The motorcycle knowledge test in QLD

Who can sit the motorcycle knowledge test in QLD?

You need a provisional or open car licence that you've held for at least a year, and you need to have finished the Q-Ride pre-learner course. If you live more than 100 km from a Q-Ride training area, you can apply for an exemption from the course, but then you hold your learner licence for at least 12 months instead of the usual 3. You also need to be medically fit to ride.

What's on the test

There are 30 questions and you need 27 correct. They cover topics from road rules to risk management and hazard perception, and some come from the Queensland Motorcycle Riders' Guide as well as the car handbook. If you already hold an RE licence and are moving up to R, you don't need to sit it again.

Taking it online or at a centre

You can take it online if you've done the pre-learner course or have an exemption, you hold a Queensland provisional, probationary or open licence, and you've held another class for at least a year in the past 5 years. You get one attempt a day and only pay when you pass. Pass and pay online, and the RE learner licence may be added to your licence automatically.

You'll need a licence issuing centre instead if your licence has expired or expires within 6 weeks, or if you haven't had a digital photo and signature taken in the last 9 years. Returning drivers sit it in person. At a counter you pay whether you pass or not.

After the knowledge test

With your RE learner licence, you ride a learner approved motorcycle: one with an electric motor or an engine of no more than 660 mL, a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 150 kW per tonne, and listed on TMR's scheme. You also pass the motorcycle hazard perception test before your riding test. Q-SAFE riding tests can't be booked online, so call 13 23 80 or go to a centre.

To learn on an R class bike later, you need 2 years on an RE provisional or open licence, or 1 year if you got your RE before 1 October 2016.