How to Get Your Motorcycle Licence in Melbourne

Eddie
Jul 2
3 min read

A Machine Alley Guide for New Riders

So you want to swap four wheels for two? Good choice — but before you twist the throttle, you need that licence sorted. Riding a motorcycle in Victoria isn’t as simple as just buying a bike and blasting off. There’s a step-by-step system to make sure you don’t end up as roadkill. Here’s how it works.

🗂 The Basics: Victoria’s Motorcycle Licensing System

Victoria runs a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) for motorcyclists. That means you don’t just do a test and get an open license. You earn it in stages:

Learner Permit (L-Plates)
Probationary Licence (P-Plates)
Full Licence

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Get Your Learner Permit

1️⃣ Meet the Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must hold a valid car licence OR pass a motorcycle learner knowledge test.

2️⃣ Book and Complete a Motorcycle Permit Assessment

This is where you actually get on a bike under the watchful eye of a trainer. You’ll learn:

Basic controls (brakes, throttle, clutch)
Slow-speed manoeuvres
Emergency braking
Roadcraft for staying alive

These are run by approved training providers like Stay Upright. It’s usually a 2-day course, ending with an on-bike test and a written test.

3️⃣ Pass It

If you pass, congrats — you’re on your L-Plates for a motorcycle.

Conditions:

Always display an L-plate (yellow and black).
Zero BAC (Blood Alcohol Content).
No passengers.
Must only ride a LAMS-approved bike (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme).
Helmet and protective gear? Mandatory.

Your Learner Permit is valid for 15 months — plenty of time to get experience.

Step 2: Get Your Probationary Licence

Once you’ve clocked at least 3 months on your Ls (and you feel confident), you can step up.

1️⃣ Book Your Motorcycle Check Ride

This is an extra coaching session that’ll help you nail your next test.

The check ride must be completed at least one month before you do your Probationary license test.

2️⃣ Take the Motorcycle Licence Assessment

Another practical test with an approved provider. It checks your:

Hazard perception
Road positioning
Cornering, braking, and general control

3️⃣ Pass It — Welcome to P-Plates

If you nail it, you move up to a Probationary Licence (red P).

Conditions:

Must still ride a LAMS-approved bike.
Zero BAC.
Display P-plates.
No pillion passengers for the first 12 months.

You’re on your Ps for 3 years if you’re under 25 — or at least 1 year if you’re 25 or older.

Step 3: Full Licence Freedom

If you’ve done your time on Ps and kept your nose clean (no major offences), you automatically graduate to a full motorcycle licence. No more P-plates, and you can ride any bike you want — so long as it’s road-legal.

⚙️ The LAMS List: What You Can Ride

While you’re on your Ls and Ps, you can only ride bikes that meet LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) rules:

Engine capacity up to 660cc, AND
Power-to-weight ratio not greater than 150kW per tonne

Most 250cc and many 300–400cc bikes are good. Always double-check the VicRoads LAMS list before you buy.

📝 Quick Recap

Stage	How Long	Key Rules
Learner Permit	3–15 months	L-plates, LAMS bike, no passengers, zero BAC
Probationary (P1)	1–3 years	P-plates, LAMS bike, no passengers for 12 months
Full Licence	Forever	Any bike you like, ride responsibly

🏍 Final Gears

Getting your bike licence in Victoria takes time, but it’s worth it for the freedom that comes with two wheels. Do the training, don’t rush the learning, and invest in decent riding gear — road rash sucks.

When you’re ready, drop by Machine Alley for tips, gear reviews, or to show off your LAMS rocket. Just remember: the real test is surviving the ride.

Got questions about the licensing process? Let’s talk shop — drop a comment below or swing by the garage. Ride safe, ride smart.