Applying for your motorbike licence

To get a motorbike licence in SA you'll need a mySAGOV account.

If you don't already have a current (C) class driver's licence or learner's permit, you'll need to pass the Learner Theory Test before you can complete the online tests.

Steps to getting a licence

  1. Step 1

    Pass the online myRiderSafe tests

    You'll need to:

    • pass the online Motorbike Rider Knowledge Test — knowledge of safe riding techniques and common crash and injury risks for motorbike riders
    • pass the online Motorbike Hazard Awareness Test — recognise and respond to potentially dangerous situations and hazards that apply to riding a motorbike.

    One payment of $35 gives you access to both online tests.

    Complete both tests in your mySAGOV account. You must pass both tests before you can book into the Motorbike Learners Course.

  2. Step 2

    Pass the Motorbike Learner's Course

    The Motorbike Learners Course is split into 2 parts, Part A and Part B.

    Each part is booked separately, and they run on separate days.

    This step includes both theory and practical assessments.

    The fee for Part A and Part B of the Motorbike Learners Course is $464 each, totalling $928.

  3. Step 3

    Apply for your motorbike learner's permit

    To be issued a motorbike learner's permit (R-DATE class), you must:

    • have passed the online Motorbike Rider Knowledge Test and Motorbike Hazard Awareness Test
    • have passed the Motorbike Learner's Course
    • be at least:
      • 18 years of age
      • 17 years of age and hold a provisional licence
      • 16 years of age and live in a prescribed locality — you'll be eligible for a restricted learner's permit and will only be able to ride for specific purposes
    • log in to your mySAGOV account or attend a Service SA centre and pay the learner's permit fee:
      • $74 issued for 2 years if aged over 17
      • $101 issued for 3 years if aged under 17.

    You must hold your motorbike learner's permit for a minimum period of 12 months, regardless of age and regardless of whether a full licence is held.

    You must carry your motorbike learner's permit at all times while riding.

  4. Step 4

    Complete the Motorbike Pre-Licence Course and Motorbike Licence Assessment

    Once you have your motorbike learner's permit, you'll need to complete the Motorbike Pre-licence Requirements. You must:

    • pass the Motorbike Pre-Licence Course — includes theory and on road components. A fee of $232 applies
    • pass the Motorbike Licence Assessment — a 75-minute, one-on-one, on-road assessment with an instructor. A fee of $248 applies.

    Both courses can only be booked in your mySAGOV account.

  5. Step 5

    Apply for your motorbike licence

    To be issued your motorbike licence (R-DATE class), you must:

    • have passed the Motorbike Pre-Licence Course
    • have passed the Motorbike Licence Assessment
    • be at least 19 years old
    • have held your motorbike learners permit for at least 12 months
    • log in to your mySAGOV account or attend a Service SA centre to apply.

    If you already hold a driver's licence, the R-DATE motorbike class will be added to your driver's licence. A fee of $20 will apply.

    If you don't have a driver's licence but have held a learner's permit for at least 12 calendar months, and you're at least 19 years old, you may be able to apply for a provisional licence.

    You must hold your R-DATE licence class for 2 years before you can ride motorbikes other than those on the learner approved motorbikes list.

  6. Step 6

    Move to a full motorbike licence (R class)

    Once you've held your R-DATE class licence for 2 years and the eligibility date has lapsed, you can ride a motorbike or motor trike of any power to weight ratio.

    You don't need to apply or do further testing to upgrade to R class.

    The R class will be automatically added when you next renew your licence. You can choose to have the class added before your next renewal, however a $20 fee will apply.

Fees

A list of the costs for the motorbike training steps are on licence and permit fees.

Exemptions

You don't have to complete the practical Rider Safe courses, if you live more than 100 km (as the crow flies) from one of the six training range locations.

The Rider Safe locations are in St Agnes, Murray Bridge, Millicent, Barmera, Port Pirie and Whyalla.

Apply for a motorbike (R-DATE) learners permit under the exemption

Apply for a motorbike (R-DATE) licence under the exemption

Need help?

Contact Service SA


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Page last updated 23 April 2026

Provided by:
Department for Infrastructure and Transport
URL:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/licences/motorcycle-licences/applying-for-a-motorcycle-licence
Last Updated:
23/04/26
Printed on:
06/06/26
Copyright statement:
SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. © Copyright 2026
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