Home > Licensing > My driver's licence > Upgrade/add a licence > Motorcycle licence (R)

Motorcycle licence (R)

Find out how to upgrade to an R class licence once you have held your R-E class licence for two years.

Show all

  R class unrestricted motorcycle licence

R class motorcycle licences allow you to ride motorcycles with engine capacity exceeding 660 cc or a power-to-weight ratio greater than 150 kW/t. This is also known as an 'unrestricted' motorcycle licence.

In order to gain an R class motorcycle licence, you must have held a LAMS (R-E) class (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) licence for a minimum of 2 years.

Note: A (LAMS) approved motorcycle (R-E) class 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.

For more information, please download the fact sheet.

  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.

  Step 1:Learn to ride (R class)

Once you have been issued your R-E class licence, you can begin to learn to ride R class motorcycles.

A learner's permit is not required, however, you must:

  • Display L plates.
  • Be accompanied by an approved supervisor (see below).
  • Hold an R-E class licence.

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.

Visit the Learn to drive/ride page for more information on what rules you are subject to as a novice rider.

Please download the printable L-plates.

  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 2:Complete an application (Form DLA1)

Once you have held your R-E class licence for 2 years you can apply to upgrade your licence to an R class.

Please download and complete the form.

  Step 3:Provide proof of identity

You will be required to submit sufficient proof of your identity for the application.

Please go to Proof of identity for more information.

  Step 4:Submit the application in person (Form DLA1)

Applications to upgrade your licence to an R class must be submitted in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional agent.

You will need to provide:

  • Completed vehicle licence application form DLA1.
  • Proof of identity documents.
  • Required fees.

Removal of (motorcycle) class restriction fee

Fee type Fee
Removal of (motorcycle) class restriction (e.g. R-E to R) $104.40

  Step 5:Pass the Practical Driving Assessment: Motorcycle (R class)

You can take the practical assessment for an R class licence once you:

  • Have held your R-E class licence for at least two years.
  • Are confident in your ability to control your vehicle safely.
  • Have completed a sufficient level of supervised riding.

The assessment will determine your general riding skill, such as 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.

During the assessment, you must wear the appropriate attire for riding, such as:

  • Enclosed footwear.
  • Approved helmet.
  • Long trousers.
  • Long-sleeved shirt or fully-sleeved jacket.
  • Gloves and eye protection (highly recommended).

To ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your PDA, you should:

  • Provide a roadworthy vehicle of the correct class for your assessment. Refer to the Getting your motorcycle licence fact sheet below.
  • Present your primary and secondary identification.
  • Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

Visit the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) page for information on booking your PDA and what you need on the day.

  Step 6:Issue of licence: Motorcycle licence (R class)

Once you have passed your practical assessment, your licence record will be updated to show that you are now authorised to ride R class motorcycles.

You must wear an approved helmet  as 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.

A new driver's licence card will only be issued when you renew your current licence. You may wish to order a replacement licence that will reflect your updated motorcycle class.

Page last updated: Fri Apr 21 2023 10:20:53 AM