HOW TO GET YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENCE IN WA
The Department of Transport (DoT) has improved the process to obtain a motorcycle licence. The changes will better prepare applicants and result in safer motorcycle riders.
For information about the changes please read the Introduction of the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System Fact Sheet below.
Introduction of the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System (Fact Sheet)
A Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) approved motorcycle:
has a power-to-weight ratio up to 150 kilowatts per tonne (kW/t); and a maximum engine capacity up to 660cc or is powered by an electric powered engine with a power output up to 25kW
does not include a moped
Getting your motorcycle licence (Fact sheet)
Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS): R-E approved motorcycles list
THREE-WHEELERS/TRIKES
Trikes are defined as 'a motor vehicle with three wheels, but do not include a two wheeled motor vehicle with a sidecar attached to it that is supported by a third wheel'.
A person who completes a Practical Driving Assessment on a trike does not demonstrate sufficient balance skills for the Director General to be satisfied that they can safely ride two wheeled motorcycles.
Accordingly, the R-E or R class granted to these applicants will be restricted with condition code 31 (restricted to ride motor trikes only).
These applicants are subject to the same eligibility criteria as other motorcycle applicants (e.g. they must hold an R-E class for at least two years before applying for an R class).
R-E CLASS LICENCE HOLDERS
Under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS), it is the responsibility of R-E class licence holders to ensure that they are only riding on LAMS approved motorcycles.
R-E CLASS LEARNER’S PERMIT HOLDERS
R-E class learner's permit holders may only take their Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) using motorcycles approved under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).
You will not be permitted to take the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) if your motorcycle is not LAMS approved and no refunds will be given.
R CLASS PRACTICAL DRIVING ASSESSMENTS
Implementation of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) means that unrestricted R class Practical Driving Assessments(PDAs) may only be undertaken on motorcycles with power-to-weight ratio exceeding 150 kW/t or an engine capacity exceeding 660 cc.
Motorcycles between 250 cc and 660 cc, which were previously used for R class Practical Driving Assessments (PDAs), are no longer suitable to assess riding competency for unrestricted R class motorcycles.
If you wish to take a practical assessment for an unrestricted R class licence, you will need to use a motorcycle that exceeds the LAMS specifications. The scheme does not affect existing moped or R class licence holders.
Getting your motorcycle licence (Fact sheet)
Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS): R-E approved motorcycles list
You can apply for an R-E class learner's permit at 16 years of age. This will qualify you to learn to ride Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) - approved motorcycles.
Note: If you already hold a licence to drive a car, you do not need to complete step four below. Once you have successfully passed your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), your licence record will be amended to show the new vehicle class you are now authorised to drive.
For more information, please download the fact sheet below.
Getting your motorcycle licence (Fact sheet)
PROTECTIVE GEAR
No matter what you ride - from scooter to superbike - good gear is an investment too important to ignore. It could make the difference between a nasty tumble and injuries that prevent you from ever riding again.
The right gear can also improve your riding and your enjoyment by protecting you from the elements.
This is a guide to gear that will improve your riding comfort and could save you from preventable injuries.
Good Gear Guide (for motorcycle and scooter riders)
Licensed quad bikes: Helmet requirements (Fact sheet)
MOTORCYCLE COMPETENCY STANDARDS
The vehicle competency standards aim to produce safer drivers and underpin the driver training and licensing system in WA.
The motorcycle competency standards are used by assessors to determine if learner drivers are competent in operating motorcycles. It is not a set of competencies for learner drivers, but should be used as a guide for driving instructors.
STEP 1: GET YOUR LEARNER’S PERMIT
To start learning to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle, you must apply for a learner's permit and pass the motorcycle theory test.
You can apply for an R-E class learner's permit at 16 years of age.
You will need to pay for the theory test, the application fee and the Learner Log Book (if you choose to log hours in the printed log book)*.
You will need to sit a motorcycle theory test consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions that relate to general road rules and specific motorcycle relevant questions.
You will need to get 28 or more answers correct to pass.
* A log book is not applicable if you already hold a licence to drive a car.
Visit the learner's permit page for detailed information on completing step one of getting your R-E class licence.
STEP 2: LEARN TO RIDE A LAMS APPROVED MOTORCYCLE
Once you have been issued your learner's permit you can begin learning the skills you need to become a safe rider.
Please visit the learn to drive page for information on completing step two of getting your licence.
Gaining experience on a LAMS approved motorcycle:
An approved supervisor must accompany you at all times either as a pillion passenger, in a sidecar or on another motorcycle.
You must learn to ride on a motorcycle that meets the standards for the relevant class of vehicle you are applying to drive.
You can only ride a LAMS approved motorcycle.
You must wear an approved helmet.
STEP 3: HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST (HPT) - RE CLASS
Once a minimum of six calendar months has lapsed since you were issued with your Learner's Permit for the R-E class and you have reached the minimum age of 16 years and six months, you can sit your motorcycle Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
If you already hold a licence to drive a moped (R-N Class), and you were required to complete the motorcycle HPT to obtain it, you need to hold your R-E class learner’s permit for six months, but you will not be required to complete the motorcycle HPT again.
You must have passed the motorcycle HPT before you can attempt a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) on a motorcycle.
Visit the Hazard Perception Test page for information on completing step five of getting your licence.
STEP 4: GAIN EXPERIENCE ON A LAMS APPROVED MOTORCYCLE
If you already hold a licence to drive a car you may skip this stage and go directly to step five.
Once you have passed your motorcycle HPT, you need to build on your experience and continue to record a minimum of 50 supervised driving hours including at least five hours at night (between sunset and sunrise).
Visit the gain experience page for information on completing step four of getting your licence.
Gaining experience on a LAMS approved motorcycle:
An approved supervisor must accompany you at all times either as a pillion passenger, in a sidecar or on another motorcycle.
You must ride a motorcycle that meets the standards for the relevant class of vehicle you have a learner's permit for.
You can only ride a LAMS approved motorcycle.
You must wear an approved helmet.
STEP 5: PASS THE PRACTICAL DRIVING ASSESSMENT (PDA)
Getting a licence to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle (R-E class):
You must be at least 17 years of age to undertake the PDA.
Have completed a minimum of 50 supervised driving hours, including at least five hours at night (between sunset and sunrise). *
Present your Log Book - if any supervised driving hours are recorded in the Learner Log Book, ensuring that your declaration of completion has been signed by you and your supervising driver. You must bring your entire printed log book with you. **
* Not applicable to those who already hold a licence to drive a car.
** Not applicable if all your hours have been completed in the Learn&Log app and you have signed the declaration in the app.
You must wear appropriate attire that consists of enclosed footwear, approved helmet, long trousers (tracksuit pants are not acceptable) and long-sleeved shirt or fully-sleeved jacket. Gloves and eye protection are also highly recommended.
The PDA will determine your general riding ability. This may include testing your ability to:
- Balance the vehicle at low speeds by riding around a figure 'O' without putting a foot on the ground.
- Correctly park and start on a hill.
- Perform a quick stop under full control without locking either wheel.
For the practical riding assessment on a trike, applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability to control the relevant trike for which the class is sought. The assessment will be in the same format as an unrestricted motorcycle assessment, with specific focus on road position. In lieu of the balance component, applicants will be required to demonstrate a parking or turning-around manoeuvre.
Visit the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) page for information on booking your PDA and what you need on the day.
Practical Driving Assessment: Vehicle Suitability Guide: Other Classes (Fact sheet)
STEP 6: PROVISIONAL LICENCE
Once you have passed the PDA you will be granted a provisional licence (if this is your first driver's licence) and will be able to ride unsupervised.
If you are already the holder of a Driver's licence the new class will be added to your existing WA driver's licence and you will continue to serve your existing provisional period (if any).
Visit the provisional licence page for important information on riding solo and the rules and conditions you must abide by.
You will have a provisional licence for two years or until you have reached the age of 19 years, whichever is the longer period.
You can only ride a LAMS approved motorcycle.
You must wear an approved helmet.
DISPLAY YOUR P PLATES
You will have a provisional licence until you have ceased to be a novice driver and have reached 19 years of age during which time you have to display red and then green P plates.
During your provisional licence period, you must display P plates in a visible position at the front and back of your vehicle or motorcycle at all times.
First six months: You must display white on red P plates and will be subject to night time driving restrictions.
Remaining period: You must display white on green P plates.
LINKS
- GETTING YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE
- GOOD GEAR GUIDE FOR MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER RIDERS
- INTRODUCTION OF THE MOTORCYCLE GRADUATED LICENSING SYSTEM
- LEARNER APPROVED MOTORCYCLE SCHEME (LAMS) APPROVED MOTORCYCLES LIST
- LICENSED QUAD BIKES: HELMET REQUIREMENTS
- MOTORCYCLE COMPETENCY STANDARD
