How to Get Your Motorcycle Licence in Queensland via Q-Ride

Getting your motorcycle licence in Queensland, step by step

You've decided you want two wheels. Good. But before you're carving up Mt Glorious and Nebo, there's a bit of paperwork and training between you and a legal ride. Here's how the Queensland system actually works, start to finish, with no guesswork.

Queensland runs two motorcycle licence classes. RE lets you ride a Learner Approved Motorcycle (a LAMS bike) — an internal-combustion engine no more than 660mL and a power-to-weight ratio not over 150kW/t. R is unrestricted: any engine size, no limits. Everyone starts at RE and works up to R over time. There's no shortcut. (Qld Govt — licence classes)

The whole path is: RE learner permit → RE provisional/open licence → R licence. Training is done through Q-Ride, competency-based courses run by TMR-accredited private providers. (There's also Q-SAFE, a practical riding test — but that's only for people who live more than 100km from a training centre. If you're anywhere near South East QLD, you're doing Q-Ride.)

Step 1 — Get your RE learner permit

First, the hard prerequisite that trips people up: you must already hold a provisional or open car (class C) licence, and have held it for at least one year. That's non-negotiable in Queensland. There's no "skip the car licence and just sit a written test" path here — that model exists in some other states, not ours. (Qld Govt — getting a learner)

Because a Queensland provisional car licence is generally issued at 17, the practical floor for a motorcycle learner works out to around 18. TMR doesn't quote a standalone motorcycle age — it's driven entirely by that car-licence rule.

From there:

• Be medically fit to ride. TMR may require a vision check at a customer service centre as part of the transaction.
• Complete the Q-Ride pre-learner course with an accredited provider *before* you sit the theory test.
• Pass the motorcycle knowledge test (road-rules theory). You can only take it online after the pre-learner course (or an exemption). There's a practice test on the TMR portal — use it.

Live more than 100km from a Q-Ride training area? You can apply to TMR (message online, call 13 23 80, or visit a centre) to be exempt from the pre-learner course. The catch: if you take that exemption, you must hold your RE learner for at least 12 months before progressing, instead of the standard three.

Step 2 — Learner rules while you build hours

On your RE learner you can only ride a LAMS bike, and you must run an L plate at the rear (or a vest with a capital L on the back). You have to be supervised by someone holding an open licence for that bike class who's held it at least a year — they ride separately, not as your pillion. No passengers. Zero alcohol — 0.00 BAC — at all times. Phone rules follow your car-licence status: on a P1 car licence and under 25 you can't touch a phone at all; otherwise it must be secured in a mount and used hands-free only — never held. (Qld Govt — learner rules)

Use this time. Get comfortable on quiet roads before the twisties. The Redcliffe easy loop and the back roads to Dayboro are the kind of low-stress kays that build real skill. Our safety guide is worth a read before you clock up miles.

Step 3 — Upgrade to your RE provisional/open licence

You need to hold your RE learner for at least 90 days (roughly three months) — or a year if you took the remote exemption. Before you book the next course you must pass the motorcycle Hazard Perception Test, required since 1 July 2021.

Then complete the Q-Ride Restricted (RE) course with a provider. If they record your competency digitally you may finalise online; otherwise you take a paper declaration to a transport customer service centre. Not sure of your eligible date? TMR's Check my Q-Ride course eligibility tool gives you the exact one. (Qld Govt — upgrading)

On your RE provisional/open licence you're still LAMS-only. You can't carry a pillion until you've held the licence a full year, and it's 0.00 BAC for that first year too. (Qld Govt — RE holder rules)

Step 4 — Move up to R (unrestricted)

Here's the patience test: you must hold your RE provisional or open licence for at least two years before you can upgrade to R. (If you got your RE before 1 October 2016, the old one-year rule applied — but for everyone since, it's two.) Then you complete the Q-Ride Unrestricted (R) course and finalise the same way. (Qld Govt — getting an R licence)

What a Q-Ride course actually involves

Q-Ride is competency-based — you're signed off when you demonstrate the skills, not by a single pass/fail exam. TMR doesn't publish standard course lengths because they vary by provider and by how much riding you've already done. As a rough guide, providers *typically* run the pre-learner course over about two days, the RE course over about a day, and the R course over about half a day — but confirm with your chosen provider.

On cost: don't trust a fixed number. Q-Ride is delivered by private accredited providers, so course fees vary by provider, location and whether bike and gear hire are included. Separate government fees (knowledge test, hazard perception test, licence issue) are set by TMR. Ask your provider for their price and check TMR for the current government fees.

Now go find your people

The licence is the start, not the finish. Once you're legal, the riding — and the mates — are what make it. Come find a route on our Queensland routes map, pick a café or feed stop for the far end, and if you're brand new, the Helping New Motorcyclists learner group over in our clubs directory exists exactly for you. Book your pre-learner course, then we'll see you out there.