- Changes to better prepare motorcycle licence applicants and train safer riders
- New process to come into effect on Monday, November 5
- WA to introduce Australia's first motorcycle specific Hazard Perception Test
The State Government has made changes to improve the motorcycle graduated licensing system (GLS), which will come into effect on November 5, 2018.
The Department of Transport has changed the process to attain a motorcycle licence to better prepare R class licence holders, and bring Western Australia in line with other Australian jurisdictions.
From Monday (November 5), R-E class applicants must complete a newly developed motorcycle specific Hazard Perception Test (HPT) - the first of its kind in Australia - before attempting the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
In addition, applicants must hold their learner's permit for a minimum of six months prior to undertaking the HPT for an R-E class licence.
Following a minimum two-year restricted licence phase, R-E class licence holders can attempt the R class PDA - which together with the R-E class PDA has seen an increase in rigour.
An R-E class licence restricts the rider to a motorcycle with an engine capacity of less than 660cc and a power to weight ratio less than 150kW/t. An R class licence removes the engine restriction for the rider.
Existing R-E licence holders will be able to sit a PDA one year or more from the issue date of their R-E class licence to be granted an R class licence.
Those who obtain an R-E class licence on or after November 5 can attempt an R class PDA two years from the issue date of their R-E class licence.
