Whether new to motorbikes or looking to upgrade your licence, Stay Upright has all the courses you need to help you through the journey of obtaining an unrestricted motorbike licence. We were the first riding school in Australia, teaching riders all over the country for over four decades — you couldn’t be in better hands.
How to get my motorcycle licence
You might be wondering what steps are involved in obtaining your full motorbike licence in Australia. The answer to your question depends on what state you’ll be completing your training as the process differs in each one. To learn more about what your motorcycle licence journey looks like for you, click on your state below and let’s get started.
How do I get my motorcycle licence?
Wondering what steps are involved to get your motorcycle licence? Let us help to de-mystify the process – simply select your state below to get started.
New South Wales
Are you looking to obtain your motorcycle licence in New South Wales? Follow the steps below.
Step One: Check your eligibility
To be eligible for our motorcycle training, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia, or a temporary overseas visitor (for more information on International Licences, contact Service NSW).
- Have a NSW residential address.
- Be at least 16 years and six months of age on the date of the Pre-Learner Course.
- Have a current driver’s licence or TfNSW Customer number (obtained from Service NSW).
- Be able to pass an eyesight test and be medically fit to complete the training and hold a rider licence.
- Ensure your licence is not currently suspended or ineligible.
- Have no outstanding fines with the State Debt Recovery Office.
- Have no restrictions in force for improper conduct.
Step Two: Complete your NSW Pre-Learner Course.
You will need to complete a two-day Pre-Learner Course to gain your Learner’s Permit. The course takes place over two days, on the weekend or weekdays, and takes 3.5 hours each day.
Step Three: Complete the computer-based Driver Knowledge and Eyesight Tests at Service NSW
Make an appointment with Service NSW within three months, to complete your Driver Knowledge Test. You can contact them on 13 77 88 or log into your app. Don’t forget to take your course certificate.
Step Four: Practice your skills
You must hold your L’s for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months, before you can apply for your Pre-Provisional Licence.
In the meantime, why not practice and hone your skills in Stay Upright’s courses that are perfect for your level of riding.
Step Five: Complete the Pre-Provisional Course and Skill Test (MOST)
When you are ready to move from L-plates to P-plates, you will need to sit the Pre-Provisional Course, ending with the Motorcycle Operator’s Skills Test (MOST). Aim to book your course at least 6 weeks before your 12 months on an L-plate are up to be safe and have a buffer in case you need to sit the MOST again.
Step Six: Head to your local ServiceNSW to get your P1 Licence.
Visit Service NSW with your Pre-Provisional certificate within 3 months of completing your course, along with your Learner Licence. They will issue you a P1 Licence (Red P) which you will hold for 12 months.
Step Seven: Upgrade your P1 to a P2 or Unrestricted licence
After 12 months on your P1, you can head back to Service NSW to upgrade your licence to a P2 (Green P’s). If you’re over 25 and hold an unrestricted NSW driving licence, you will upgrade to an Unrestricted Motorcycle Licence NSW.
Now’s the time to really hone your skills and enjoy riding your bike safely. Stay Upright has lots of courses to keep you improving and growing your enjoyment on the bike.
Australian Capital Territory
Follow the steps below to obtain your motorcycle licence in the Australian Capital Territory.
Step One: Learn How to Ride (optional)
The Pre-Learner course is designed for people who have not motorbike riding experience. However, if you are unsure whether biking is for you, or would like to get some additional training before undertaking the Pre-Learner course, why not try our popular Head Start Course.
Step Two: Check your eligibility
To be eligible for our motorbike training, you must:
- Be at least 16 years and nine months old
- Be a resident of ACT (or about to be)
Step Three: Complete the Pre-Learner Licensing Course
Apply for our one-day beginner’s course offered on weekdays, evenings (during October-March only), and weekends. You must have a learner, provisional or full licence to be eligible for this course.
Step Four: Visit Access Canberra Service Centre to get your Licence endorsed.
When you’ve completed your Pre-Learner Licence Course, take your certificate, along with your Driver’s Licence to an Access Canberra Service Centre within one month and it will be endorsed with the Learner rider class. Please note that the certificate expires after one month.
Step Five: Practice your skills for at least three months
You may apply for your Pre-Provisional Course three months after your Licence was endorsed. You’ll also need to ensure your Licence remains active and that your knowledge test, which lasts 12 months from completion, remains current.
Whilst you’re waiting for the next step, it’s a great time to practice what you’ve learnt and perfect your skills. Stay Upright’s Private Lessons are excellent ways to develop your roadcraft abilities and practice for your Pre-Provisional Licence.
Step Six: Complete the Pre-Provisional Course and Skills Test (MOST)
Transition from an L-plater to a P-plater with pre-test coaching from our experienced trainers, followed by a Motorcycle Operators Skills Test (MOST). You must have held your Learner’s Permit for at least 3 months to qualify for this test. Make sure to leave at least a 6-week buffer from the date you book the Pre-Provisional Test and the end of your 12 months on L-plates if you don’t pass the MOST right away.
Step Seven: Head to Access Canberra to get your Licence.
When you’ve completed your MOST, take your certificate to Access Canberra Service Centre and receive a Provisional Licence.
A Provisional Licence lasts for three years. At this time, on the renewal of your existing Licence, you’ll be upgraded to a Full Licence.
If you have a Driver’s Licence (Provisional or Full), your Provisional Motorcycle Licence class will be added. This will remain for 12 months, or the end of your driving provisional period, whichever is the longest.
For those without a Driver’s Licence
Take the Pre-Learner (Theory) Licence course for those without a Driver’s Licence (PLLC).
Victoria
Read the steps below to learn how to obtain your motorcycle licence in Victoria.
Step One: Learn How to Ride (optional)
The Two Day Learner Permit Course (MPA) is designed to prepare riders for riding on the road. It is not designed to teach you how to ride. If you are unsure whether biking is for you, are not confident riding a push bike and balancing on two wheels, or would like to get some additional training before undertaking the MPA, try our popular Head Start Course.
Step Two: Check your eligibility
To be eligible for our motorcycle training, you must:
- Be 18+ years old
- Be a resident of Victoria
- Free of any restrictions that would disqualify you from holding or achieving a Victorian Learner Permit.
- Hold a current Victorian Car Learner’s Permit, or a Victorian Car Licence OR have passed a VicRoads road rules test at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre and received a VicRoads Customer Number.
- Be medically fit enough to ride a motorcycle. If you have a medical condition or take prescribed medication, please call our friendly Customer Service team so that they can help you with the process. You may need to provide the relevant medical reports to us before you book your assessment. You may be required to have an initial medical assessment to establish your capacity to ride a motorcycle.
Step Three: Complete your Two Day Learner Permit course – Motorcycle Permit Assessment Course (MPA).
Choose from midweek or weekend available courses to gain your Learner’s Permit. Since you will also complete the required eyesight and written motorcycle knowledge test, make sure you have spent time studying the Victorian Rider handbook before attending the course.
Step Four: Practice Your Skills
Whilst there’s no minimum wait time between completing your MPA and Check Ride, you must wait at least three months after your MPA and at least one month after your Check Ride before you can attempt the Motorcycle Licence Assessment (MLA). You must complete all three within a period of 15 months. In the meantime, practice your skills and consider taking a Stay Upright private lesson with our experienced instructors who can help with any specific areas of your riding technique you’d like to improve.
Step Five: Complete the Check Ride (CR).
The CR needs to be completed at least one month prior to completing your Motorcycle Licence Assessment.
Step Six: Take a Hazard Perception Test (if you don’t hold a Driver’s Licence)
If you don’t hold a Victorian Driver’s Licence, you will need to head to VicRoads to undertake a Hazard Perception Test.
Step Seven: Complete your Motorcycle Licence Assessment (MLA)
This final testing component is a 1.5-hour assessment, including an on-range riding skill assessment and an on-road safe riding assessment. You must complete the MLA within 15 months of receiving your Learner’s Permit to avoid your licence expiring.
Queensland
Step One: Learn How to Ride (optional)
The Q-Ride Pre-Learner course is designed to help new riders gain basic riding knowledge and motorcycle skills. If you are unsure whether biking is for you, or would like to get some additional training before undertaking the Q-Ride Pre-Learner course, why not try our popular Head Start Course.
Step Two: Check your eligibility
You must have held your Drivers Licence for 12 months before applying for a motorcycle learners permit.
Step Three: Complete the Q-Ride Pre-Learner Course (two days)
Obtain your motorcycle’s Learner’s Permit with a two-day course that will teach you basic riding knowledge and skills in a safe, controlled environment before hitting the road.
Step Four: Complete the Knowledge Test
In order to obtain your Learner Licence, you must take a 30-question knowledge test and pay the applicable fee to Department Transport and Main Roads (TMR). You can practice the online motorcycle test here.
Step Five: Complete the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) at TMR
Complete the HPT online here to be eligible for the Q-Ride Restricted (RE) Licence Course.
Step Six: Spend 90 days practicing
You must hold your Learner’s Licence for a minimum of 90 days before you may apply for your Q-Ride Restricted (RE) Licence. Stay Upright offer private lessons and accompanied rides to help you gain valuable supervised on-road experience. You cannot ride unsupervised during this time.
Step Seven: Complete the Q-Ride Restricted (RE) Licence Course.
Time to book in with us for the next stage of your licensing journey, the Q-Ride Restricted (RE) Licence Course. Make sure you have completed Step 5 above first – the HPT.
Step Eight: Spend two years on your RE Licence (Open or Provisional).
You will need to hold a RE Licence for two years, before upgrading to a Q-Ride Unrestricted (R) Licence or riding an R-Class bike. You are permitted to carry a pillion passenger after 12-months on a RE Licence.
Stay Upright offer a variety of courses to build your confidence and hone your physical and mental driving skills. Consider taking a Roadsmart course or Accompanied ride.
Step Nine: Receive your R-class Learner’s Permit automatically, after two years.
You will automatically receive an R-class Learner’s Permit after holding a RE Licence for two years. This allows you to ride a Class R motorcycle – a two or three-wheel bike with an unlimited engine size. However, you must display an L-plate and be escorted by a holder of an R-class Licence for a minimum of 12 months. You may not carry pillion riders.
Stay Upright offers a variety of private courses and accompanied rides to assist you in gaining experience on an R-class bike.
Step Ten: Book your Q-Ride Unrestricted (R) Course
It’s time for your full licence! This half-day accredited course will further develop your cognitive skills and risk management strategies on the road. It’s mainly an on-the-road, practical session where you’ll be coached and assessed the entire time.
Step Eleven: Upgrade your Licence online or at a TMR office
Once marked competent you may now upgrade your licence online, or visit a TMR office. Once processed you are fully Licenced.
Book your motorcycle licence test at Stay Upright online today
Check out our accredited motorcycle licence tests available across different states in Australia to work towards your full, unrestricted motorbike licence. Stay Upright’s testing ensures drivers are ready to navigate the roads and possess both the theoretical and practical skills to stay safe in all conditions.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to reach out to us today, and we will be more than happy to help.
FAQs
Can you drive a motorcycle with a car licence in Australia?
No. You will need a rider’s licence to ride a motorbike in Australia.
What is the easiest state to get a motorcycle licence in Australia?
While all states have an easy-to-follow guide on obtaining your unrestricted motorcycle licence, Victoria is arguably the easiest state since they do not hold provisional licence requirements, making it quicker to receive your unrestricted licence. The only downside is that the minimum age requirement in Victoria is 18 years, while other states only have 16 years and 9 months as the minimum eligible age.
What types of bikes are covered by a motorcycle licence?
The type of motorbike you can ride depends on your state’s requirements. Some states hold provisional licences, which limit which motorbikes are legal to ride.
