?

The minimum learner period before progression is three months. That doesn't mean you'll receive an unrestricted licence in three months: the provisional stages and their requirements still apply.

What bikes can you ride on a learner or provisional licence in NSW?

Learner and provisional riders are generally restricted to motorcycles on the NSW LAMS-approved list. This includes many entry-level road bikes, smaller adventure motorcycles and selected middleweight models.

An unrestricted licence removes the LAMS restriction, subject to other applicable conditions.

Official sources: Service NSW — Apply for a learner rider licence and Apply for a provisional rider licence.

How to get your motorcycle licence in Victoria

Victoria uses a learner permit followed by probationary licensing and, eventually, an unrestricted motorcycle licence.

What age can you get a motorcycle licence in Victoria?

You generally need to be at least 18 years old to obtain a motorcycle learner permit.

How do you get a motorcycle licence in Victoria?

  1. Complete the required pre-learner training and assessment.
  2. Meet the learner permit requirements.
  3. Ride within the learner restrictions.
  4. Complete the required pre-licence training and assessment.
  5. Progress through the applicable probationary period.
  6. Meet the requirements for an unrestricted licence.

Victoria has specific conditions for novice riders, including LAMS restrictions, a zero blood alcohol concentration, restrictions on carrying pillion passengers and a high-visibility clothing requirement for learners.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence in Victoria?

The minimum learner period before progression is generally three months. Additional training, assessments and probationary requirements apply before you can obtain an unrestricted licence.

What bikes can you ride on a learner or probationary licence in Victoria?

Learners and eligible probationary riders must generally ride LAMS-approved motorcycles. An unrestricted licence allows access to motorcycles outside that category.

Official source: Transport Victoria — Motorcycle licence and learner permit restrictions.

How to get your motorcycle licence in Queensland

Queensland uses two motorcycle licence classes: RE and R.

What age can you get a motorcycle licence in Queensland?

You generally need to be at least 18 years old and have held a provisional or open car licence for at least one year to obtain an RE learner licence. Exemptions may apply.

How do you get a motorcycle licence in Queensland?

  1. Complete the Q-Ride pre-learner course, unless an exemption applies.
  2. Pass the motorcycle knowledge test.
  3. Obtain your RE learner licence.
  4. Hold the learner licence for the required period.
  5. Pass the motorcycle hazard perception test.
  6. Complete the Q-Ride restricted course or pass the Q-SAFE riding test.
  7. Progress to the relevant RE licence stage.
  8. Meet the experience and learning requirements before progressing to R.

Queensland's Q-Ride system combines structured rider training with the licensing process.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence in Queensland?

The standard minimum learner holding period is 90 days before progressing from the learner stage, provided you've completed the required training and tests. If you receive an exemption from the pre-learner course, the learner period can be at least 12 months.

You must generally hold an RE provisional or open licence for at least two years before you can begin learning to ride an R-class motorcycle under supervision.

What bikes can you ride on an RE licence in Queensland?

RE licence holders are restricted to LAMS-approved motorcycles. The approved list includes eligible models with engine capacities up to 660 cc that satisfy the scheme's power-to-weight and other requirements.

What bikes can you ride on an R licence in Queensland?

An R licence permits motorcycles of unlimited engine size, subject to other road and registration requirements.

Official sources: Queensland Government — Getting a learner motorcycle licence and Motorcycle licence and engine size rules.

How to get your motorcycle licence in South Australia

South Australia uses an R-Date category before progression to an unrestricted R-class licence.

What age can you get a motorcycle licence in South Australia?

The standard minimum age for a motorcycle learner's permit is 18. You may qualify from age 17 if you hold a provisional car licence, while restricted arrangements can apply in prescribed localities.

How do you get a motorcycle licence in South Australia?

  1. Pass the online Motorbike Rider Knowledge Test and Motorbike Hazard Awareness Test, as applicable.
  2. Complete the Basic Rider Safe course.
  3. Apply for your motorcycle learner's permit.
  4. Hold the permit for at least 12 months.
  5. Complete the Motorbike Pre-Licence Course.
  6. Pass the Motorbike Licence Assessment.
  7. Apply for the R-Date licence.
  8. Meet the additional requirements to progress to unrestricted R.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence in South Australia?

The learner permit must be held for at least 12 months. The process takes longer if you include the additional training, assessments and time required before unrestricted licensing.

What bikes can you ride on an R-Date licence in South Australia?

R-Date riders are generally restricted to motorcycles on the learner-approved scheme list. An unrestricted R licence permits motorcycles outside those restrictions.

Official source: SA Government — Steps to getting a motorbike licence.

How to get your motorcycle licence in Tasmania

Tasmania has a graduated licensing system with learner, provisional and full motorcycle licensing stages.

What age can you get a motorcycle licence in Tasmania?

You can generally obtain a motorcycle learner licence from 16 years and 6 months.

How do you get a motorcycle licence in Tasmania?

  1. Pass the Road Rules Knowledge Test.
  2. Complete the motorcycle pre-learner course.
  3. Obtain your learner licence.
  4. Practise riding within the learner restrictions.
  5. Complete the required check ride and pre-provisional assessment.
  6. Progress to a provisional licence.
  7. Satisfy the applicable requirements before obtaining a full licence.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence in Tasmania?

The minimum learner period is generally six months. Training, assessment availability and provisional requirements affect the overall time to an unrestricted licence.

What bikes can you ride on a learner motorcycle licence in Tasmania?

Learners must ride approved motorcycles and comply with the applicable novice rider restrictions. The specific motorcycle category and conditions should be confirmed with Transport Tasmania.

Official source: Transport Tasmania — Getting a motorcycle licence.

How to get your motorcycle licence in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory uses learner, restricted or provisional stages before a rider can progress to an unrestricted motorcycle licence.

What age can you get a motorcycle licence in the NT?

You can generally begin the motorcycle licensing process at 16 years of age.

How do you get a motorcycle licence in the NT?

  1. Pass the motorcycle theory test.
  2. Complete the pre-learner rider training course.
  3. Satisfy the eyesight and application requirements.
  4. Obtain your learner rider licence.
  5. Hold it for the required period.
  6. Complete the pre-provisional rider training course.
  7. Progress to the applicable restricted or provisional licence.
  8. Meet the relevant experience requirements before progressing to an unrestricted licence.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence in the NT?

The minimum learner holding period is generally six months before you can progress to the next stage, subject to course completion and eligibility.

What bikes can you ride on a learner or restricted licence in the NT?

Learners and restricted riders are subject to novice motorcycle restrictions, including limits on the motorcycles they can ride. Check the current novice-approved motorcycle list and the conditions attached to your licence.

Official source: NT Government — Get your motorcycle rider licence.

How to get your motorcycle licence in the Australian Capital Territory

The ACT uses a learner licence followed by a provisional licence and then an unrestricted licence.

What age can you get a motorcycle licence in the ACT?

You can generally obtain a learner motorcycle licence at 16 years and 9 months.

How do you get a motorcycle licence in the ACT?

  1. Complete the approved pre-learner rider course.
  2. Meet the knowledge test and learner permit requirements.
  3. Hold your learner licence for the required period.
  4. Complete the pre-provisional rider course and assessment.
  5. Apply for your provisional motorcycle licence.
  6. Meet the relevant conditions and experience requirements before progressing to an unrestricted licence.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence in the ACT?

You must generally hold your learner motorcycle licence for at least three months before obtaining a provisional licence.

For the first 12 months of the provisional period, riders face restrictions that include limits on motorcycle power-to-weight ratio and carrying pillion passengers.

What bikes can you ride on an ACT provisional licence?

The ACT restricts provisional riders from riding motorcycles or motor trikes with a power-to-weight ratio greater than 150 kW per tonne during the first 12 months. Other conditions also apply.

Official source: Access Canberra — Motorcycle licences.

Can you ride any motorcycle with an unrestricted licence?

An unrestricted motorcycle licence generally allows you to ride motorcycles beyond the learner-approved category. However, unrestricted does not mean exempt from every rule.

Your motorcycle must still meet registration, roadworthiness and vehicle modification requirements. You must also comply with passenger, helmet, insurance and general road safety laws.

If you're buying a motorcycle, verify its exact model and licence eligibility before making a purchase. Engine capacity, power-to-weight ratio and the relevant jurisdiction's rules can all affect whether you're legally permitted to ride it.

Can you use an interstate motorcycle licence in another state?

Australian licences are generally recognised across state and territory borders, but the conditions attached to your licence still matter. Moving interstate can require you to transfer your licence, and your new jurisdiction may have specific rules for recognition, licence classes and restrictions.

If you're travelling and hiring a motorcycle, check that your licence class permits you to ride the particular motorcycle. A licence valid for a LAMS motorcycle does not automatically authorize you to hire or ride an unrestricted superbike.

What should you do before hiring a motorcycle?

Before booking a motorcycle rental, make sure you:

  • Hold a valid motorcycle licence for the class of motorcycle you intend to ride.
  • Check the rental company's minimum age and riding experience requirements.
  • Confirm that your licence is accepted in the state where you intend to ride.
  • Read the rental agreement and understand the insurance excess, bond and damage liability.
  • Choose a motorcycle suited to your experience, the route and the conditions.
  • Wear an approved helmet and appropriate protective riding gear.

At Drifters, we believe getting out on a motorcycle should be an enjoyable experience that starts with choosing the right bike and understanding what you're legally allowed to ride.

Whether you're planning a short ride or a longer motorcycle adventure, make sure you've got the right licence, the right gear and a motorcycle that suits your experience.

Ready to plan your next ride? Explore the Drifters motorcycle fleet and find a bike for your next adventure.

Explore Drifters motorcycle rentals

Official sources and further reading

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements, course availability and motorcycle approval lists can change. Always verify current requirements with the relevant transport authority before riding.