Increased safety for motorbike riders with new training

Thursday, 29 August 2024

South Australian motorbike riders will have a safer start on the road with new training requirements for those wanting to obtain a licence, improving safety for all road users.

From 9 December 2024, riders applying for a motorbike learner’s permit or R-Date licence class will be required to undertake more extensive training as part of the Rider Safe program, the practical training component of the Motorbike Graduated Licensing Scheme.

The restructured Rider Safe program will better prepare riders with the skills and experience they need to use our roads safely, raising the bar for competency and expertise. Key changes include the introduction of on-road assessments which will complement the existing training. The current curriculum will also be expanded to have an increased focus on safety awareness, judgement and decision-making.

The current course, which is delivered by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, involves two half day sessions where riders learn basic operating and manoeuvring skills. Once completed, riders are required to hold a learner’s permit for 12 months and pass a final advanced rider safety course before they can obtain an R-Date licence.

Under the reforms, novice riders will be required to attend and successfully pass double the training that is currently required. This includes a motorbike-specific hazard perception and rider knowledge course, two full-day practical courses, a pre-licence course and a licence assessment. The final on-road assessment will provide riders a set route to travel along while an instructor observes and assesses their ability to ride safely and effectively.

Learners will need to successfully complete all the assessments and hold a learner’s permit for 12 months before they can apply for an R-Date licence. This will allow them to ride a learner-approved motorbike.

The cost of obtaining a motorbike licence will increase from its current $811 to $1400, reflecting the additional training involved.

Training occurs at six locations across the state including St Agnes, Murray Bridge, Millicent, Barmera, Port Pirie and Whyalla. All novice riders across the state will be required to complete the online motorbike-specific hazard perception and rider knowledge tests.

The extended training will improve the skills of novice motorbike riders, helping to reduce the number of serious and fatal crashes. Sadly, eight motorbike riders have lost their lives on South Australian roads this year - 14 per cent of all lives lost on the state’s roads so far in 2024.

The State Government has committed almost $4 million over five years to deliver these reforms, which were designed in consultation with industry bodies, current trainers and by reviewing assessment requirements in other states and territories.