How to Get a Victorian Motorcycle Licence: Learner Permit, Assessment and Restrictions

The four steps to your licence

1. Book your motorcycle licence assessment.
2. Provide evidence of your identity.
3. Complete the assessment. If you pass, pay for the licence.
4. Receive your motorcycle licence.

Because the permit cannot be renewed, book early: the handbook suggests at least 4 weeks before it expires. Your assessment is normally done on a two-wheeled bike, so you may not attempt it on a bike with a sidecar. For information on local training, see the list of Accredited Motorcycle Trainers or phone VicRoads.

Tests and checks the handbook mentions

• A check ride and a riding skill assessment.
• The Motorcycle Learner Permit Knowledge Test: 32 multiple-choice questions on safe riding and motorcycle law.
• The Car Learner Permit Knowledge Test (32 questions, based on Road to Solo Driving), unless you already hold an Australian or New Zealand car learner permit or driver licence.
• A Hazard Perception Test, unless you already hold a driver licence.
• A medical clearance from VicRoads if you have a medical condition.

Need an oral test or an interpreter? Tell the Accredited Motorcycle Provider when you book.

Other ways in, and automatic bikes

• You can also apply for a licence if you hold, or have held in the past five years, an interstate or overseas motorcycle licence (you must be 18 or over and not suspended). Overseas learner permits are not recognised.
• Pass your assessment on an automatic and you may only ride automatics for three years, unless you are reassessed on a manual bike.
• If your car permit or licence has a condition such as an alcohol interlock, your motorcycle permit or licence gets the same condition.

Rules while you are a learner or restricted rider

Learners display an L plate visible from 20 metres, carry their permit, ride only LAMS-approved bikes, carry no pillion passenger, tow nothing, keep the headlight on, wear a high-visibility vest or jacket, ride with zero BAC and may not lane filter. Restricted-licence riders follow most of the same rules. Probationary riders must display a P plate visible from 20 metres. See helmet and clothing law, lane filtering, passengers and alcohol and drugs. Phones and devices are limited: see phone and device rules. For the car pathway see the graduated licensing system.

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.