How do I get my licence in NSW?

You will need that important document to get your journey started, here`s the goss ..

To get your learner licence, you need to:

• be at least 16 years and 9 months of age
• complete the pre-learner course if you live in a declared area, where rider training is available
• pass the rider knowledge test.

You don’t need to have a car driver licence to apply for a rider licence.

Step by step :

Step 1

Complete the pre-learner rider course

The pre-learner course is designed for people who have no motorbike riding experience. It is competency based. This means it has pass/fail criteria. You must successfully complete all components of the rider training.

Duration: 7 hours – 3.5 hours a day over 2 days
Equipment: motorcycles, helmets and gloves are all provided at the training centre
Course completion: you must successfully complete all of the competencies, to receive your certificate of competence

We recommend you have your own helmet, jacket and gloves to take with you !

Step 2

Pass the rider knowledge test

The Rider Knowledge Test is a computer-based road rules knowledge test. You can do it in person at any service centre.

Everything you need to know to pass the Rider Knowledge Test is in the Road User Handbook and Motorcycle Riders’ Handbook.

Both of these can be found on services NSW website in pdf form

Step 3

Actually get your L plates !   the exciting part !

On the day of your test booking, go to your nominated service centre and bring:

• a completed Licence Application form
• proof of identity
• your Pre-learner Certificate of Competence
• payment for your licence fee.

You’ll also need to pass an eyesight test, so make sure you bring your glasses or contact lenses with you if you need to wear them for riding and in addition to complying with the NSW road rules as a learner rider you must:

• only ride motorcycles or A scooter approved for novice riders
• wear an approved motorcycle helmet
• have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) – this means you cannot drink any alcohol before riding
• observe the speed limit and never go over the maximum learner speed limit of 90 km/h
• display an L plate – black L on an orange/yellow background – on the rear of your motorcycle so the letter ‘L’ is clearly visible

You must not:

• ride manual motorcycles or scooters if your pre-learner training was on an automatic
• ride a two wheel motorcycle if your pre-learner training was on a three wheeled scooter
• drive any vehicle other than a motorcycle or scooter, unless you also have the appropriate licence to drive that vehicle (eg. Class C driver licence for a car)
• ride under the presence or influence of drugs
• carry pillion passengers
• tow any other vehicle
• lane filter
• use any functions of a mobile phone, hands-free device or loudspeaker while your motorcycle is moving or stopped but still in the line of traffic

This is our basic guide. For the full info visit Services NSW website here:

 roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/rider/

There are a number of companies doing rider training, Stay Upright is one of the industry leaders and their website has a lot of useful info:

stayupright.com.au/how-do-i-get-my-motorcycle-licence/  and also has a state-by-state guide.

Welcome to the start of your journey!