DKT- Learners and restricted licence holders must not carry a pillion (a sidecar passenger is allowed).
- A bike with extra weight accelerates and brakes more slowly and handles differently in corners and over bumps.
- Keep luggage low, forward, balanced and secure.
- Passengers must wear an approved, securely fitted helmet, and the bike needs pillion footpegs.
Carrying a pillion
- The bike needs a seat made for a passenger and footpegs they can reach with their feet. Children must be at least 8 years old to ride as a passenger, unless in a sidecar.
- Pillions should wear protective clothing and a helmet like yours. See passengers, sidecars and animals for the rules.
- Brief a first-time passenger before setting off. Ask them to relax, hold the grab rail or your waist, and lean with you.
- Adjust the suspension preload if you can (check the owner's manual) and add tyre air if needed. Set your mirrors with both of you aboard.
- Ride very smoothly and do not chat, which takes your attention off the road. Allow for slower acceleration and braking.
Carrying a load
Bikes are not built for big loads, but small to medium ones are fine if evenly spread. The owner's manual gives the total weight the bike can carry, including rider and pillion. Panniers, tank bags and seat bags can be combined to balance things.
- Low: in panniers or on the seat. Nothing heavy or awkward on your back.
- Forward: over or ahead of the rear axle. Weight behind it badly affects handling.
- Balanced: fill panniers evenly or strap heavy items on the seat.
- Secure: a loose load or strap can catch in the rear wheel or chain. Elastic straps with metal hooks are a major cause of eye loss. Check the load often.
Increase your following distance and allow longer to speed up and slow down.
Animals, sidecars and trailers
- Animals must not ride between the handlebars and the rider (farmers have an exemption for up to 500 metres of farm work).
- A sidecar changes handling completely. Practise somewhere quiet and get proper instruction. It must carry no more passengers than it is designed for.
- A trailer pushes the bike when you brake and affects turning, and can cause serious instability on rough roads. You must not tow one on a learner permit or restricted licence.
Based on The Victorian Rider Handbook (2023, Department of Transport and Planning) and the VicRoads motorcycle pages. This guide covers Victoria: other states and territories have different rules, and rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
Can a learner motorcyclist carry a passenger in Victoria?
No. A learner or restricted licence holder must not carry a pillion, although a motorcycle with a sidecar may carry a passenger.
How old must a motorcycle passenger be in Victoria?
Children must be at least 8 years old to travel as a passenger, unless they are in a sidecar, and their feet must reach the footpegs.