Learn to ride a LAMS motorcycle (R-E)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.