What you can ride with a motorcycle licence
With a motorcycle (class 6) licence you can ride:
- motorcycles
- mopeds
- all terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Check whether this is the right licence for your ride.
How you get a motorcycle licence
There are three stages to getting your licence. At each stage you gain a new licence with fewer restrictions and more responsibilities:
Stage 1: learner licence
Stage 2: restricted licence
Stage 3: full licence.
Before you get on the road…
It’s illegal to ride without a current licence – there are severe penalties for doing so. This means you have to get a learner licence before you start riding on the road. You also have to pass an approved basic handling skills test.
Stage 1: Getting your learner licence
You must be at least 16 years old before you can apply for your learner licence.
You have to pass a road rules theory test to earn this licence.
While on a learner licence:
- You must only ride an approved motorcycle.
- Your motorcycle must display a learner (L) plate - rear only.
- You must not carry a passenger.
- You must not ride between 10pm and 5am.
- You must not tow another vehicle.
- You face severe penalties if you ride outside the licence conditions.
See details on the process for getting your motorcycle learner licence and the conditions that will apply to you.
Stage 2: Getting a restricted licence
To apply for your restricted licence, you must:
- be at least 16½ years old, and
- have held your learner licence for at least six months.
To progress to this step, you’ll have to pass a practical test of your driving skills.
While on a restricted licence:
- You must only ride an approved motorcycle*.
- You must not ride between 10pm and 5am.
- You must not carry passengers.
- You must not tow another vehicle.
See details on the process for getting your motorcycle restricted licence and the conditions that will apply to you as a novice rider.
*If you were riding a non-approved motorcycle prior to 1 October 2012, and want to continue doing this, you may be eligible to do so. See the DL4 Application for an exemption form for more information.
Stage 3: Getting a full licence
You will need to be at least 18 years of age and have held your restricted licence for at least 18 months before you can apply for your full licence. (This applies to all restricted licence holders, regardless of age).
If you completed an approved advanced driving course (Street Talk or Defensive Driving) prior to 1 October 2012 you may be eligible for an exemption to reduce the minimum period to less than 18 months. See the DL4 Application for an exemption form for more information.
Full licence practical test
To progress to a full licence you have to pass a practical test to demonstrate that you:
- have basic riding skills
- can recognise and respond to a range of common road hazards
- can ride in higher speed zones.
Learn more details about the process for getting your motorcycle full licence and what the test involves.
Ready to apply for a practical test?
Book your practical test online through our Transaction Centre or through one of our licensing agents.
The restricted and full practical tests are tough tests that assess your driving skills. It is recommended that you get plenty of practice (at least 120 hours if you have a learner licence) before you sit a practical test.
