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 have to pass a road rules theory test to earn this licence.
While on a learner licence:
- you must ride a motorcycle of up to 250cc only
- you must not go faster than 70km/h
- 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 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
You can apply for this licence after six months on your learner licence. You have to pass a practical test of your riding skills.
While on a restricted licence:
- You must only ride a motorcycle of up to 250cc
- You must not ride between 10pm and 5am
- You must not carry passengers.
See details on the process for getting your motorcycle restricted licence and the conditions that will apply to you as a novice rider.
Stage 3: Getting a full licence
You can apply for a full licence after three to 18 months on a restricted licence. How quickly you can apply depends on your age and any approved courses you’ve taken. Find out about approved courses that can reduce the time you have to stay on a restricted licence.
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.
