The Department of Transport (DoT) has improved the process to obtain a motorcycle licence. The changes will better prepare applicants and result in safer motorcycle riders.
Drive safe Handbook
A Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) approved motorcycle:
Getting your Motorcycle License
Test Questions for your Learner Permit
Trikes are defined as 'a motor vehicle with three wheels, but do not include a two wheeled motor vehicle with a sidecar attached to it that is supported by a third wheel'.
A person who completes a Practical Driving Assessment on a trike does not demonstrate sufficient balance skills for the Director General to be satisfied that they can safely ride two wheeled motorcycles.
Accordingly, the R-E or R class granted to these applicants will be restricted with condition code 31 (restricted to ride motor trikes only).
These applicants are subject to the same eligibility criteria as other motorcycle applicants (e.g. they must hold an R-E class for at least two years before applying for an R class).
R-E CLASS LICENCE HOLDERS
Under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS), it is the responsibility of R-E class licence holders to ensure that they are only riding on LAMS approved motorcycles.
R-E CLASS LEARNER’S PERMIT HOLDERS
R-E class learner's permit holders may only take their Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) using motorcycles approved under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).
You will not be permitted to take the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) if your motorcycle is not LAMS approved and no refunds will be given.
R CLASS PRACTICAL DRIVING ASSESSMENTS
Implementation of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) means that unrestricted R class Practical Driving Assessments(PDAs) may only be undertaken on motorcycles with power-to-weight ratio exceeding 150 kW/t or an engine capacity exceeding 660 cc.
Motorcycles between 250 cc and 660 cc, which were previously used for R class Practical Driving Assessments (PDAs), are no longer suitable to assess riding competency for unrestricted R class motorcycles.
If you wish to take a practical assessment for an unrestricted R class licence, you will need to use a motorcycle that exceeds the LAMS specifications. The scheme does not affect existing moped or R class licence holders.
You can apply for an R-E class learner's permit at 16 years of age. This will qualify you to learn to ride Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) - approved motorcycles.
Note: If you already hold a licence to drive a car, you do not need to complete step four below. Once you have successfully passed your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), your licence record will be amended to show the new vehicle class you are now authorised to drive.
For more information, please download the fact sheet below.
No matter what you ride - from scooter to superbike - good gear is an investment too important to ignore. It could make the difference between a nasty tumble and injuries that prevent you from ever riding again.
The right gear can also improve your riding and your enjoyment by protecting you from the elements.
This is a guide to gear that will improve your riding comfort and could save you from preventable injuries.
MOTORCYCLE COMPETENCY STANDARDS
The vehicle competency standards aim to produce safer drivers and underpin the driver training and licensing system in WA.
The motorcycle competency standards are used by assessors to determine if learner drivers are competent in operating motorcycles. It is not a set of competencies for learner drivers, but should be used as a guide for driving instructors.
