New motorcycle licence structure in NSW

Citing an over representation of young and inexperienced riders in crashes, NSW has introduced a new licencing scheme for motorcyclists, which will raise the age for gaining an unrestricted licence from 18 to 20 years.

The changes, which will bring motorcycle riders in concert with their car driving brethren, mean that riders will stay on a provisional licence for a minimum of three years with the same P1 and P2 levels. The new system will be formally commence in June.

"Provisional rider restrictions will now be in place for a longer period giving riders time to gain confidence and experience on the road," said the NSW Premier, Nathan Rees. "The restrictions for P1 drivers are a zero blood alcohol limit, a maximum speed restriction of 90km/h and a loss of licence for incurring four or more demerit points.

"For P2 drivers it also means a zero blood alcohol limit, a maximum 100km/h speed limit and a licence suspension for their second speeding offence.

"This is about saving lives and reducing the number of people injured on our roads by ensuring riders gain more experience."

Riders will now be on a P1 provisional licence for a minimum of 12 months before applying for a full licence. The provisional P1 phase will be a requirement of all riders, regardless of age, but there will be an exemption from the P2 phase for riders over 25 who also hold an unrestricted car driver licence, bringing NSW into line with other states.

Currently, riders must hold a learner licence for a minimum of three months before attending a pre-provisional course.

For training to complete both the pre-learner and pre-provisional courses, if you live in an area where there is a training centre you must attend and satisfactorily complete the course prior to being issued with a learner or provisional rider licence. Areas covered by the scheme are called 'declared areas'. Applicants who have previously held a provisional or an unrestricted rider licence are exempt from rider training courses.

If you do not live in a declared area, you will not be required to undertake the compulsory rider training. However, you can take it voluntarily.

For a list of training centres, click here or tel 13 22 13.