Motorcycle (R) licence

How to upgrade your LAMS motorcycle licence to an unrestricted (R class) motorcycle licence.

An R class motorcycle licence, also known as an unrestricted motorcycle licence, allows you to ride a motorcycle with:

• an engine capacity exceeding 660 cc; or
• a power-to-weight ratio greater than 150 kW/t.

Example of a R class motorcycle

Experience requirements

To apply to upgrade your licence to a R class motorcycle licence, you must have held a Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) (R-E class) licence for at least 2 years.

If you’re looking to get your motorcycle licence for the first time, visit our get your licence to drive a motorcycle page.

Interstate and overseas licence holders

If you have a current overseas driver’s licence for a motorcycle, you may be able to apply to transfer it to a WA driver’s licence.

How to get your R class licence

Step 1: Learn to ride

If you have a current R-E class licence, you can begin to learn to ride R class motorcycles.

You do not need to apply for a learner's permit.

When learning to drive you must:

• be accompanied by a supervisor who is either:
  • a licensed driving instructor holding a R class licence,
  • a person who has held a R class licence for at least 4 years
  • display L plates on the front and back of the vehicle when you are driving.
  • not exceed the posted speed limit, and you cannot exceed 100 km/h.
  • not have a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.00%
  • not drive in areas where learners are not permitted.

  Safety equipment

  You must wear an approved helmet when riding or being a passenger on a motorcycle.

  The helmet must be compliant with Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698 or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No 22 (UN ECE22.05).