Motorbike Licence Courses ACT

Are you interested in getting your ACT motorbike licence at Stay Upright? Click the prompts below to learn what’s involved. We have centres in Braddon and Queanbeyan.

Red motorcycle for licence training
How do I get my motorcycle licence?

Step One: Learn How to Ride (optional)

The Pre-Learner course is designed for people who have not motorbike riding experience. However, if you are unsure whether biking is for you, or would like to get some additional training before undertaking the Pre-Learner course, why not try our popular Head Start Course.

Step Two: Check your eligibility

To be eligible for our motorbike training, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years and nine months old
  • Be a resident of ACT (or about to be)

Step Three: Complete the Pre-Learner Licensing Course

Apply for our one-day beginner’s course offered on weekdays, evenings (during October-March only), and weekends. You must have a learner, provisional or full licence to be eligible for this course.

Step Four: Visit Access Canberra Service Centre to get your Licence endorsed.

When you’ve completed your Pre-Learner Licence Course, take your certificate, along with your Driver’s Licence to an Access Canberra Service Centre within one month and it will be endorsed with the Learner rider class.  Please note that the certificate expires after one month.

Step Five: Practice your skills for at least three months

You may apply for your Pre-Provisional Course three months after your Licence was endorsed.  You’ll also need to ensure your Licence remains active and that your knowledge test, which lasts 12 months from completion, remains current.

Whilst you’re waiting for the next step, it’s a great time to practice what you’ve learnt and perfect your skills.  Stay Upright’s Range to Road Course and Private Lessons are excellent ways to develop your roadcraft abilities and practice for your Pre-Provisional Licence.

Step Six: Complete the Pre-Provisional Course and Skills Test (MOST)

Transition from an L-plater to a P-plater with pre-test coaching from our experienced trainers, followed by a Motorcycle Operators Skills Test (MOST). You must have held your Learner’s Permit for at least 3 months to qualify for this test. Make sure to leave at least a 6-week buffer from the date you book the Pre-Provisional Test and the end of your 12 months on L-plates if you don’t pass the MOST right away.

Step Seven: Head to Access Canberra to get your Licence.

When you’ve completed your MOST, take your certificate to Access Canberra Service Centre and receive a  Provisional Licence.

A Provisional Licence lasts for three years.  At this time, on the renewal of your existing Licence, you’ll be upgraded to a Full Licence.

If you have a Driver’s Licence (Provisional or Full), your Provisional Motorcycle Licence class will be added.  This will remain for 12 months, or the end of your driving provisional period, whichever is the longest.

For those without a Driver’s Licence

Take the Pre-Learner (Theory) Licence course for those without a Driver’s Licence (PLLC).

Back view of motorcycle licence instructor

ACT Licensing Courses

Learn to Ride (Optional) - from $99
Pre-Learner Motorcycle Licensing Course - from $288
Pre-Provisional Motorcycle Licensing course and MOST test - from $225
Motorcycle Operator Skill Test (MOST) Re-test - $64
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HEAD START COURSE (LEARN TO RIDE) (Optional)

The Pre-Learner course is designed to prepare riders for riding on the road. It is not designed to teach you how to ride. If you’re unsure whether biking is for you, try our popular Head Start Course.  In a 60 minute small group based training session with one of our legendary instructors, you’ll be guided through a series of riding basics, such as posture, controls, moving off and stopping.

  • Small, group-sized training with a maximum of 3 on a course.
  • Cost includes bike hire, helmet and gloves.
  • Choose between a range of time slots and locations.

Prerequisite: None

Locations: Queanbeyan

Cost: $99

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PRE-LEARNER MOTORCYCLE LICENSING COURSE

Your first step to freedom.

  • One-day course offered on weekdays, evenings (Oct-Mar only) and weekends.
  • A competency-based course, suitable for complete beginners.
  • Limited free options available for those needing more time to feel comfortable.
  • Course fee includes use of bike, helmet and gloves.
  • Spread the cost of the course in interest-free payments through Humm™.

Prerequisites:   You must be at least 16 years and 9 months old.  You must be (or about to be) an ACT resident and possess a current Australian Driver’s Licence (Learner, Provisional or Full).

Locations: Queanbeyan and Braddon

Cost: $288

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PRE-PROVISIONAL MOTORCYCLE LICENSING COURSE AND MOST TEST

The next step on your journey from Learner to P-plater.

  • Pre-test coaching with our experienced trainers followed by assessment.
  • Helmet and gloves provided.
  • Bike hire is available (please choose your selection at the checkout).
  • Spread the cost of the course in interest-free payments through Humm™.

Prerequisites:  You must have held a Learner’s Permit for at least three months.

Location:  Queanbeyan and Braddon

Cost: $225

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MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR SKILL TEST (MOST) RE-TEST

Second time lucky.  For those who have previously completed the Pre-Provisional Licensing Course but were not successful in passing the included test.

  • Approximately one hour.
  • Helmet and gloves provided.
  • Bike hire is available (please choose your selection at the checkout).

Prerequisites:  You must have completed the Pre-Provisional Licensing Course.

Location:  Queanbeyan and Braddon

Cost: $64

Bike Hire

We’ve got your back – and your bike.  We offer a range of easy-to-ride bikes available for hire for a number of our courses.  You can book to hire them when you book your test – or any time up to the start of the course (subject to availability).   Please note that the cost of the bike does not include the course fee.

Bike hire for Pre-Provisional Course and Test - $125
Bike hire for most Re-Test - $70
Motorcycle licence training

Ride better, sooner!

Practice session for L-Platers - $75
Private Lessons - $115
Head Start Course - $99
Range to Road for Pre-Learners - $179
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PRACTICE SESSION FOR L-PLATERS

Practice makes perfect.  Our Practice Sessions prepare L-Platers for their Pre-Provisional Training and Test.  Led by our experienced instructors, the course is designed to improve your physical and mental skills.  It will also help you resolve any issues – making your transition to P’s, much easier.

  • One-hour session, with a maximum of five participants.
  • Bike hire is included, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Prerequisites: You must have your Learner’s Permit.

Location: Queanbeyan

Cost: $75

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PRIVATE LESSONS

There’s nothing better than some good old one-to-one tuition to build your confidence and enhance your skills – especially when it’s provided by one of Stay Upright’s experienced instructors.

  • One-hour coaching sessions tailored to suit your needs.
  • Bike hire is included, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Location: Queanbeyan

Cost:  $115

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HEAD START COURSE

Try before you buy.  If you’re unsure whether biking is for you, try our popular Head Start Course.  In a 60-minute, private session with one of our legendary instructors, you’ll be guided through a series of riding basics, such as posture, controls, moving off and stopping.

  • Cost includes bike hire, helmet and gloves
  • Choose between a range of time slots and locations.

Location:  Queanbeyan

Cost: $99

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RANGE TO ROAD FOR PRE-LEARNERS

Get off the range and onto the road.  This course helps Pre-Leaners transition from the training range, to the public road, with confidence.  Led by our experienced instructors, you’ll refresh your skills, finesse your lane positioning, enhance your roadcraft and understand how best to deal with a variety challenges you are likely to come across, on the road.

  • Two-hour sessions with a maximum of four participants.
  • Bike hire is included, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Prerequisites:  Learner’s Permit.

Locations:  Queanbeyan

Cost: $179

Adventure

ADVENTURE COURSE

Get some fresh air on our Adventure Course. No matter what skill level, we’ll give you the skills to fly! In a full, fun-packed day course, you’ll learn how to handle the things you might come across in an adventure ride; how to ride in sand or dirt, how to ascend and descend, how to pick up a dropped bike (and how to pick bugs out of your teeth….)  You’ll also learn how to ride a big bike, off road and lots of off-road techniques that will help you to go further, easier.

  • You can bring your own adventure bike or hire a brand-new Honda CRF230. Oh yeah!
  • Spread the cost of the course in interest-free payments through Humm™.

Prerequisites: A motorcycle licence – learners and above. If on a restricted licence, the rider must have a LAMS approved bike. Adventure bike gear recommended.

Location:  ACT Motorcycle Club, Majura

Cost: $350

Motorcycle rider training on river crossing

Roadsmart Courses

You can never be too good at riding a bike – especially when it comes to the road.   Our Roadsmart Series provides road smart training for all levels of rider.

SU Roadsmart One - $229
SU Roadsmart Two - $365
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SU ROADSMART ONE

Roadsmart One is the first step to riding smart on the road.  It’s designed for L-platers, P-platers and anyone who would like to build their confidence.  In a half-day (four hours), you’ll expand your physical and mental skills to ensure you can handle the road with aplomb.  You’ll perfect techniques like cornering and braking and enhance your roadcraft, allowing you to stay safe whilst enjoying your ride.

  • Takes place on the track but is road-focused, keeping you safe whilst you work on your skills.
  • This course is recognised by many insurers to achieve a discount.
  • Spread the cost of the course in interest-free payments through Humm™.
  • It is important to emphasize that you must have your own motorcycle to attend.

Prerequisites:  Learner’s Permit or above. You must hold the appropriate licence for the bike in which you will be riding.

Location:  SDMA Hillclimb

Cost: $229

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SU ROADSMART TWO

Roadsmart Two is the second in our popular Roadsmart series – and our most popular course too.   It’s designed for those who want to perfect their riding skills and ensure their safety on the road.  The full-day course blends roadcraft with physical skills.  In it, you’ll master cornering, braking and bike control.  You’ll perfect your posture and vision abilities.  You’ll also have plenty of riding time and our Follow Sessions will give you detailed feedback on your riding technique – and show you how it can be improved.

  • Takes place on the track but is road-focused, keeping you safe whilst you work on your skills.
  • This course is recognised by many insurers to achieve a discount.
  • Spread the cost of the course in interest-free payments through Humm™.
  • It is important to emphasize that you must have your own motorcycle to attend.

Prerequisites:  Learner’s Permit or above. You must hold the appropriate licence for the bike in which you will be riding.

Location:  Majura

Cost: $365

RETURNING RIDERS

The Returning Riders’ Course is for long-term licensed riders who are returning to motorcycling after a lengthy break. It was initiated by the ACT’s Motorcycle Riders Association (MRA) and developed and operated by Stay Upright for those with no formal training in the past five to ten years.

  • In this partially-subsidised, one-day course, you’ll rediscover defensive riding techniques, refresh your manoeuvring and stopping skills and receive detailed feedback on your performance. There’s no formal testing so you can relax and take the course at your own pace.
  • Bring your own bike and equipment
    You can even bring your pillion – but please give us advanced notice
  • Please note that this course isn’t recommended for those looking to transition from automatic to manual bike licenses; we recommend a private lesson for this specific training.

Prerequisites: A current Australian Motorcycle Licence (Learners, Provisional or Full Unrestricted)

Location: SDMA Hillclimb

Cost: $220

Workplace Training

At Stay Upright, we believe that safety should be your number one concern on the farm or at your workplace.

Stay Upright can provide accredited workplace training courses, tailored to your needs, at your location or ours. To make safer riding skills more accessible to side-by-side users across Australia, we've also introduced a self-paced online training course which is ideal for anyone who uses a side by side vehicle at their workplace or on their farm.

You can find more information about both our in-person and online courses at the links below. If you have additional questions, or would like more information on what the courses entail, please contact our team on 1300 366 640.

Tap here for information on our face to face Workplace Training Courses for Side-By-Sides, Quads and two-wheelers.
More information
Tap here for information on our self-paced online course for Side-By Sides
More information

Who we Train

  • Australia Post
  • Parks Victoria
  • DELWP - Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning
  • Australian Antarctic Division
  • Central Highlands Water
  • Western Plains Park
  • Fire & Rescue NSW
  • TAFE NSW
  • CSIRO
Workplace Training 4w

Online Side-By-Side Training Course

In conjunction with the team at Polaris, Stay Upright has developed an online training course for operators of Side-By- Side vehicles. This course is perfect for:
  • Beginners looking for an overview of the safe operation of SBS vehicles
  • Experienced operators who have completed the face to face module (AHCMOM216 – Operate Side by Side Utility Vehicles) and are looking for a refresher course
  • Organisations looking to meet their duty of care to employees by providing ongoing training
The course covers:
  • Risk management
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Pre-ride SBS Utility check
  • Choosing the right vehicle for the right job
  • Environmental considerations
  • OHS/WHS
  • Loads and towing
  • Loading/unloading
  • Basic safety driving tips
Duration: Designed to be completed in approximately 30 minutes. Complete it when it suits you! You will automatically be emailed a link after you purchase the course, to complete in your own time.

Cost: $99 per person

WORKPLACE TRAINING

We began providing Australian Workplace Training in 1990 – and if we do say so ourselves, we’re very good at it.  Our registered courses have achieved the Australia Qualifications Framework at the highest possible level. We work closely with everyone from Government agencies to Agricultural and food delivery businesses, to train staff and significantly reduce the risk of accidents, for two-wheel, Quad and side-by-side vehicles.

We train and assess to National units of competency including:

  • AHCMOM201 – Operate 2-Wheel Motorbikes
  • AHCMOM216 – Operate Side by Side Utility Vehicles
  • AHCMOM217 – Operate Quad Bikes / ATVs

For more information or to book a course for your organisation, contact our professional team at atv@stayupright.com.au.

RTO Code: 90714

UTV offroad licence
How do I get my motorcycle licence?

Step One: Learn How to Ride (optional)

The Pre-Learner course is designed for people who have not motorbike riding experience. However, if you are unsure whether biking is for you, or would like to get some additional training before undertaking the Pre-Learner course, why not try our popular Head Start Course.

Step Two: Check your eligibility

To be eligible for our motorbike training, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years and nine months old
  • Be a resident of ACT (or about to be)

Step Three: Complete the Pre-Learner Licensing Course

Apply for our one-day beginner’s course offered on weekdays, evenings (during October-March only), and weekends. You must have a learner, provisional or full licence to be eligible for this course.

Step Four: Visit Access Canberra Service Centre to get your Licence endorsed.

When you’ve completed your Pre-Learner Licence Course, take your certificate, along with your Driver’s Licence to an Access Canberra Service Centre within one month and it will be endorsed with the Learner rider class.  Please note that the certificate expires after one month.

Step Five: Practice your skills for at least three months

You may apply for your Pre-Provisional Course three months after your Licence was endorsed.  You’ll also need to ensure your Licence remains active and that your knowledge test, which lasts 12 months from completion, remains current.

Whilst you’re waiting for the next step, it’s a great time to practice what you’ve learnt and perfect your skills.  Stay Upright’s Range to Road Course and Private Lessons are excellent ways to develop your roadcraft abilities and practice for your Pre-Provisional Licence.

Step Six: Complete the Pre-Provisional Course and Skills Test (MOST)

Transition from an L-plater to a P-plater with pre-test coaching from our experienced trainers, followed by a Motorcycle Operators Skills Test (MOST). You must have held your Learner’s Permit for at least 3 months to qualify for this test. Make sure to leave at least a 6-week buffer from the date you book the Pre-Provisional Test and the end of your 12 months on L-plates if you don’t pass the MOST right away.

Step Seven: Head to Access Canberra to get your Licence.

When you’ve completed your MOST, take your certificate to Access Canberra Service Centre and receive a  Provisional Licence.

A Provisional Licence lasts for three years.  At this time, on the renewal of your existing Licence, you’ll be upgraded to a Full Licence.

If you have a Driver’s Licence (Provisional or Full), your Provisional Motorcycle Licence class will be added.  This will remain for 12 months, or the end of your driving provisional period, whichever is the longest.

For those without a Driver’s Licence

Take the Pre-Learner (Theory) Licence course for those without a Driver’s Licence (PLLC).

ACT FAQ’s

How to get a full motorcycle licence in Canberra?

To get your full motorcycle licence in the ACT, you’ll need to have your Pre-Provisional Licence for a minimum of three years. When you renew your licence, it will be converted to a full licence. 

Do you have any training courses available?

Yes! We have several courses available for those looking to get back into riding, learning how to ride, or those that just need some extra practice, including:

  • Practice session for L-Platers
  • Private Lessons
  • Head Start Course
  • Range to Road for Pre-Learners
  • Adventure Course
  • SU Roadsmart One/Two
  • Returning Riders’ Course

What will they ask me to do for my ACT motorcycle licence exam?

The Pre-Learner Licencing Course consists of one day of theory and practical examination. The Pre-Provisional Course and MOST are theory-based. You’ll be tested on your road safety knowledge and asked to perform on a motorbike to prove that you’re eligible to ride.

Will you assist me in applying for my motorbike licence in the ACT?

Of course. If you need any help with your application or just need some training/practice, get in touch with us to find a suitable location near you.

Can I have an ACT motorcycle licence but not a car licence?

Yes. If you don’t have a driver’s licence, you can take the Pre-learner (Theory) Licence Course (PLLC) to learn everything you need.

How long will it be between getting my learner’s permit to getting my motorcycle licence in the ACT?

The timeline for a full licence is as follows:

  • Complete the Pre-learner Course
  • Three months later, you can take the Pre-Provisional Licence test
  • Three years later, you can renew your licence to get your full motorcycle licence

What are the requirements for getting a motorcycle licence in the ACT?

To get your motorcycle licence in , you’ll need to complete the Pre-learner Licencing Course — a one-day practice test. You can then pick up your certificate to add the learner rider class to your driver’s licence.

To become a P-Plater, you need to complete the Pre-Provisional Course and MOST. This will give you a Provisional Licence, which can be renewed in three years for a full licence.

How can I get my ACT motorcycle licence?

To get your P-Plate Motorcycle licence in the ACT, you’ll need to go through six key steps with Stay Upright:

  1. Double-check your eligibility
    To learn to ride a bike in , you’ll need to be at least 16 years and nine months old, be a resident of ACT (or in the process of becoming one) and have a learner, provisional or full licence — if you don’t have a driver’s licence, you can complete the Pre-Learner (Theory) Licence course to be eligible for an ACT motorcycle licence.
  2. Complete the Pre-Learner Licencing Course
    Apply for and complete the one-day learner’s course that we offer from October to March. You’ll receive your course certificate upon completion.
  3. Go to an Access Canberra Service Centre for licence endorsement
    After your Pre-Learner Licencing Course, take your certificate to an Access Canberra Service Centre to get it endorsed. You must do this within one month of completing your Pre-Learner Licencing Course to avoid your certificate from expiring.
    You’ll need to complete a visual acuity eye test before your certificate can be officially endorsed — you will then have a learner rider class added to your licence. After a minimum of three months, you can go for a Pre-Provisional Licence test.
  4. Practice your skills
    It’s a good idea to practice the skills you’ve learned and get used to riding so you can apply for a Pre-Provisional Course exam confidently. Use your time wisely, and make sure you take the test within 12 months of completing your Pre-Learner Licencing Course to be eligible for a P-Plate exam.
  5. Take the Pre-Provisional Course and Skills Test (MOST)
    To successfully transition from your L-Plates to P-Plates, you’ll need to complete the Pre-Provisional Course and the Motorcycle Operators Skills Test (MOST). It’s recommended that you don’t wait too long to take this exam, as the MOST can be redone, so you should account for the time it takes to reschedule.
  6. Pick up your Provisional Licence
    Visit Access Canberra to validate your certificate and receive your Provisional Licence (which lasts for three years). When you renew it, you’ll receive your full licence.

What should I wear?

You must wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy footwear (no steel caps) for every course.  We provide helmet, gloves and bike on the Learner’s Course.  For those on the Pre-Provisional course, bike hire is available.

What happens if I am late?

If you don’t arrive on time, you won’t be able to start the course and will need to book (and pay) again.

What happens if it rains?

Whatever the weather, our courses will go ahead.

What happens if I can’t make my course or I need to change my date?

Please contact us, at least seven days ahead of your course, to discuss your options.

If you’re sick on the day, please get a doctor’s certificate from your GP and let us know as soon as you can.

Full terms and conditions are provided at the time of booking and attached to your booking confirmation.

I’m new to riding a motorbike – will the Learner’s course teach me how?

The Learner’s course is designed for those with no motorcycle experience.  If you can ride a bicycle, that’s a great start – ideally you need a sense of balance and coordination.  However, since it’s a competencies-based course, there is no guarantee that you’ll pass.  There is limited free remedial training available but if you think you’ll need a little extra help, book one of our popular private lessons, to boost your confidence.

Give me a break! And what about lunch?

Yes, courses include scheduled breaks, but our trainers are better on the track than they are in the kitchen, so you will need to bring your own lunch and refreshments.

What does LAMS mean?

LAMS is short for ‘Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme’ – and are bikes that have been approved for Learners.  A LAMS bike has an engine capacity of between 251 and 660cc, with a power output of less than 150kw per tonne.

Can I convert my overseas licence?

Yes.  If you wish to do so within three months of becoming a permanent resident you must:

  • Successfully complete the Pre-Provisional Training Course
  • Successfully complete the MOST
  • Present a full overseas motorcycle licence, that you have held for more than three years, to Access Canberra OR
  • If you don’t hold a full Australian Driver’s Licence, successfully complete the Road Rules Knowledge Test

If you’ve been a permanent resident for more than three months, you must:

  • Successfully complete the Pre-learner training course
  • If you don’t hold a full Australian Driver’s Licence, you must successfully complete the Road Rules Knowledge test

Once you’ve been issued an ACT Learner’s Licence, you must:

  • Successfully complete the pre-provisional training course
  • Successfully complete the MOST
  • Present a full overseas motorcycle licence, that you have held for more than three years, to Access Canberra