Can You Ride a 50cc Scooter or Motorbike with a Car Licence?
If you’re planning to buy a scooter or motorbike, you might be wondering: can you ride a motorcycle or scooter over 50cc with just a car licence? The answer depends on your state in Australia.
In some states, like Queensland, holding an Open Car licence legally allows you to ride a 50cc moped. However, if you want to ride motorcycles over 50cc
( 50km per hour) or higher-powered scooters, you need a bike licence or an appropriate motorcycle endorsement.
Knowing the rules for your state is essential before buying a scooter or motorbike, so you can ride safely and legally from day one.
Open Car Licence
If you hold a C Class Licence, in Queensland you can drive the following vehicles:
- A motor vehicle (with or without a trailer), other than a motorcycle, that:
- has a maximum weight of 4.5 tonne (t) gross vehicle mass (GVM)
- is built or fitted to carry no more than 12 adults, including the driver.
- A moped—fitted with an electric motor or an internal combustion engine (with a maximum capacity of 50mL) with a maximum manufacturer’s top-rated speed of 50km/h that is not a bicycle. If you are riding a moped on a car licence you must not carry a passenger.
If you are looking for a Scooter to ride on your Open / C-Class driver’s license, you will want to consider a 50cc and under.
View our 50cc scooter options.
Where to Get Your Rider Licence
Whether you have no riding experience or just need to upgrade your licence to ride a more powerful scooter or motorcycle, getting the right training is essential.
We recommend the Queensland Motorcycle School (QRIDE ) located at the Big Pineapple in Woombye, Sunshine Coast. They offer a complete range of training from beginner courses to full licensing:
Pre-Learner Course
The QRIDE Pre-Learner Course includes motorcycle and gear! This course must be successfully completed before you can apply for a Queensland Motorcycle Learner Licence. It is highly recommended to build confidence and essential riding skills before obtaining your licence.
RE Course
The QRIDE RE Course is a competency-based assessment that allows you to obtain your RE Open/Provisional Licence (RE O/P2) after gaining your Learner Licence (RE L) from Queensland Transport or completing the Pre-Learner Course.
QRIDE R Course
After successfully completing the QRIDE R Course, you will be eligible to ride any open (R) class motorcycle with full unrestricted privileges.
For legal motorcycle riding in Queensland, it is mandatory to hold the appropriate motorcycle licence or learner permit.
Progressing to a More Powerful Scooter or Motorbike
RE Class Licence
If you hold an RE Class Licence, you can ride:
-
A moped: fitted with an electric motor or an internal combustion engine of 50cc or less, with a top speed of 50 km/h, that is not a bicycle.
-
A Learner Approved Motorcycle (LAMS): 2- or 3-wheeled motorcycles with or without a trailer.
About LAMS:
The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) identifies motorcycles suitable for learners and novice riders progressing from a motorcycle learner licence. A LAMS-approved motorcycle:
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Has a maximum engine capacity of 660cc
-
Has a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 150 kW per tonne
-
Has not been modified beyond allowable modifications, which include:
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Adjustments for riders with a physical impairment
-
Changes to seating capacity
-
Modifications that increase engine power are not allowed.
You can find a local Sunshine Coast Q-Rider Training Provider here.
For official QLD licence types, classes, and conditions, click here.
R Class Licence
If you hold an R Class Licence, you can ride:
-
Any motorcycle or road scooter (2- or 3-wheeled), with unlimited engine size, with or without a trailer.
This information is current at the time of publication. Always check with Queensland Transport for the latest requirements before making decisions.
Learner and P Plate Licence Holders
For riders on L Plates or P Plates, there are special rules:
-
See the latest QLD Transport guide for rules on L Plate holders riding mopeds (50cc) and P Plate restrictions.
-
See special rules for mopeds.
- Page 44/45 QLD.GOV.AU Driving in QLD pdf document
Progression from 50cc to LAMS
If you want to ride a more powerful scooter or motorbike:
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Riders who have held a provisional or open car licence for at least 1 year can apply for a Learner Motorcycle Licence (RE L).
-
This licence allows you to ride LAMS motorcycles:
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Engine capacity ? 660cc
-
Power-to-weight ratio < 150 kW per tonne
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Completing a Pre-Learner Course ensures you gain the skills needed to ride safely and confidently while meeting all Queensland legal requirements.
Scooter Style Moped or 50cc Scooters to ride on your C-Class driver’s license:
Benzina Zero Electric eScooters V-10 and V-50
If you have a LAMS-approved or Unrestricted Motorcycle license and you are looking for a faster more powerful engine. View our range of 125cc, 150cc, 200cc, 250cc, 300cc, 350cc, 400cc, 550cc and 650cc across our Brands: Vespa, Piaggio, Peugeot, SYM, Kymco, Italjet, Super Soco, Benzina Zero and Royal Enfield Motorcycles
Last updated March 2026
