A Comprehensive Guide to Motorcycle Licensing in Victoria

Eddie
Jul 2
3 min read

Updated: Jul 21

So, you’ve decided to swap four wheels for two? Good choice! But before you rev that engine, you need to sort out your motorcycle license. Riding a motorcycle in Victoria is not as simple as just buying a bike and hitting the road. There’s a structured system to ensure your safety. Here’s how it works.

🗂 Understanding Victoria’s Motorcycle Licensing System

Victoria operates a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) for motorcyclists. This means you don’t get a full license right away. You earn it in progressive stages:

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

Let’s break it down further.

Step 1: Getting Your Learner Permit

1️⃣ Meet the Requirements

To start, you must meet some basic requirements:

You must be at least 18 years old.
You need a valid car license or to pass a motorcycle learner knowledge test.

2️⃣ Book and Complete a Motorcycle Permit Assessment

Here's the fun part. You’ll get on a bike under the supervision of a trainer. You’ll cover essential skills like:

Basic controls (brakes, throttle, clutch)
Slow-speed maneuvers
Emergency braking techniques
Roadcraft for staying safe on the road

Approved training providers, like Stay Upright, offer these assessments. Typically, this is a 2-day course finishing with an on-bike test and a written evaluation.

3️⃣ Pass the Course

Upon passing, congratulations! You’re now on your L-Plates for motorcycle riding.

Conditions include:

Display an L-plate at all times (yellow and black).
Maintain a zero BAC (Blood Alcohol Content).
No passengers allowed.
Ride only LAMS-approved bikes (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme).
Wearing a helmet and protective gear is mandatory.

Your Learner Permit lasts for 15 months—ample time to gain experience.

Step 2: Progress to Your Probationary Licence

After at least 3 months on your Ls and feeling confident, you can advance.

1️⃣ Book Your Motorcycle Check Ride

This is an additional coaching session aimed at preparing you for your next test. It must be completed at least one month before your Probationary License test.

2️⃣ Take the Motorcycle Licence Assessment

Another practical test awaits you, conducted by an approved provider. This assessment will evaluate:

Your hazard perception skills
Road positioning techniques
Cornering, braking, and general bike control

3️⃣ Pass the Assessment — Welcome to P-Plates!

If you successfully pass, you'll upgrade to a Probationary Licence (red P).

Conditions include:

Continue riding only LAMS-approved bikes.
Maintain zero BAC.
Display P-plates.
No pillion passengers for the first 12 months.

You’ll hold your P-plates for 3 years if you’re under 25, or at least 1 year if you’re 25 or older.

Step 3: Full Licence Freedom

After completing your time on P-plates without major offenses, you will automatically graduate to a full motorcycle licence. This means no more P-plates, and you can ride any road-legal bike you want.

⚙️ The LAMS List: What You Can Ride

During your time on Ls and Ps, you must adhere to LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) regulations:

Bikes with engine capacity up to 660cc, AND
A power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 150kW per tonne.

Most 250cc bikes and many in the 300–400cc range usually comply. Always consult the VicRoads LAMS list before making a purchase.

✍️ Quick Recap of the Licensing Stages

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 Words of Advice

Getting your motorcycle license in Victoria requires a time commitment, but it's worth it for the freedom of the open road. Focus on your training, take your time learning, and invest in quality riding gear—trust me, road rash is no joke.

When you’re ready to hit the road, swing by Machine Alley for tips, gear reviews, or just to show off your LAMS-approved bike. Remember, the real challenge is mastering the ride.

Have questions about the licensing process? Let’s chat! Drop a comment below or visit the garage. Ride safe, ride smart.