Increased safety for motorbike riders with new training
29 August 2024
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.
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.
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 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.
Further details regarding the new training program and booking system will be released in the coming months.