Learn to ride a LAMS motorcycle (R-E)
You can apply for a learner's permit to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle (R-E class) vehicle once you are 16 years of age. There are six steps involved in getting a licence that allows you to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle.
The new Joondalup Driver Assessment Centre is now open.
Learn more about the range of learner driver services available.
A (LAMS) approved motorcycle has a power-to-weight ratio up to 150 kilowatts per tonne (kW/t); and a maximum engine capacity up to 660cc or may be powered by an electric powered engine with a power output up to 25kW.
Please choose step from following:
Introduction of the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System
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.
For information about the changes please read the Introduction of the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System (Fact Sheet) below.
Introduction of the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System (Fact Sheet) | Kb | |
Motorcycle and trike motorcycle (R-E class) LAMS approved
A Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) approved motorcycle:
- has a power-to-weight ratio up to 150 kilowatts per tonne (kW/t); and a maximum engine capacity up to 660cc or is powered by an electric powered engine with a power output up to 25kW
- does not include a moped
Getting your motorcycle licence (Fact sheet) | Kb | |
Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS): R-E approved motorcycles list | Kb | |
Trike Motorcycle (R-E class) LAMS approved
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).
Experience required to upgrade your licence or remove a restriction | When you can start learning to drive | Licence authorisation |
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No experience required (minimum age 17 years). | As soon as you turn 16 years of age. | If you are authorised to drive R-E class vehicles you may ride any:
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What is LAMS?
From 14 January 2013, the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) replaced the 250 cc restriction on R-E class motorcycle licence holders with the following criteria:
- a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 150 kilowatts per tonne (kW/t); and
- maximum engine capacity not exceeding 660cc.
The power-to-weight ratio is a measure of a vehicle’s performance. It is a better indicator of motorcycle performance than engine capacity alone. The power to weight ratio is determined by dividing the engine power (kilowatts) by the tare weight of the motorcycle + 90 kg (for rider and fuel). The result is then multiplied by 1000 (to convert to kW per tonne).
Note:
- The manufacturer determines the engine power and tare weight of the motor cycle.
- 90kg is the laden weight used in Australian Design Rule (ADR) 33 ‘Brake Systems for Motor cycles and Mopeds’.
- There is no need for motorcyclists to calculate the power-to-weight ratio as a LAMS approved motorcycles list is available below.
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.
Getting your motorcycle licence (Fact sheet) | Kb | |
Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS): R-E approved motorcycles list | Kb | |
Get your motorcycle added to or removed from the LAMS list
If you are an R-E class licence holder riding:
- An ICV motorcycle (kit bike).
- An import (not approved by federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications).
- A motorcycle not LAMS approved which should be LAMS listed.
- A motorcycle LAMS listed which should not be on the list.
You will need to apply for a Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) compliance assessment for the bike. This assessment may take up to 15 working days. To apply, please download and submit a Motorcycle vehicle specification (E106) form below.
The form can be submitted either electronically or by post.
To submit online, please email the completed form to the email address below.
All form fields must be completed. Please include as much information as possible to enable a proper assessment. Incomplete forms will be deleted without a response.
Any motorcycle that has been modified in any way is automatically deemed to be LAMS non-compliant.
Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS): R-E approved motorcycles list | Kb | |
Motorcycle vehicle specification (Form E106) | Kb | |
To submit by post, please print the form, complete it and then mail or email to:
Street address | Postal address | Telephone | Fax | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vehicle Safety and Standards, Technical Policy and Services, 34 Gillam Drive, Kelmscott WA 6111 |
(08) 9216 3899 |
Applying for a LAMS (R-E class) licence
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.
Getting your motorcycle licence (Fact sheet) | Kb | |
Good Gear Guide (for moped and motorcycle riders)

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.
While riding either as rider or passenger, you are required to wear an approved helmet.
An approved helmet must be compliant with Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698 or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No 22 (UN ECE22.05).
To ensure that your protective helmet is compliant with the WA legal standards and types, look for identifying marks on the helmet, such as a sewn-in label and/or a compliance sticker.
For the practical riding assessment, you must wear appropriate attire that consists of enclosed footwear, approved helmet, long trousers (tracksuit pants are not acceptable) and long-sleeved shirt or fully sleeved jacket. Gloves and eye protection are also highly recommended.
This is a guide to gear that will improve your riding comfort and could save you from preventable injuries.
Good Gear Guide (for motorcycle and scooter riders) | Kb | |
Licensed quad bikes: Helmet requirements (Fact sheet) | Kb | |
Motorcycle competency standard
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.
Motorcycle competency standard | Kb | |
Step 1:Learner's permit (R-E class)
To start learning to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle, you must apply for a learner's permit and pass the motorcycle theory test.
- You can apply for an R-E class learner's permit at 16 years of age.
- You will need to pay for the theory test, the application fee and the Learner Log Book (if you choose to log hours in the printed log book)*.
- You will need to sit a motorcycle theory test consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions that relate to general road rules and specific motorcycle relevant questions.
- You will need to get 28 or more answers correct to pass.
* A log book is not applicable if you already hold a licence to drive a car.
Visit the learner's permit page for detailed information on completing step one of getting your R-E class licence.
Learner driver fees
Fee type | Fee |
---|---|
Driver's licence application | |
New driver licence application fee including one Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) (original issue, not HC or MC class) | $138.70 |
Additional class application fee including one Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) (not HC or MC class) | $138.70 |
Class restriction removal (does not include HC and MC class) | $113.70 |
Learner's Permit Computerised Theory Test (CTT) | |
Sit the Learner's Permit Computerised Theory Test (CTT) | $21.20 |
Subsequent Learner's Permit Computerised Theory Test (CTT) resits | $18.20 |
Learner Log Book (printed) | $10.70 |
E-log book app | No fee |
Learner's Permit card replacement | $32.20 |
Hazard Perception Test (HPT) | |
Sit the initial Hazard Perception Test (HPT) | $28.40 |
Every subsequent Hazard Perception Test (HPT) resit | $22.90 |
Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) | |
Every subsequent Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) resit | $113.70 |
Drive Safe handbook | Kb | |
L plates: yellow (printable) | Kb | |
Ride Safe handbook | Kb | |
Step 2:Learn to ride (R-E class)
Once you have been issued your learner's permit you can begin learning the skills you need to become a safe rider.
Please visit the learn to drive page for information on completing step two of getting your licence.
Gaining experience to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle: R-E class
- An approved supervisor must accompany you at all times either as a pillion passenger, in a sidecar or on another motorcycle.
- You must learn to ride on a motorcycle that meets the standards for the relevant class of vehicle you are applying to drive.
- You can only ride a LAMS approved motorcycle.
- You must wear an approved helmet.
Approved supervisors
In order to be an approved supervisor, you must either be:
- a licensed driving instructor holding the relevant class, or
- hold a current licence of the relevant class; and
- have held a current and valid driver's licence for the class of vehicle in which you are teaching someone how to drive for at least four years or two years in the case of a moped.
L plates: yellow (printable) | Kb | |
Step 3:Hazard Perception Test (HPT) (R-E class)
Once a minimum of six calendar months has lapsed since you were issued with your Learner's permit for the R-E class and you have reached the minimum age of 16 years and six months, you can sit your motorcycle Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
If you already hold a licence to drive a moped (R-N Class), and you were required to complete the motorcycle HPT to obtain it, you need to hold your R-E class learner’s permit for six months, but you will not be required to complete the motorcycle HPT again.
You must have passed the motorcycle HPT before you can attempt a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) on a motorcycle.
Visit the Hazard Perception Test page for information on completing step five of getting your licence.
Step 4:Gain experience: LAMS motorcycle licence (R-E class)
If you already hold a licence to drive a car you may skip this stage and go directly to step five.
Once you have passed your motorcycle HPT, you need to build on your experience and continue to record a minimum of 50 supervised driving hours including at least five hours at night (between sunset and sunrise).
Visit the gain experience page for information on completing step four of getting your licence.
Gaining experience to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle. (R-E class) licence:
- An approved supervisor must accompany you at all times either as a pillion passenger, in a sidecar or on another motorcycle.
- You must ride a motorcycle that meets the standards for the relevant class of vehicle you have a learner's permit for.
- You can only ride a LAMS approved motorcycle.
- You must wear an approved helmet.
Step 5:Pass the Practical Driving Assessment: LAMS approved motorcycle (R-E class)
Getting a licence to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle (R-E class)
- You must be at least 17 years of age to undertake the PDA.
- Have completed a minimum of 50 supervised driving hours, including at least five hours at night (between sunset and sunrise). *
- Present your Log Book - if any supervised driving hours are recorded in the Learner Log Book, ensuring that your declaration of completion has been signed by you and your supervising driver. You must bring your entire printed log book with you. **
* Not applicable to those who already hold a licence to drive a car.
** Not applicable if all your hours have been completed in the Learn&Log app and you have signed the declaration in the app.
You must wear appropriate attire that consists of enclosed footwear, approved helmet, long trousers (tracksuit pants are not acceptable) and long-sleeved shirt or fully-sleeved jacket. Gloves and eye protection are also highly recommended.
- The PDA will determine your general riding ability. This may include testing your ability to:
- Balance the vehicle at low speeds by riding around a figure 'O' without putting a foot on the ground.
- Correctly park and start on a hill.
- Perform a quick stop under full control without locking either wheel.
- For the practical riding assessment on a trike, applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability to control the relevant trike for which the class is sought. The assessment will be in the same format as an unrestricted motorcycle assessment, with specific focus on road position. In lieu of the balance component, applicants will be required to demonstrate a parking or turning-around manoeuvre.
Visit the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) page for information on booking your PDA and what you need on the day.
Practical Driving Assessment: Vehicle Suitability Guide: Other Classes (Fact sheet) | Kb | |
Step 6:Provisional licence
Once you have passed the PDA you will be granted a provisional licence (if this is your first driver's licence) and will be able to ride unsupervised.
If you are already the holder of a Driver's licence the new class will be added to your existing WA driver's licence and you will continue to serve your existing provisional period (if any).
Visit the provisional licence page for important information on riding solo and the rules and conditions you must abide by.
Getting a licence to ride a LAMS approved motorcycle (R-E class) licence
- You will have a provisional licence for two years or until you have reached the age of 19 years, whichever is the longer period.
- You can only ride a LAMS approved motorcycle.
- You must wear an approved helmet (motorcycle helmet exemptions are no longer granted).*
* Only current exemptions from the requirement to wear a motorcycle helmet that were granted on or prior to 30 November 2000 can be renewed.
Display your P plates
You will have a provisional licence until you have ceased to be a novice driver and have reached 19 years of age during which time you have to display red and then green P plates.
During your provisional licence period, you must display P plates in a visible position at the front and back of your vehicle or motorcycle at all times.
Plate style | Time period | Description |
---|---|---|
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First six months | You must display white on red P plates and will be subject to night driving restrictions. |
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Remaining period | You must display white on green P plates. |
P plates: red (printable) | Kb | |
P plates: green (printable) | Kb | |