During the learner permit period there are many restrictions which must be adhered to.
This list of restrictions may be updated or amended at any time by Vic Roads.
Just as an aside. If you are planning to travel interstate it is important to perform some research of potential restrictions that may exist
During your learner permit period you must
- Motorcycle headlight(s) are on at all times
- Wear an approved high visibility vest or jacket that is visible and securely fitted and fastened (refer to the high visibility vest or jacket section, below)
- Ride a motorcycle fitted with an automatic transmission if you passed the learner permit skill assessment on an automatic transmission motorcycle
- Display an ‘L’ plate on the rear of the motorcycle that is clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres at all times whilst riding
- Carry the learner permit card at all times when riding a motorcycle, or a receipt until you receive the learner permit card
- Can only ride a motorcycle that is learner approved motorcycle (LAMS)
- must not ride a motorcycle carrying a pillion passenger (a motorcycle with a sidecar is acceptable with a passenger)
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) when riding a motorcycle must be zero
- Riding motorcycle which is towing a trailer is forbidden
- must wear an approved protective helmet at all times when riding
- must not use a mobile phone for any purpose (hands free or hand held), including sending or reading text messages, when the motorcycle is moving or stationary in traffic.
The following restrictions will be shown on your licence card as an ‘E’ condition.
If your motorcycle licence was issued before 1 October 2014, you are subject to these restrictions for 12 months:
- you must not ride a motorcycle other than a learner approved motorcycle (LAMS)
- you must not ride a motorcycle carrying a pillion passenger (a motorcycle and sidecar is acceptable with a passenger)
- you must have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) when riding a motorcycle.
If your motorcycle licence was issued on or after 1 October 2014, you are subject to these restrictions for 3 years:
- must not ride a motorcycle unless the headlight(s) of the motorcycle are on at all times
- must only ride a motorcycle fitted with an automatic transmission if you passed the motorcycle licence skill assessment on a motorcycle fitted with an automatic transmission
- must carry the driver licence card at all times when riding a motorcycle, or a receipt until you receive the driver licence card
- must not use a mobile phone for any purpose (hands free or hand held), including sending or reading text messages, when the motorcycle is moving or stationary in traffic
- must not ride a motorcycle which is towing a trailer
- must not ride a motorcycle other than a learner approved motorcycle (LAMS)
- must not ride a motorcycle carrying a pillion passenger (a motorcycle and sidecar is acceptable with a passenger)
- must have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) when riding a motorcycle.
High visibility vest or jacket
All motorcycle learners issued with a learner permit on or after 1 October 2014 must wear a high visibility vest or jacket.
The high visibility vest or jacket must meet one of the standards listed below and have a label or mark on the garment that shows the standard.
The standards for a day and night high-visibility vest or jacket are:
A high visibility vest which meets the following standards
AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 – Australian/New Zealand standard for high visibility garments
ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 – American national standard for high-visibility safety apparel and headwear.
ISO20471 or EN20471 – High visibility clothing standard: test methods and requirements
ANSI/ISEA 207-2011 – American national standard for high-visibility public safety vests
