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Learn to ride a moped (R-N)

A moped is a motorcycle that is designed so as not to be capable of a speed exceeding 50 km/h and either has an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc; or is not powered by a piston engine. You can apply for a learner's permit at 15 ½ years of age.

The new Joondalup Driver Assessment Centre is opening in November 2023. 
Learn more about the range of learner driver services available. 

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  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.

  Moped (R-N class) (R class with an N condition)

A moped is a motorcycle that;

  • Is designed so as not to be capable of a speed exceeding 50 km/h; and
  • Either:
    • has an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc; or
    • is not powered by a piston engine.
  • Whether or not it is also capable of being propelled by pedalling, but does not include a power assisted pedal cycle.

R-N class vehicle

To hold this class To take driving/riding lessons Licence authorisation
Minimum age 16 years Minimum age 15 years 6 months If you are authorised to drive an R-N class vehicle you may ride any moped

Note: If you are authorised to drive Car (C class) (Unrestricted) vehicles you may drive any: Moped (R-N class).

 

What is the difference between a moped and a scooter?

Mopeds and scooters are very similar in appearance but have a few fundamental differences. Scooters are motorcycles that have a step-through style frame. They generally have smaller wheels than a motorcycle and an engine positioned closer to the rear wheel.

When the engine capacity or top speed exceeds the specifications for a moped (i.e. above 50 kph or above 50 cc), the motorcycle is often referred to as a scooter and the appropriate licence class is required in order to ride it.

  Getting started (for moped riders)

Find out what rules you are subject to as a novice driver and what resources are available to help you learn to ride.

Note:

If you already hold a Western Australian driver's licence (not a learner's permit) to drive a vehicle of another class, you are automatically able to ride a moped.

  Good Gear Guide (for moped and motorcycle riders)

Good Gear Guide equipment
Good Gear Guide equipment

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.

  Step 1:Learner's permit (R-N class)

To start learning to ride a moped you have to apply for a learner's permit and pass the motorcycle theory test.

Visit the learner's permit page for detailed information on completing step one of getting your licence to ride moped (R-N class) vehicles.

Information specific to getting a moped (R-N class) licence:

  • You can apply for a learner's permit for a moped (R-N class) at 15 ˝ years of age.
  • You will need to pay for the theory test and an application fee.
  • 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.

Learner driver fees

There is no fee for renewing a learner's permit if the learner driver has passed the theory test in the past 5 years. If not, the learner driver will need to sit and pass the Computerised Theory Test (CTT) again.
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

  Step 2:Learn to ride (R-N class)

Once you have been issued your learner's permit you can begin learning the skills you need to become a safe rider.

While you do not need to complete a minimum number of supervised riding hours for a licence to ride mopeds, it is strongly recommended that you get as much supervised riding in as many different road, weather and traffic conditions as you can.

Visit the learn to drive page for information on finding an approved supervisor.

Information specific to getting a moped (R-N 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 learn to ride on a moped that meets the standards for the relevant class of vehicle you are applying to ride.
  • You can only ride a vehicle that is designed so as not to be capable of a speed exceeding 50 km/h; and either - has an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc; or is not powered by a piston engine.
  • 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.

  Step 3:Pass the Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

Once you have gained a sufficient level of supervised riding experience since you were issued with your Learner's permit you can sit your Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test (HPT). You must pass the Motorcycle HPT before you can attempt a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).

Visit the Hazard Perception Test page for information on completing step three of getting your licence.

  Step 4:Pass the Practical Driving Assessment: Moped (R-N class)

You can sit your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) once you have developed the ability to control your vehicle safely and have completed a sufficient level of supervised riding to pass your PDA. Visit the Practical Driving Assessment page for information on booking your PDA and what you need on the day.

Information specific to getting a moped (R-N class) licence:

  • You must be at least 16 years of age to undertake the PDA.
  • You must have successfully completed the Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
  • 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.
  • You must wear appropriate attire that consists of enclosed footwear, approved helmet, long trousers and long-sleeved shirt or fully-sleeved jacket. Gloves and eye protection are also highly recommended.

  Step 5:Provisional licence

You will be granted a provisional licence and will be able to ride unsupervised. Visit the provisional licence page for important information on riding solo.

Information specific to getting a moped (R-N class) licence:

  • You will have a provisional licence for two years or until 19 years of age whichever is the longer period.
  • You can only ride a vehicle that is designed so as not to be capable of a speed exceeding 50 km/h; and either - has an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc; or is not powered by a piston engine.
  • You must wear an approved helmet (motorcycle helmet exemptions are no longer granted.*
  • If you apply for a licence to drive another vehicle you will need to complete all of the necessary steps to obtain a licence.

* 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
Red P Plate First six months You must display white on red P plates and will be subject to night driving restrictions.
Green P Plate Remaining period You must display white on green P plates.
Page last updated: Thu Aug 17 2023 10:42:30 AM