Motorcycle learner licence (other than Novice Riders)
Table of Contents
- Description
- Age
- Tasmanian Road Rules
- Attending a riding course first
- Knowledge test
- Reading and writing difficulties
- Failing the test
- Requirements
- LAMS-approved motorcycles
- Demerit points
- Issue of another licence
- Customer provides
- Customer receives
- Payment
Description
To learn to ride a motorcycle on a public street, the learner must hold a motorcycle learner licence. A motorcycle is any vehicle registered as a motorcycle, so may include a motor trike. Motorcycle learner licences are valid for 12 months and must be held for a continuous period of at least 6 months before applying for a motorcycle provisional licence. Learner licences will be issued or reissued on the successful completion of the pre-learner motorcycle training course and passing the motorcycle driver knowledge test.
Age
Customers must be at least:
- 16 years and 4 months to attend the pre-learner motorcycle training course
- 16 years and 5 months to sit the motorcycle driver knowledge test
- 16 years and 6 months to hold a motorcycle learner licence
Tasmanian Road Rules
Information relating to driving is contained in the Tasmanian Road Rules Handbook.
Customers need to be familiar with information in the handbook before sitting the knowledge test and preferably before attending the course.
The handbook is available at Service Tasmania shops or designated police stations and on the Internet.
Attending a riding course first
Customers are required to successfully complete the pre-learner motorcycle training course prior to obtaining a learner licence unless living on King, Flinders or Cape Barren Islands.
Knowledge test
To obtain a learner licence a customer needs to undertake a knowledge test (35 multiple choice questions):
- at Service Tasmania shops (computerised test) and
- designated police stations (paper based test)
Reading and writing difficulties
Customers with difficulties reading or writing English may undertake an oral knowledge test instead of the written or computer test.
Non English speaking applicants can be provided with an interpreter service.
Test bookings for these circumstances need to be made at least one week before the test. No fees are required.
Failing the test
Customers may repeat the test the next business day, however, the test will vary in parts.
Requirements
Customers must obey the following requirements for motorcycle learner licences:
- no pillion passenger can be carried unless the learner is under instruction and the instructor has held a licence to drive a motorcycle for at least 3 years
- "L" plate displayed and clearly visible on the back of the motorcycle
- no alcohol present in the body while driving
- must not exceed 80 km/h per hour
- restricted to Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) motorcycles.
LAMS-approved motorcycles
For learner licences issued from 1 July 2007, there are no exemptions for motorcycles that are not LAMS-approved. The list of LAMS-approved motorcycles is published on the internet and is updated when new motorcycles are approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
To check if your motorcycle is LAMS-approved you need to check your registration label. The words “LAMS-APPROVED” is printed on the registration label if the motorcycle is LAMS approved. If you have any queries please contact the Transport Enquiry Service on 1300 851 225.
If your motorcycle is not on the LAMS-approved list and you believe that it should be, you will need to complete an Application LAMS Approval Form for a motorcycle to be Recognised as a LAMS-Approved Motorcycle. Supporting technical information (ie extracts from owner manuals, manufacturer’s brochures, workshop manuals etc) must be included with the application. If you have any queries please contact the Transport Enquiry Service on 1300 851 225.
If there is any doubt with regard to whether the motorcycle meets the power to weight ratio and engine capacity requirements or the motorcycle has been specifically excluded for other reasons, approval will not be granted.
For more information see Fact Sheet – LAMS approved motorcycles and Question & Answers - Motorcycle Changes.
Demerit points
Customers need to be aware of the Demerit Points provisions.
Issue of another licence
A motorcycle learner licence cannot be renewed. Customers may have another learner licence issued but generally only after successfully completing the pre-learner course and the driver knowledge test again.
Customer provides
The customer needs to undertake the following in person at Service Tasmania shops or designated police stations:
- complete an application form:
- if a computerised test - use the DKTS form (MR100)
- for all other tests - Learner licence application (MR72)
- provide the pre-learner motorcycle training course Certificate of Competence(certificate valid for 3 months from the date of issue)
- provide their current Tasmanian licence or Full Evidence of Identity
- complete a knowledge test
- undertake an eye test
- have their photo taken and provide their signature.
Customer receives
The customer will receive:
- a receipted temporary licence (except at shops with instant issue)
- an Attachment X (licence conditions) if applicable
- a photo licence through the mail (valid for 12 months) (except at shops with instant issue)
- a receipt for fees paid.
Payment
The customer needs to pay:
- the learner licence fee.
