Motorbike Learner License Q&A | Motorcycle Training Perth

by Victor Marneweckin Licensing and Regulations, Local Resources & Locations, Motorcycle Training, Perth Riding Lessons

Q & As for Motorbike Learner Riders in Western Australia

Getting your motorcycle learner’s license can be exciting, but it also raises a lot of questions about what you can and cannot do. To help, we’ve answered some of the most common queries learner riders in Western Australia ask.

Q: Is a learner rider permitted to ride unaccompanied?
A: No. In Western Australia, learner riders must always be supervised by a qualified supervisor.

Q: Who is a qualified supervisor?
A: In WA, a qualified supervisor is a person who has held the relevant license for a minimum period of time.

  • Moped (RN): The supervisor must hold at least a C class driver’s license for no less than 2 years.
  • RE Class (LAMS): The supervisor must hold an RE license for at least 4 years, or an R class license for at least 2 years.

Q: How many learners can a supervisor supervise at once?
A: Technically, there is no limit — a supervisor can oversee any number of learners, as long as they remain in visual contact at all times.

From experience, however, it is safest to supervise no more than 2 learners at once. The supervisor should ride ahead to set the pace while maintaining visual contact with learners behind. If intercoms are being used, it may be possible to supervise more riders, with the supervisor riding at the rear to provide instructions.

Q: Do I need to display L plates?
A: Yes. Learners must always display compliant L plates while riding a motorcycle. The requirements in WA are:

  • Yellow background, square, 145mm x 145mm.
  • Black capital letter “L”, 105mm high and 145mm wide, with stroke thickness of 20mm.

Failing to display proper L plates can result in fines or other penalties.

Q: Do I need to display “P” Plates
A: If you have held a motorcar license for more than 2 years, then NO. If you have never held any class of license before or you are currently displaying “P” plates on your motorcar, then YES. You will display the same colour plates as you do on your car.

Q: Do I need to log my hours
A:If you are currently logging hours for your motorcar, or you do not have a C/CA Class (car license), then you will need to log your hours. At the time of writing this article, the requirement is for 50 hours of supervised driving/riding. Check with your local Department of Transport DVS office for details.

Q: Do my car hours count for my motorcycle hours (If I need to log my hours)
A:Yes, your hours in the car or motorcycle, count towards your logged supervised driving hours.

Final Thoughts

The learner license stage is designed to give you supervised experience while building safe and consistent riding habits. At BikeSAFE Motorcycle Training, we make sure our learner riders not only understand the rules but also gain practical skills to handle the road with confidence.

For more information or to book your first motorcycle lesson, get in touch with BikeSAFE Motorcycle Training Joondalup via the Contact Us page.