LAMS explained,state by state.

What makes a motorcycle LAMS approved

LAMS — the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme — lists the motorcycles that learner and novice riders are allowed to ride. To qualify, a production motorcycle generally needs an engine of 660 cc or less and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 150 kW per tonne (calculated with a 90 kg allowance for the rider), and it must not be modified. Most small bikes are approved automatically.

How long LAMS applies, at a glance

• QLD: for the whole time you hold an RE licence — at least 2 years before you can move to an R licence.
• NSW: as a learner and on both P1 and P2, until you hold a full licence.
• VIC: as a learner and for the restricted licence period, which is 3 years.
• SA: as a learner and on the R-Date licence, which must be held 2 years before R.
• WA: as a learner and on the R-E licence, held at least 2 years before R.
• TAS: as a learner and on P1. The official page lists no LAMS condition on P2.
• ACT: as a learner and for the first 12 months of the provisional licence.
• NT: as a learner and for your restricted (12 months) or provisional licence.

Queensland

• You need a provisional or open car licence, held for at least 1 year, before you can get a motorcycle learner licence.
• Learners complete the Q-Ride pre-learner course (unless exempt) and a knowledge test, then hold the learner licence for at least 90 days.
• Learner rules: L plate, supervision, no pillion and zero alcohol.
• The RE licence (Q-Ride or a Q-SAFE test, after the motorcycle hazard perception test) restricts you to LAMS bikes; hold it 2 years before upgrading to R.

New South Wales

• No car licence is needed. The learner licence is available from 16 years and 9 months, after a pre-learner course.
• Learner rules: L plate, 90 km/h maximum, zero alcohol, no pillion, and an approved helmet, gloves and hi-vis.
• P1 follows at least 3 months on your Ls, via the pre-provisional course and the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test (MOST); P2 follows 12 months on P1.
• LAMS applies on L, P1 and P2. Since 1 July 2026 all novice riders must wear approved gloves.

Victoria

• The minimum age is 18. The learner permit comes through a two-day Motorcycle Permit Assessment course.
• Learner rules: L plate, hi-vis vest, headlight on, LAMS, no pillion, no lane filtering and zero alcohol.
• After at least 3 months on the permit you sit the Motorcycle Licence Test.
• The restricted licence keeps you on LAMS bikes, with no pillion and zero alcohol, for 3 years.

South Australia

• The learner’s permit is generally available from 18, after the Motor Bike Rider Knowledge Test, the Hazard Awareness Test and the learner’s course.
• Learner rules: zero alcohol, 100 km/h maximum, no pillion, LAMS, and — for riders under 25 — no riding between midnight and 5 am. Hold the permit for 12 months.
• The R-Date licence keeps you on LAMS bikes and must be held for 2 years before R.

Western Australia

• The R-E learner’s permit is available from 16, after the Computerised Theory Test and an eyesight test. A car licence does not let you ride.
• You then pass the motorcycle Hazard Perception Test and a Practical Driving Assessment; the licence itself is available from 17.
• P plates run for 2 years, with zero alcohol and LAMS bikes only. Hold R-E for at least 2 years before moving to R.

Tasmania

• The learner licence is available from 16 years and 6 months, after a knowledge test and a two-day pre-learner course.
• Learner rules: LAMS, L plate, zero alcohol and no passengers.
• P1 (from 17, after the pre-provisional test) keeps you on LAMS bikes, at 80 km/h maximum with no pillion, for at least a year. The official page lists no LAMS condition on P2.

Australian Capital Territory

• The learner licence is available from 16 years and 9 months, after an approved rider course.
• Learner rules: L plates, no pillion, zero alcohol and a power-to-weight limit of 150 kW per tonne.
• For the first 12 months of the provisional licence the same power-to-weight limit applies, with no pillion. The ACT states its limit as power-to-weight only.

Northern Territory

• Learner rules: zero alcohol, 80 km/h maximum, L plate, no pillion and LAMS. Hold your Ls for 6 months before the pre-provisional course.
• If you already hold an open licence in another class, you move to a 12-month restricted rider licence on LAMS bikes.
• Otherwise a provisional licence follows — 2 years if you are under 25, 1 year if you are 25 or older — with LAMS throughout.

Learning on an automatic

In several states — including NSW, Victoria, WA and the ACT — passing your test on an automatic (twist-and-go) motorcycle adds a condition limiting you to automatics. It is removed by passing the assessment again on a manual; in the ACT it also lifts on its own after 12 months. Check the rule in your state before you book your test.

Rules change — always check

This guide summarises each state’s official rules as of October 2026. Licensing rules are updated from time to time, so confirm the details with your state’s transport authority before you book a course or buy a bike. The official sources are listed below.