Motorcycle licence and learner permit restrictions
Learn about the restrictions that apply when you're a learner and licenced motorcycle rider.
Visit the motorcycles for learner and restricted riders web page for a list of learner-approved motorcycles.
View more on motorcycle road rules.
Motorcycle learner permit
During your learner permit period, you:
- must not ride a motorcycle unless the headlight(s) of the motorcycle are on at all times
- must wear an approved high visibility vest or jacket that is visible and securely fitted and fastened (refer to the high visibility vest or jacket section, below)
- must display an 'L' plate on the rear of the motorcycle that is clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres at all times whilst riding
- must carry your learner permit or receipt every time you drive
- must not ride a motorcycle other than a learner approved motorcycle (LAMS)
- must not ride a motorcycle carrying a pillion passenger (a motorcycle with a sidecar is acceptable with a passenger)
- must not advance through slowed or stopped traffic between vehicles or adjacent lanes - see motorcycle filtering
- must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when riding a motorcycle
- must not ride a motorcycle which is towing a trailer or another vehicle
- must wear an approved protective helmet at all times when riding
- must not use a mobile phone or other devices (eg: inbuilt, portable or wearable device) when driving.
‘N’ condition - Automatic transmission – motorcycle only
If you passed the motorcycle learner permit skill assessment on a motorcycle fitted with an automatic or semi-automatic transmission you can only ride a motorcycle fitted with an automatic transmission. This condition will be shown on your licence card as an ‘N’ condition.
I have a motorcycle licence
The following restrictions will be shown on your licence card as an 'E' condition.
You:
- must not ride a motorcycle unless the headlight(s) of the motorcycle are on at all times
- must carry your driver licence or receipt every time you drive
- must not ride a motorcycle other than a learner approved motorcycle (LAMS)
- must not ride a motorcycle carrying a pillion passenger (a motorcycle and sidecar is acceptable with a passenger)
- must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when riding a motorcycle
- must not ride a motorcycle which is towing a trailer or another vehicle
- must wear an approved protective helmet at all times when riding
- must not use a mobile phone or other devices (eg: inbuilt, portable or wearable device) when driving.
I have a P1 or P2 probationary motorcycle licence
In addition to the above, all P1 and P2 probationary licence restrictions apply.
High visibility vest or jacket
All motorcycle learners must wear a high visibility vest or jacket. The high visibility vest or jacket must meet one of the standards listed below and have a label or mark on the garment that shows the standard.
The standards for a day and night high-visibility vest or jacket are:
- AS/NZS 4602.1:2011
- International Standard ISO 20471:2013 "High visibility clothing—Test methods and requirements"
- American National Standard ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 "High-Visibility safety apparel & accessories"
- BS EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 “High-visibility warning clothing for professional use. Test methods and requirements”