VicRoads is reviewing the current system for licensing motorcyclists. The high crash risk of inexperienced riders has highlighted the need to update licensing for motorcyclists to reflect the road safety needs of today’s riders.
A discussion paper titled 'Graduated licensing for motorcyclist [PDF 1,851KB]' was released for public comment. The discussion paper contains a number of questions relating to options that the Victorian Government may consider to improve the safety of novice motorcyclists.
View the Motorcycle GLS frequently asked questions
Riding a motorcycle is becoming more popular. In particular, the growing number of motor scooter riders and commuters suggests that riding has become more of a mainstream activity and is not the sole domain of motorcycle enthusiasts.
In the ten years to 2009, there has been a 73 per cent increase in motorcycle registrations in Victoria.
However, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, with novice riders being particularly at risk.
Motorcyclists are over-represented in road crashes. Motorcycles account for less than four per cent of all vehicles registered in Victoria, and motorcyclists represent about seven per cent of all Victorian licence holders. However over the last five years, motorcyclists comprised more than 14 per cent of all fatalities and serious injuries.
Improving the graduated licensing system aims to improve the safety of motorcyclists, particularly novice riders.
A graduated licensing system is one that allows a novice rider to graduate through the stages of a licence system. This enables the novice time to gain experience and the necessary skills, at each stage, to make them a safer rider.
As the novice gains maturity and experience, the restrictions imposed during the stages are progressively lifted until the novice is granted a full licence.
A discussion paper has been prepared to encourage comment from motorcyclists and the wider community about how the current motorcycle licensing system could be improved.
From 2 September to 29 October 2010, the public was invited to comment on the discussion paper to improve the graduated licensing system for motorcyclists.
Comments and suggestions were received through the online feedback form and four information forums held in Melbourne and regional centres in September.
A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found here.
VicRoads conducted four information forums in September 2010 to answer questions about the discussion paper and to receive comments and suggestions about how to improve the graduated licensing system for motorcyclists. These were held in Traralgon, Benalla, Ballarat and Richmond.
The final report outlining the feedback from the four public forums can be found on the link below.
Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System Public Forums - Final Report, [PDF, 209KB, 33pp]
Updates will be published regularly on the VicRoads website to keep you up to date with the progress of the public consultation phase, and later, with information about any proposed changes.
VicRoads is preparing a report for the Victorian Government so that it can consider what changes could be made.
Some changes may require amended or new regulations. If so, a regulatory impact statement will be published for the public to comment on any proposed changes to the law.