Getting a motorcycle licence

Unlike some other states, in NSW you need a motorcycle licence to ride a scooter.

If you live in an area where there is a training centre you must attend and satisfactorily complete rider training and testing 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, but you can take it voluntarily. There is a search function on the RTA website that either directs you to the closest centre or notes there is no centre in your area.  

If you live in an area that offers a training course it is compulsory to complete it, including prospective scooter riders. Find a training centre.

The following is based on the content of the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW website at the date of publication – check for updates.

Learner rider licence

You must be at least 16 years and 9 months old before you are issued with a learner rider licence. However, you may book into and attend a pre-learner course at the age of 16 years and 6 months. You do not have to hold a driver’s licence to get a motorcycle licence.

Pre-learner courses

The pre-learner course is held over two days (3.5 hours each day). Motorcycles, helmets, gloves and tuition are provided at the training centre.

The pre-learner course is designed for people with no motorcycle riding experience.

The training is a competency based course with a pass or fail criterion. You can continue riding only if you have passed all of the competencies, in order.

If a scooter is required for training you need to nominate this when booking.

After the course

Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be issued with a pre-learner Certificate of Competence (coloured green). A Certificate of Competence is valid for three months from the date of issue.

To get a learner rider licence, go to your nearest motor registry and: 

• Take your Pre-learner Certificate of Competence

• Take Proof of Identity documents

• Complete an application form

• Pass an eyesight test

• Pass the rider knowledge test.

• Pay the licence fee

You will then be issued with a learner rider licence, valid for 12 months.

Motorcycle learner riders must:

• Clearly display a black-on-yellow L plate at the rear of the motorcycle when riding. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden

•  Not ride faster than 80 km/h and must observe the speed limit where it is below 80 km/h

•  Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration (this means you cannot drink before riding). It is also illegal to ride under the influence of drugs

•  Not tow any trailer or vehicle

•  Not ride within the boundaries of Centennial Park, Sydney

•  Not carry passengers on a motorcycle

• Not ride motorcycles with an engine capacity over 660 cc and a power-to-weight ratio over 150 kW/tonne which has not been approved by the RTA and shown on the Approved motorcycles for novice riders list.

• Not use any functions of a mobile phone, including handsfree devices, while riding

• Wear an approved properly fitting motorcycle helmet

A learner licence will be suspended or refused if 4 or more demerit points are accumulated.

You must hold the learner licence for a minimum period of three months before you can attend the pre-provisional course. Make sure you book into a pre-provisional course at least 4 to 6 weeks before your learner rider licence expires.

Learner rider licences are valid for 12 months. If you have not passed the pre-provisional course within 12 months, your learner rider licence will expire and you will need to attend the pre-learner course again. 

How to obtain your licence in an undeclared area (where there is no training course available)

To get a learner rider licence, go to your nearest motor registry and:

• Take your proof of identity documents

• Complete an application form

• Pass an eyesight test

• Pay and pass the rider knowledge test

• Pay the licence fee

To get a provisional rider licence, go to your nearest motor registry, visit myTests on the RTA website or phone the RTA on 13 22 13 and:

• Pay for and make a booking for your riding test.

• After you have passed the test pay the licence fee.

The process is shown below:

Down load the Getting a licence fact sheet (PDF 644KB/2pages)

The assistance of the Motorcycle Council of NSW, the Motor Accidents Authority of NSW and Girls Ride Out is gratefully acknowledged.