Motorcycle licence and learner permit restrictions

Learn about the restrictions that apply when you're a learner and licenced motorcycle rider.

Visit approved motorcycles for novice riders for a list of LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle) motorcycles.

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 (External link)
  • 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. This includes hands free or any other hand-held devices or GPS. From 31 March 2023, there are new road rules, regulating the use of a range of portable, wearable, mounted and inbuilt devices while driving a vehicle or riding a motorbike. You can download a summary of the changes here Distracted Driver Road Rules 2023 [PDF 409 Kb] or see New Road Rules 2023 for more information.

‘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.

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. This includes hands free or any other hand-held devices or GPS. From 31 March 2023, there are new road rules, regulating the use of a range of portable, wearable, mounted and inbuilt devices while driving a vehicle or riding a motorbike. You can download a summary of the changes here Distracted Driver Road Rules 2023 [PDF 409 Kb] or see New Road Rules 2023 for more information.

‘N’ condition - Automatic transmission – motorcycle only

If you passed the motorcycle licence 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 P1 or P2 probationary motorcycle licence

In addition to the above, all P1 and P2 probationary licence restrictions apply. 

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: 

A high visibility vest

  • 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”

Rider Responsibility

It is your responsibility to make sure that you only ride an approved motorcycle. See this page for Learner Approved Motorcycles (LAMS).

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