Getting a moped or motorcycle licence
When can I apply for a learner's permit?
You can apply for an R-N (moped) learner's permit at the age of 15 years and 6 months or an R-E learner's permit at 16 years of age.
If you already hold any class of WA driver's licence (other than a learner's permit), this automatically covers you to ride a moped.
You can apply for an R class learner's permit once you hold a full R-E class licence (not provisional). However, you cannot sit the practical test for the R class until you have held your full R-E licence for at least one year.
The motorcycle theory test
You will need to sit the motorcycle theory test (pdf 181kb) if you are applying for an R-E class. This test is not required for the R-N or R class.
This test consists of 15 multiple-choice questions on road rules that relate to motorcycles. You have to get 12 or more correct to pass.
You can prepare for this test by reading the relevant sections of the Drive Safe book. You can download the book in pdf or audio format or get a copy from any Licensing centre and agent.
The road rules theory test
You may also be required to sit the road rules theory test. This is a test of 30 multiple choice questions on the road rules and safe driving practices. You will need to get 24 or more correct to pass.
You will be required to sit this test only if you are applying for an R-N (moped) or R-E learner's permit and these are the first licence classes that you have applied for.
You can prepare for this test by reading the Drive Safe book and taking the online learner's permit practice quiz.
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What happens next?
Once you have gained your learner's permit you will need to learn to ride and then eventually take your practical riding assessment before gaining your licence.
The classes explained
If you want to ride a moped or motorcycle, you must hold the correct driver's licence class. There are three motorcycle classes. They are:
| Classes |
What you can ride |
Eligibility requirements to hold class |
Other classes covered |
| R-N |
Any moped.
A moped is a motorcycle that has a propelling engine having a piston displacement not exceeding 50cc and that is designed so as to be capable of a speed not exceeding 60km/h, whether or not it is also capable of being propelled as a pedal cycle, but does not include a power assisted pedal cycle. |
Minimum age 16 years (letter of consent required from a parent or legal guardian if under 18 years of age). |
Nil |
| |
|
|
|
| R-E |
You can ride any:
- Motorcycle with or without a side car attachment with an engine capacity not exceeding 250cc.
- Motor carrier with an engine capacity not exceeding 250cc.
|
Minimum age 17 years (letter of consent required from a parent or legal guardian if under 18 years of age). Must pass motorcycle theory test. |
R-N |
| |
|
|
|
| R |
You can ride any:
- Motorcycle with or without a side car attachment.
- Motor carrier.
|
Must have held R-E class for at least one year. |
R-E and R-N |
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