New Motorcycle Licensing and Safety Initiatives (Queensland)
- effective 1st July 2009

The Queensland Government is introducing 3 new motorcycle safety initiatives from the 1st July 2009.

1.  Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS)

A Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) will be introduced in Queensland.  Under this new scheme, class RE licence holders will only be able to ride motorcycles that are LAMS approved.

LAMS applies restrictions based on the overall performance capability of the motorcycle or scooter rather than applying restrictions based on the engine capacity of the motorcycle or scooter.

For a full LAM Scheme list of approved motorcycles and scooters - click here

LAMS will not affect how a motorcycle or scooter licence is obtained in Queensland, it will only affect the range of motorcycles and scooters that class RE licence holders can ride.  Class R licence holders will not be affected.

2.  Pillion Passenger Restrictions for Learner Riders

From 1st July 2009, class R and RE learner riders will be prohibited from carrying pillion passengers, including their supervisor or instructor, when learning to ride a motorcycle or scooter on the road.

Supervision is still required by an appropriately licensed person when the learner is riding a motorcycle or scooter.  The learner may ride under the direction of the supervisor following at a safe distance on another motorcycle or in another vehicle.

3.  Requirement to display a P plate

From 1st July 2009, if you are the holder of a Provisional P1 or P2 driver licence and you obtain your class RE or R motorcycle licence, you will be required to display a P plate or the appropriate colour when riding your motorcycle - this includes mopeds.

For more information, click here