Things to Know Before Riding a LAMS Motorbike

If you have ever been caught in traffic in Sydney, you might have thought to yourself that a motorcycle would get you places quicker and more efficiently. More than weaving in and out of the gridlock, Sydney also offers plenty of opportunities to get away for the weekend and go on a day trip to scenic locations. Motorbikes are noted for gas-efficiency so that you can get the most value for your money.

However, you cannot just go to the dealership and buy a motorbike, unless your license allows you to do it. A restricted license will give you the authority to drive a LAMS motorbike in Sydney.

Motorcycles listed under the LAMS scheme are restricted to vehicles with a power-to-weight ratio of 150 kW/t or kilowatts per tonne. The engine capacity should not exceed 660cc. An electric-powered motorbike should have a power output of 25kW or lower.

Driver’s License Classifications for Motorbikes

In Sydney, the driver’s license is classified into Class Codes.  For example, P2 is for a Manual Car, and P1 is for automatic cars. But you are not allowed to drive a car that exceeds 4.5 tonnes of gross vehicle mass, and it should hold no more than 12 passengers.

There are two types of licenses for motorcycles:

1. R — This type of class code allows you to ride any motorcycle without restriction.
2. R-E — Also called a learner’s permit, you are only allowed to drive learner approved motorcycles (LAMs). You can face a hefty fine if you are not riding a LAMS motorbike in Sydney if your license code is R-E. You can also ride a moped that can go no more than 50 kilometres per hour, but only if you do not have a passenger with you.

How to Apply for Learner’s Permit

You need to be 16 years old before you can submit your application for an R-E license so that you can drive a LAMS motorcycle.

Then, you can follow the steps below:

1. Apply for R-E permit — You will take a motorcycle theory test, pay for the application fee and the Learner Log Book. To pass the test, you need to get at least 28 answers correct. Meanwhile, the Log Book is only applicable to those who do not have a car driver’s license.

2. Learn to drive the LAMS motorcycle — You can’t drive without an approved supervisor who will ride pillion or on another motorcycle. You need to wear an approved helmet always.

3. Take Hazard Perception Test (HPT) — After six months since you received your R-E license, you will take the HPT. You need to pass the test before you are allowed to proceed to the practical driving assessment. After passing the test, you need to record on your Log Book 50 supervised driving hours, which also include five hours of driving at night.

4. Pass the practical driving assessment — You need to be at least 17 years old to qualify for the practical driving assessment.

After you pass your practical driving assessment, you can now have a provisional license, which gives you the right to drive your LAMS motorbike in Sydney without supervision. If you already possess a driver’s license, the Class Code will be added to your license. Finally, your provisional status will last for two years before you can get an R-E class license.