Motorcycle licence

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”