More gear, new tests: All you need to know about new learner motorbike rules and helmet ratings

Learner and provisional riders in New South Wales will soon be required to undergo more extensive training and testing, and wear more protective gear, as the state government rolls out the most significant motorcycle licensing reforms in nearly two decades. 

Under changes to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme (MGLS), all learner and provisional riders will now need to wear protective gloves, and learner riders will also need to wear a high-visibility vest every time they’re on the road. 

Learners will also undergo extended pre-learner training with new learning modules and knowledge testing, as well as on-road coaching and assessment in groups. 

Why the increased focus on rider safety? 

According to NSW government data, motorcycle drivers are especially at risk on our roads, being 34 times more likely to die in a crash than drivers. The number of motorcycle drivers and passengers killed on NSW roads jumped a third in 2024 up to 68 deaths. Learner and provisional riders are the most vulnerable, with data showing their risk of death is seven times that of fully licensed riders. 

“Motorcyclists are overrepresented in NSW road fatalities, and even though they only make up 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles on NSW roads, they account for almost 20 per cent of road deaths,” a spokesperson for Transport for NSW said in a note to The NRMA.

 “These reforms are targeted to protect novice riders and save lives, while complementing the government's broader efforts to improve road safety infrastructure across NSW.” 

The new rules, which have been developed based on recommendations from the NSW Motorcycle Safety Round Table 2025 with 70 riders, trainers and road safety experts, will be phased in over the next few years, giving training providers and retailers time to adapt. They come alongside an overhaul of rider training and testing in response to alarming road fatality data. 

What’s changing for learners and provisional riders? 

It is expected that the requirements for safety gear will come into force within the next 12 months, and once introduced, the new rules will apply to all licensed learner and provisional riders. Keep an eye out for Transport for NSW announcements on socials to find out when. 

While this will mean additional costs for learner and provisional riders, research shows protective gear has proven benefits:

• Gloves can halve hand and wrist injuries. 
• Jackets and abrasion-resistant pants reduce trauma to the torso and legs by 20–50 per cent.
• Under the changes, gloves worn by novice riders must adhere to the European EN 13594 standard. Buyers can compare Motocap ratings for gloves here. 

Beyond new gear requirements, the pre-learner course itself is being extended to give riders more time on the bike with qualified instructors. The updated program will include: 

• Longer pre-learner sessions with smaller class sizes. 
• Group on-road coaching to build confidence in real traffic conditions. 
• New online theory modules and knowledge tests to strengthen understanding of road rules and hazard perception. 

The goal is to shift focus from "box-ticking" assessments to hands-on riding skills and safer habits. Timing for rollout of the new training program is yet to be confirmed, and will take into account supporting trainers to implement the new training models and sessions.

While the cost of the new training program for riders is yet to be determined, a motorcycle rider in NSW currently pays no more than $352 to complete both the learner and provisional training courses in NSW thanks to state subsidies. This is compared to training fees in Victoria and Queensland where fees range from $857 to $1,254 and South Australia which sets a fee of $1,400 for riders. 

Helmet safety: budget options hold their own 

To complement the reforms, the government has released the 2025 CRASH helmet safety ratings, which assess around 30 helmets each year across impact protection, ventilation, noise and comfort. 

The surprise this year is that riders don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune for top protection. The Nitro MX780 UNO, a dual-sport lid retailing for about $200, scored four stars for safety, matching premium models costing more than $1,000. 

Other standouts include: 

The CRASH (Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets) program, backed by government agencies and the Australian Motorcycle Council, applies stricter testing than Australian Standards alone.

Helmets worn by novice riders must meet the same ratings as all motorcycle drivers, certified by Motocap’s CRASH safety program to either AS/NZ 1698 and/or UNECE 22. Buyers can compare Motocap ratings for helmets here. 

What it means for riders and families 

For learners, the message is simple: plan to invest early in the right gear early, as it will soon be mandatory. Parents or partners helping new riders get started should budget for helmet, gloves, jacket, boots and now a high-vis vest as part of basic training costs. 

For experienced riders, the 2025 CRASH results serve as a reminder that independent safety testing should guide your next helmet purchase, before price tags or brand names.