Rules for RE provisional or open licence holders
Motorcycles
You must only ride a learner approved motorcycle.
P plates
If you have an RE P1 provisional licence, you must display a red P plate on the rear of the motorcycle you are riding.
If you have an RE P2 provisional licence, you must display a green P plate on the rear of the motorcycle you are riding.
Or you can wear a vest that clearly displays a capital ‘P’ of the relevant colour on the back.
Riding with a passenger
You can only carry a passenger if you have held your RE provisional or open motorcycle licence for at least 1 year.
This rule includes both pillion passengers and passengers sitting in a sidecar.
Read more about rules for motorcycle passengers.
Drugs and alcohol
You must comply with the no alcohol limit (0.00 BAC) for the first year of holding an RE provisional or open licence.
The no alcohol limit also applies if you are learning to ride an R motorcycle on your RE licence provisional or open licence.
If you are found drink or drug driving, you will be fined and your licence will be cancelled.
Read more about drink and drug driving.
Riding and mobile phones
Mobile phone restrictions depend on your age and the type of car licence that you hold.
- P1 licence holders under 25 years of age must not use a mobile phone at all when riding.
- P2 licence holders, P1 holders over 25 years of age, and open licence holders are permitted to use a mobile phone hands-free when riding. For example, if the phone is mounted into a cradle.
Any rider using a mobile phone legally must always maintain proper control of their vehicle and drive with due care and attention. Find out more about mobile phone rules.
Upgrading from an RE provisional or open licence
To upgrade to an R licence, you will need to hold your RE provisional or open licence for at least 2 years and successfully complete the Q-Ride unrestricted (R) course or pass a Q-SAFE riding test.
Note: If you got your RE provisional or open licence before 1 October 2016 you can learn to ride an R motorcycle or upgrade an R licence after you have held your RE provisional or open licence for at least 1 year.