What restrictions do learner motorcycle riders have in Australia?

If you thought learning to ride a motorcycle was hard, just wait until you hear about all the rules you have to follow at the same time.

Okay, there aren’t too many, and you’ll get most of them hammered into you when studying for – and then completing – the mandatory knowledge test you need to pass before getting your Ls.

But you might be surprised to know that beyond the knowledge test, learner motorbike rules can differ quite substantially from one state to the next, so we’ve created a guide to keep you out of trouble.

Across all states and territories – except Western Australia – a pre-learner course is compulsory. Depending on where you live, the theory and practical-based course that usually runs for one or more days. From there, you are required to pass a knowledge test before being issued with a learner’s permit.

When it’s time to move from your Ls to Ps, riders everywhere must also complete a pre-provisional riding course.

When riding on your Ls, using a mobile phone – including hands-free and loudspeaker – is not permitted anywhere in Australia and all learner riders must maintain a zero (0%) blood alcohol limit (BAC). Drugs are also a no-go, for obvious reasons.

Demerit point threshold: Four points
Eyesight test required: Yes
Maximum speed limit: 90km/h
Minimum learner age: 16 ¾ years
Learner permit valid for: 12 months
Hold learners for a minimum: Three months
Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed: 150kW per tonne
Pillion passengers allowed: No

Although it’s recommended as good practice by many instructors and authorities, Victoria is the only state in which learner riders are required to wear a hi-visibility vest or jacket whilst riding.

Demerit point threshold: Five points (within 12 months), 12 points (within three years)
Eyesight test required: Yes
Maximum speed limit: As sign posted
Minimum learner age: 18 years
Learner permit valid for: 15 months
Hold learners for a minimum: Three months
Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed: 150kW per tonne
Pillion passengers allowed: No

Demerit point threshold: Four points
Eyesight test required: No
Maximum speed limit: As sign posted
Minimum learner age: 17 years (must have held car licence for 12 months)
Learner permit valid for: Three years
Hold learners for a minimum: Three months
Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed: 150kW per tonne
Pillion passengers allowed: No

There are a few more requirements for those in Western Australia, with those on their Ls required to have an accompanying (fully licenced) supervisor riding with them at all times.

You’re also allowed to have a pillion passenger or a passenger in a sidecar, as long as it’s a qualified supervisor.

You must also do a hazard perception test (HPT) and have logged 50 hours of riding in a logbook, five of which must be night riding. For those aged 25 years (or over), you can skip the logbook, but you still have to sit the HPT.

Demerit point threshold: Four points
Eyesight test required: Yes
Maximum speed limit: 100km/h
Minimum learner age: 16 years
Learner permit valid for: Three years
Hold learners for a minimum: Six months
Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed: 150kW per tonne
Pillion passengers allowed: Only licenced supervisor

Demerit point threshold: Four points
Eyesight test required: No
Maximum speed limit: 100km/h
Minimum learner age: 16 years
Learner permit valid for: Two years
Hold learners for a minimum: 12 months
Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed: 150kW per tonne
Pillion passengers allowed: Only licenced supervisor

Demerit point threshold: Four points
Eyesight test required: Yes
Maximum speed limit: As sign posted
Minimum learner age: 16 ¾ years
Learner permit valid for: 12 months
Hold learners for a minimum: Three months
Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed: 150kW per tonne
Pillion passengers allowed: No

As with South Australia, there are no power-to-weight restrictions for learner riders in Tassie. You are also not allowed to ride with a pillion passenger, unless it is a qualified supervising driver.

Demerit point threshold: Four points
Eyesight test required: Yes
Maximum speed limit: 80km/h
Minimum learner age: 16 ½ years
Learner permit valid for: 12 months
Hold learners for a minimum: 12 months
Pillion passengers allowed: Only licenced supervisor

Demerit point threshold: Five points (within 12 months), 12 points (within three years)
Eyesight test required:
Maximum speed limit: 80km/h
Minimum learner age: 16 years
Learner permit valid for: Two years
Hold learners for a minimum: Six months
Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed: 150kw per tonne
Pillion passengers allowed: No