How do I get my motorcycle licence in Victoria?

Do I need a motorcycle licence in Victoria?

Yes. All motorcyclists riding on public roads need to have either a motorcycle learner permit or a motorcycle licence issued by one of the states or territories of Australia. Some international licences are also recognised, but you’ll need to confirm this with VicRoads.

How do I get a motorcycle learner permit?

To get a motorcycle licence, you must first hold a motorcycle learner permit for at least three continuous months immediately before you apply for a licence. To get a Victorian motorcycle learner permit, you must be a Victorian resident and undergo a two-day learner course.

The learner course will prepare you for riding on the road. The course includes an eyesight test, a written knowledge test, and a practical assessment (including an on-road component). Learner courses are the same at all training centres across Victoria. Visit the VicRoads website to see a list of accredited centres.

Do I need to know how to ride a motorcycle before my two-day learner course?

No. The learner course instructors will teach you the fundamentals of how to ride a motorcycle.

How do I get a motorcycle licence?

After completion of a two-day learner course, you’ll be issued a motorcycle learner permit that is valid for 15 months. During this time, you must only ride bikes that qualify under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) and adhere to a set of restrictions.

Once you have held your learner permit for three months, you will be eligible to apply for a motorcycle licence. To obtain a Victorian motorcycle licence, you must be a Victorian resident and undergo a Check Ride (this is different to the learner course). The Check Ride is a half-day coaching course that reviews specific skills and knowledge to prepare you for your licence assessment.

As well as the Check Ride, you must also undergo an eyesight test (and a hazard perception test if you don’t have a driver’s licence). Once you have ticked these boxes, you can undergo your licence assessment, which includes both a skill-based test at a training centre and safety-based on-road assessment. The licence assessment can be completed at the same accredited training centres.

How old do I have to be to get a motorcycle licence?

To obtain either a Victorian motorcycle learner permit or motorcycle licence, you must be at least 18 years of age and be a Victorian resident.

How can I study for my motorcycle learner’s permit or licence test?

It is important that you read the

Once you’ve obtained a learner permit, you’ll be free to ride on the road at your own leisure. Ensure you spend enough time riding in a variety of conditions and environments before you apply for a Check Ride or licence assessment. The licence assessment will test you on things like observation skills, safe speed choices, and lane positioning, as well as motorcycle control.

What do I need to take to my motorcycle learner course or licence assessment?

This will differ between training centres, which are usually third-party companies accredited by VicRoads. Most centres will provide a learner-approved motorcycle for you to complete your assessments on, but you are also able to bring your own motorcycle.

Most centres will also provide key safety gear like helmets, protective eyewear, and high-visibility vests, but you should bring a long-sleeve top, long pants, sturdy enclosed footwear, and gloves.

How much does it cost to get a motorcycle learner permit or motorcycle licence?

This will vary depending on which training provider you choose. Most training centres will include the permit or licence fees in their costings. Speak to VicRoads or your chosen provider for more information on specific costs.

Is a motorcycle licence the same as my car licence?

If you already have a car licence in Victoria, your motorcycle licence will be represented on the same card. The two licences are independent but are bound by the same demerit points. If you lose your car licence, you also lose your motorcycle licence (and vice-versa).

If you have a full driver’s licence, you will automatically receive a non-restricted motorcycle licence (represented by an R on your licence) once you complete the licence assessment. If your driver’s licence is probationary, your motorcycle probationary period will end the same time as time as your driver’s licence probationary period.

But if you don’t have a driver’s licence and are under the age of 21, you must complete one year of P1 probationary riding and three years of P2 probationary riding, both of which have a number of restrictions (see VicRoads website for more information).

Can I get demerit points on a motorcycle?

Yes. If you commit an offence on motorcycle, the demerit points accumulated will also affect your car licence. Fully licenced riders have a 12-point limit, with points expiring after a three-year period. Learner riders also have a 12-point limit if they also have a full car licence, but those with just a motorcycle and/or car learner’s permit must not accrue more than five points in a 12-month period.

Are there different licences for automatic and manual transmission motorcycles?

Yes. If you complete your learner and licence assessment on an automatic-transmission motorcycle (such as a scooter) you will not be allowed to ride a manual-transmission motorcycle. If you complete the assessments on a manual-transmission motorcycle, you’ll be able to ride motorcycles of either transmission.