NSW reveals biggest motorcycle safety reform in 20 years
New safety rules for learners and provisional riders include mandatory gloves, high-visibility vests, and enhanced training, as NSW aims to curb rising motorcycle deaths.New South Wales is set to introduce landmark motorcycle safety reforms, which the Minns Labor Government says are the most significant in 20 years.
The announcement comes after 68 motorcycle riders and passengers were killed on NSW roads in 2024 — a 34 per cent increase from the previous year.
The reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme (MGLS) will focus primarily on learner and provisional riders, bringing NSW regulations in line with those of other Australian states.
Key changes include mandatory protective gloves for learner and provisional riders, high-visibility vests for learner riders, an extended pre-learner course, new online learning modules and knowledge testing, and group on-road coaching and assessment.
“We are delivering the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in almost two decades,” said NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison. “These reforms are about smarter, safer riding. They’re grounded in data, evidence-based, shaped by insights from riders and safety experts, and proven to work in other jurisdictions.”
The reforms follow a NSW Motorcycle Safety Roundtable, which brought together more than 70 riders, trainers, and safety experts to offer recommendations aimed at reducing the motorcycle road toll.
The announcement also coincides with Motorcycle Awareness Month. The reforms will play a key part in the government’s 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, which aims to achieve zero road deaths and serious injuries in NSW by 2050.
According to the NSW government, learner and provisional riders are most at risk, with learner riders reportedly seven times more likely to be killed in a crash compared to fully licensed riders.
“Each year Transport for NSW issues around 25,000 learner licences, with approximately 40 per cent of new riders under 25,” said Transport for NSW’s Josh Murray. “These changes are designed to reduce the risk to this group, who are over-represented in motorcycle trauma. Training and protective gear can save lives.”
The rollout of the reforms will be staged over multiple years to allow for detailed program design, industry-wide communication, and preparation for training providers.
The NSW Government also says the state’s motorcycle training pathway is “subsidised to support high-quality training” and will remain “one of the most affordable” in Australia.
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