SA motorcycle test licence rules and learner restrictions practice questions

Question 1

What training must you complete to get a motorcycle learner's permit in South Australia?

• No training, only a written test
• The Rider Safe basic rider training courseCorrect answer
• A defensive driving course for cars
• A first aid certificate

South Australia requires the Rider Safe basic course before you can hold a motorcycle learner's permit. Confirm the current requirements with the licensing agency before booking.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: getting a learner's permit

Question 2

What plate must a South Australian learner rider display?

• No plate is needed on a motorcycle
• An L plate, clearly visible at the rear of the motorcycleCorrect answer
• A P plate at the front
• A yellow triangle

The L plate lets following drivers know you are learning, so most of them give you more room. Keep it clean, securely fixed and not obscured by luggage.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: learner's permit conditions

Question 3

What blood alcohol limit applies to a learner rider in South Australia?

• ZeroCorrect answer
• 0.02
• 0.05
• 0.05 during the day and zero at night

Learner and provisional riders must have no alcohol in their blood at all. Alcohol takes away balance and judgement of speed and distance, all of which a motorcycle depends on.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: alcohol and drugs

Question 4

May a South Australian learner rider carry a pillion passenger?

• Yes, if the passenger wears a helmet
• No, a learner rider must not carry a passengerCorrect answer
• Yes, if the passenger is a licensed rider
• Yes, on roads with a limit of 60 km/h or less

A passenger changes how the motorcycle steers, balances and stops. Learner riders ride alone until they have the licence and the experience to handle the difference.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: learner's permit conditions

Question 5

You are a learner rider on a South Australian road signed at 110 km/h. What is the fastest you may ride?

• 110 km/h, the posted limit
• 100 km/h, because learner's permit holders are limited to 100Correct answer
• 80 km/h
• 90 km/h

South Australia caps learner's permit holders at 100 km/h even where the posted limit is higher. Confirm the current condition with the licensing agency, and remember it is a maximum rather than a target.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: learner's permit conditions

Question 6

You hold a full South Australian car licence. What do you need before riding a motorcycle on the road?

• Nothing extra
• A separate motorcycle learner's permit, and then a motorcycle licenceCorrect answer
• Only motorcycle insurance
• A note from a riding instructor

Riding is a different licence class with its own training and testing. Years of driving experience help with reading traffic but do not authorise you to ride.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: getting a learner's permit

Question 7

What is the rule about using a mobile phone while riding?

• You may hold a phone if the motorcycle is stopped in traffic
• You must not hold or touch a phone while riding, and learner and provisional riders face stricter limits againCorrect answer
• You may use it for calls but not for messages
• There is no rule for riders

Being stopped in a queue with the engine running still counts as riding. Set up navigation before you leave and pull over somewhere safe and legal if anything needs changing.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: mobile phones

Question 8

Do demerit points apply to riding offences?

• No, they apply only to car drivers
• Yes, and learner and provisional riders reach their limit sooner than fully licensed ridersCorrect answer
• Only for offences involving alcohol
• Only on roads over 80 km/h

The demerit point system covers riders exactly as it covers drivers, and the threshold for losing a learner's permit or provisional licence is lower.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: penalties and demerit points