Yes, Western Australia has a graduated licensing system for motorcycles, which means that there are different licence classes based on the engine capacity and power output of the motorcycle.
There are three main motorcycle licence categories: R-N for mopeds (a machine with a maximum capacity of 50cc and top speed capability of 50km/h); R-E for LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) motorcycles (motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 660cc and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 150kW per tonne); and R (an unrestricted motorcycle licence).
However, like in Queensland and South Australia, West Australian car-licence holders (not car learner’s permit holders) can legally operate a moped on a public road as long as it’s registered, insured and roadworthy.
Motorcycle learner permit requirements in WA depend on the class of vehicle you want to ride, with varying requirements for R-N (moped) and R-E (LAMS motorcycle) licences.
For an R-N learner permit, you must complete an application and pass a motorcycle theory test, requiring you to correctly answer at least 28 out of 35 questions. Once you have ticked these boxes you may commence riding on the road while displaying a yellow and black ‘L’ plate, provided you are accompanied at all times by an approved supervisor (either as a pillion passenger, on another motorcycle or in a sidecar). Approved supervisors include licenced driving instructors who hold the relevant licence class or someone who has held an R licence for at least four years.
Unlike for the R-E licence class (see below), you do not need to complete a minimum number of supervised riding hours while holding a R-N learner permit, but it is strongly recommended that you complete as many hours as possible across a variety of riding conditions.
For an R-E (LAMS-approved motorcycle) learner permit, you must also pass the 35-question motorcycle theory test and complete a permit application. Click here to see the WA Department of Transport’s list of LAMS-approved models . Once you have your learner permit, you must only ride with an approved supervisor at all times (either as a pillion passenger, on another motorcycle or in a sidecar) and you must display a yellow and black ‘L’ plate.
Unless you already hold a full car licence, you will need to log a minimum of at least 50 hours of supervised riding in an approved log book (or via the approved smartphone app) in order to move on to a provisional licence class.
Once you have held your R-E learner’s permit for a minimum of six months and you have reached the minimum age of 16 years and six months, you can sit your motorcycle Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
Once R-N learner permit holders have completed a sufficient number of supervised riding hours, they can undertake the motorcycle Hazard Perception Test, which is a computer test that assesses a rider’s ability to identify potential road hazards and make safe riding decisions. The Hazard Perception Test must be completed before undertaking a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), for which an R-N learner permit holder must be at least 16 years of age.
The PDA will assess your general riding ability, including balancing the moped at low speeds by riding around a figure 'O' without putting a foot on the ground, correctly parking and starting on a hill, and performing a quick stop under full control without locking either wheel.
Once the PDA has been successfully completed, R-N class riders may then ride unsupervised while displaying their P plate. A red P plate must be displayed for the first six months (night restrictions apply: no riding to be conducted between midnight and 5am), followed by a green P plate for the remainder of the provisional licence period (either a further 18 months, or until you reach the age of 19).
After R-E class holders have completed their Hazard Perception Test and completed a minimum of 50 hours of supervised riding, they may undertake their Practical Driving Assessment provided they are at least 17 years of age.
Upon successful completion of the PDA, riders can ride unsupervised but must display a red P plate for the first six months (and be subject to night restrictions) and a green P plate for the remainder of their provisional licence period (either a further 18 months, or until they turn 19).
To apply for an R-N (moped) learner permit you must be at least 15 years and six months old, and you must be at least 16 years old before you can take your Practical Driving Assessment. Once you have passed your PDA, your provisional licence period will last for two years or until you reach 19 years of age, whichever is the longer period.
To apply for an R-E (LAMS motorcycle) learner permit you must be at least 16 years of age, and you must be at least 17 years of age before you can take your Practical Driving Assessment. Once you have passed your PDA, your provisional licence period will last for two years or until you reach 19 years of age, whichever is the longer period.
Whether you are looking at an R-N or R-E licence class, it is important you read the Drive Safe and Ride Safe handbooks, which can be downloaded from the WA Department of Transport website .
These handbooks provide information on road rules, recommended gear, safety precautions, and riding techniques. The handbook will help prepare you for your motorcycle theory test and riding in general.
Road rules and motorcycle-specific test quizzes are also available, and you can also take a look at the motorcycle Hazard Perception Test simulator .
When attending your Practical Driving Assessment, you must wear appropriate attire comprising enclosed footwear, an approved helmet, long trousers, and a long-sleeved shirt or fully sleeved jacket. Gloves and eye protection are also highly recommended.
You must also ensure your moped, scooter or motorcycle is roadworthy and registered, and meets the criteria for the relevant licence class.
Practical Driving Assessments can be booked online for all metropolitan Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centres and most regional agency sites, or in person at regional Department of Transport offices or agencies. Click here to visit the WA DoT online booking site .
A variety of fees apply for obtaining a moped or motorcycle learner permit or licence, sitting the theory test and Hazard Perception Test, and booking subsequent Practical Driving Assessments (the first PDA is included in your initial new driver licence application fee). Refer to the WA Department of Transport website pages for R-N and R-E licence classes for specific fee information.
If you already have a car licence in Western Australia, your motorcycle licence will be represented on the same card. The two licences are independent but are bound by the same demerit points. If you lose your car licence, you also lose your motorcycle licence (and vice-versa).
Yes. Western Australia has a graduated demerit points system in place for riders of different permit or licence classes, with tougher demerit points restrictions for novice riders. Demerit points expire three years after they are issued.
A novice is categorized as anyone who has not held a licence for at least two years or periods totalling two years, and is further divided into Novice Type 1 and Novice Type 2 sub-categories.
Novice Type 1 riders comprise those who have only held a licence or are a first-time holder of a learner permit for up to one year, or periods totalling one year, while Novice Type 2 riders comprise those who have held a licence for more than one year but less than two years.
A Novice Type 1 rider cannot exceed three demerit points. If they accrue four or more points, they will be subject to a three-month disqualification after service of a demerit point notice.
A Novice Type 2 rider cannot exceed seven demerit points. If they accrue eight or more points, they will be subject to a three-month disqualification after service of a demerit point notice.
Holders of an unrestricted R licence cannot exceed 11 demerit points before punitive action is taken, however, riders that do so may be eligible to keep riding by entering into a 12-month good behaviour program. If you accrue any further demerit points during this period, your licence will then be disqualified for double the original disqualification period.
For more information, head to the WA Department of Transport .
