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South Australia · Theory test

Getting a motorcycle licence in SA

You start with Rider Safe, the compulsory training program for novice riders who live within 100 km of a Rider Safe range. Then come a motor bike learner’s permit and an R-Date licence for approved bikes, and after two years on R-Date you can ride any motor bike. For a motorcycle licence in SA, each of those steps comes with a course or a fee, listed on this page.

  • 18Age for a motor bike learner’s permit
  • 19Youngest age for an R-Date licence
  • 660 mlLargest engine on a learner approved bike
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Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How do you get a motorcycle licence in SA?

You need the pre-learner Rider Safe training for your learner’s permit, and you must be:

  • 18 or older
  • 17 or older if you hold a provisional car licence
  • 16 or 17 if you live in a prescribed locality, with a restricted permit for study or training, work or sport

You can get an R-Date licence from 19, after the pre-licence Rider Safe training and at least 12 months on your learner’s permit. After two years on R-Date you can ride any motor bike.

Rider Safe training

Rider Safe teaches the basic and advanced skills for riding on the road. It mixes online courses, called myRiderSafe, with practical courses run by trained instructors. Ranges are at St Agnes, Murray Bridge, Port Pirie, Whyalla, Barmera and Millicent.

If you live more than 100 km from a range, you can do Rider Safe anyway, or take an on-road test with your local Authorised Examiner.

Course and permit fees

Service SA listed these motorbike fees in November 2026:

ItemFee
Online knowledge and hazard tests$37
Learner’s course, Part A$479
Learner’s course, Part B$479
Pre-licence course$240
Licence assessment$256
Learner’s permit, 17 or over (2 years)$78
Learner’s permit, under 17 (3 years)$106

Moving to an R-Date licence costs $22, or $193 if you hold no other licence class, such as a car licence. There’s no fee to move to R class.

Rules for learner riders

On a motor bike learner’s permit:

  • If you’re under 25, don’t ride between midnight and 5 am unless you meet the exemption criteria, even if you hold a licence for another class
  • Don’t lane filter
  • Don’t carry a passenger, on the pillion or in a side car, and that includes a qualified supervising driver
  • Don’t tow a trailer

Learner approved motor bikes have an engine of 660 ml or less and a power-to-weight ratio of 150 kW per tonne or less, and must be on the approved list. The Rider’s Handbook on My Licence has more detail.

See the licence classes →
Sources: Government of South Australia · Service SA. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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