Overseas Motorcycle Licence Conversion — Victoria
Overseas Motorcycle Licence Conversion in Victoria — What You Need to Know
Stay Upright is a VicRoads-approved M-GLS provider. We run courses at training centres across Victoria — Braeside, Dandenong, Werribee, Geelong, Ballarat, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Horsham.
Do I need to convert my overseas motorcycle licence in Victoria?
Yes — once you become a Victorian resident, you must convert your overseas motorcycle licence. As a temporary visitor you may be able to ride on your overseas licence with an International Driving Permit (IDP), but residents must hold a Victorian licence.
What will VicRoads assess?
VicRoads will look at your overseas licence details, issuing country, and licence class. They will determine whether your licence is recognised and what courses or tests you need to complete before a Victorian motorcycle licence can be issued.
What courses does Stay Upright offer for overseas converters?
We deliver all VicRoads M-GLS courses: the two-day MPA ($525) to get your Learner Permit, the Check Ride ($279) after 3+ months on permit, and the MLA ($279) for your full licence. All are bookable online and available on Afterpay.
How long does conversion take?
If the full M-GLS pathway is required, expect a minimum of 4 months: MPA course → 3 months on Learner Permit → Check Ride → 1 month wait → MLA. Stay Upright runs frequent course dates across Victoria to minimise waiting time.
Is equipment provided?
Yes. Training motorcycles are provided at all our Victorian centres. Helmets and gloves are available for hire. Bring your own approved helmet if you have one. Appropriate clothing (long sleeves, ankle boots) is required for all riding courses.
Can I spread the cost?
All Stay Upright courses are available on Afterpay — split into 4 interest-free payments. The full M-GLS pathway (MPA + Check Ride + MLA) totals $1,083, payable in stages as you complete each course.
Overseas Motorcycle Licence Conversion — 4 Steps
Here’s how to convert your overseas motorcycle licence to a Victorian licence through VicRoads. Stay Upright delivers all required M-GLS courses across Victoria.
How overseas motorcycle licence conversion works in Victoria
Visit VicRoads for a licence assessment
Your first step is to visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre in person to have your overseas motorcycle licence assessed. You cannot complete this step online or over the phone.
What to bring if you hold a Victorian car licence or permit:
- Your current Victorian car licence or permit
- Your overseas motorcycle licence (original)
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) or certified translation if your licence is not in English
What to bring if you do NOT hold a Victorian car licence:
- Passport and proof of Victorian residential address
- Hazard Perception Test result (completed at VicRoads)
- Knowledge Test result (completed at VicRoads)
- Your overseas motorcycle licence (original)
Call VicRoads on 13 11 71 or visit vicroads.vic.gov.au to confirm your specific requirements before attending.
Receive VicRoads' determination on what courses and tests you need
VicRoads will assess your overseas licence and determine the level of recognition it receives in Victoria. Based on this assessment, they will advise you of the specific courses and/or tests you need to complete.
Most overseas licence holders are required to complete the full VicRoads M-GLS pathway:
- Motorcycle Pre-Learner Assessment (MPA) — two-day course to obtain your Learner Permit
- Check Ride — intermediate on-road assessment after 3+ months on permit
- Motorcycle Licence Assessment (MLA) — final on-road assessment for your full licence
In some cases, depending on your country of origin, VicRoads may waive certain steps. They will confirm exactly what is required at your assessment appointment.
Book and complete your Stay Upright courses
Once you know what VicRoads requires, book your courses with Stay Upright. We are a VicRoads-approved M-GLS provider with training centres across Victoria. All courses are available on Afterpay.
MPA – Two-Day Learner Permit Course (from $525)
The mandatory two-day course to get your Victorian motorcycle Learner Permit. Training motorcycles provided. Helmets and gloves available for hire. On completion, take your certificate to VicRoads to receive your Learner Permit.
Check Ride – Intermediate Licence Assessment (from $279)
After holding your Learner Permit for a minimum of 3 months, complete the Check Ride. This intermediate on-road assessment must be completed at least one month before your MLA booking.
MLA – Motorcycle Licence Assessment (from $279)
The final step. Pass the MLA and visit VicRoads to receive your full Victorian motorcycle licence.
Collect your Victorian motorcycle licence from VicRoads
After successfully completing the MLA, return to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre with your MLA completion certificate. VicRoads will then issue your full Victorian motorcycle licence.
If you held a full licence overseas (and have no learner permit conditions to serve), VicRoads may be able to issue your full licence immediately. They will advise you of the exact process at your original assessment appointment.
VicRoads fee for issuing a Victorian motorcycle licence varies — see the fees table below for current costs.
What You'll Learn in Your Stay Upright Conversion Courses
Our MPA and MLA courses are designed to build real-world riding confidence, not just get you through a test. By the end of the pathway you'll have covered:
- Vital knowledge of motorcycle and scooter components and their correct use
- Essentials of moving off, turning, and stopping safely
- Emergency braking and counter-steering for hazard avoidance
- Cornering techniques, throttle control, and advanced observation skills
- Road craft and defensive riding techniques for Australian roads
- Victorian road rules as they apply to motorcycle and scooter riders
- Pre-ride inspection routines and basic mechanical awareness
All training is conducted prior to any assessment, maximising the benefit to you and giving you the best chance of success.
MOTORCYCLE PRE-LEARNER ASSESSMENT (MPA) — TWO DAY COURSE
The MPA is the first mandatory VicRoads step for most overseas licence holders. It’s a two-day course designed to give you the fundamental knowledge and skills to ride safely on Victorian roads, and on completion you receive a certificate to take to VicRoads for your Learner Permit.
- Two full days of on-bike training at your chosen Stay Upright VIC training centre.
- Training motorcycles and scooters provided — bring your own helmet or hire on the day.
- Prefer to train on your own motorcycle or scooter? Call us to confirm it meets VicRoads minimum performance requirements.
- Suitable for complete beginners — overseas riding experience is an advantage, not a requirement.
- Available on Afterpay™ — split into 4 interest-free payments.
Prerequisites: Victorian car learner permit, P-plate or full driver licence, plus VicRoads customer number. VicRoads must have assessed your overseas licence and advised you to complete the MPA.
No Victorian car licence yet? You must first pass the VicRoads Knowledge Test and Hazard Perception Test at a VicRoads service centre before booking the MPA.
Cost: from $525
CHECK RIDE — INTERMEDIATE LICENCE ASSESSMENT
After holding your Victorian motorcycle Learner Permit for at least 3 months, you’ll need to complete the Check Ride. This intermediate on-road assessment evaluates your riding competency before your final MLA. It must be completed at least one month before your MLA booking.
- On-road assessment with an accredited Stay Upright instructor.
- Evaluates road positioning, control, and hazard response.
- Must be completed at least one month before your MLA.
- Available on Afterpay™ — 4 interest-free payments.
Prerequisites: Victorian motorcycle Learner Permit held for a minimum of 3 months.
Cost: from $279
MOTORCYCLE LICENCE ASSESSMENT (MLA)
The MLA is the final VicRoads on-road assessment to obtain your full Victorian motorcycle licence. Complete this and you’re ready to visit VicRoads for your licence — no more L-plate, no restrictions.
- Full on-road licence assessment with a VicRoads-approved instructor.
- Tests all M-GLS competencies at full licence level.
- Check Ride must have been completed at least 1 month prior.
- Available on Afterpay™ — 4 interest-free payments.
Prerequisites: Learner Permit held 3+ months; Check Ride completed 1+ month prior. Hazard Perception Test also required if you do not hold a Victorian driver licence.
Cost: from $279
LEARN TO RIDE — OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION
If it’s been a while since you’ve ridden, or you want to familiarise yourself with Australian road rules and riding conditions before tackling the two-day MPA, our Learn to Ride course is a great first step. This half-day introduction covers the basics in a safe off-road environment.
- Half-day off-road introduction to motorcycle controls and basics.
- Great refresher if you’ve ridden overseas but not recently.
- No riding experience required — complete beginners welcome.
- Available on Afterpay™ — 4 interest-free payments.
Prerequisites: Victorian car learner permit, P-plate or full driver licence required.
Cost: from $129
VicRoads Fees for Overseas Motorcycle Licence Conversion
In addition to Stay Upright course fees, VicRoads charges government fees for licence assessments and issue. These are paid directly to VicRoads and are separate to your course booking with Stay Upright. Fees below are indicative — confirm current fees at vicroads.vic.gov.au or call 13 11 71.
| VicRoads Fee | Amount (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Motorcycle Licence Assessment (21 and over) | $19.80 | Paid at VicRoads on assessment visit |
| Overseas Motorcycle Licence Assessment (under 21) | $19.80 | Paid at VicRoads on assessment visit |
| Licence Variation (adding motorcycle class to existing licence) | $55.60 | Paid when applying for your Victorian motorcycle licence |
| First Licence (if you do not already hold a Victorian licence) | $19.80 | Paid when VicRoads issues your first Victorian licence |
| Overseas Conversion First Licence (21 and over) | $113.80 | Previously held a licence in a country other than Australia — aged 21+ |
| Overseas Conversion First Licence (under 21) | $145.00 | Previously held a licence in a country other than Australia — under 21 |
| Knowledge Test (if required — those without Victorian driver licence) | Varies | Check vicroads.vic.gov.au for current fee |
| Hazard Perception Test (if required) | Varies | Required if you do not hold a Victorian driver licence |
Fees shown are approximate and subject to change by VicRoads. Always confirm the current fee schedule at vicroads.vic.gov.au before visiting.
Overseas Motorcycle Licence Conversion — FAQ’s