The riding test

About the riding test

Practical rider testing is designed to measure your ability to handle a motorcycle, including starting, accelerating, turning and braking.

To take the test, you must:

• be 17 years or older
• have held your learner rider licence for at least 3 months.

The testing process differs depending on whether you live in a declared or undeclared area.

Training and testing on a trike or three-wheeled scooter

Three-wheeled scooters with a narrow front wheel track can be used for rider training.

If you want to use a trike (Can Am Ryker 600) or three-wheeled scooter (e.g. Piaggio 3) for your pre-learner rider training course, you will need to bring your own scooter for training. Contact the rider training provider by phone to discuss at the time of booking your pre-learner training.

You must:

• Be able to transport the registered motorcycle to your booked training course location. The motorcycle must be transported by a licensed rider or trailered to the rider training location.
• Provide the following to the Rider Training provider:
  • motorcycle registration plate number
  • a current copy of the Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy for the motorcycle.

Rider training and testing booking procedures remain unchanged for declared and undeclared areas.

Riders in declared areas

If rider training is available near you (declared area), you will take the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test as part of your pre-provisional rider training course. You do not need to book the test with a service centre.

How the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test works

The test consists of 8 test segments. None of the segments are difficult or dangerous for a skilled rider.

When you're on the test course, you’ll be given specific instructions for each test.

During the test, you will accumulate points for errors such as:

• touching painted lines
• putting your foot down on the ground
• hitting cones
• stalling the engine
• failing to conduct a head check before moving away.

To pass, you must:

• complete all the test segments
• score 8 points or less.

A score of 9 or more points is a fail.

You can prepare for the test by practising the test manoeuvres.

On the day of the riding test

The riding instructor will give you specific instructions at the beginning of each test segment. You'll be tested on a number of specific test manoeuvres.

If you do not understand a test activity you've been asked to perform, ask the rider instructor to explain it again. Only begin the test activity if you fully understand what you’re being asked to do.

If you feel that any element of the test is beyond your skill level, tell the driving instructor.

Test termination

If we suspect that you’ve recently taken alcohol or another drug, we will cancel the test. If this happens, you will not receive a refund for the test fee.

If you offer money or some other bribe, or you try to influence a riding instructor, the test will be stopped. The matter will then be reported to the police.

The riding instructor may also stop your test if you do any of the following:

• accumulate 9 or more points – test failed
• disregard instructions from the rider instructor
• don't understand the rider instructor’s instructions
• perform an unsafe act at any point during the test
• display gross inability to ride a motorcycle in any aspect of the test
• drop the motorcycle, or fall from, or with it
• take excessive time to complete the test
• leave the test area.

If you fail

If you successfully complete the course but fail the practical test, you must re-take the test. You'll need to pay the test fee again. You must pass the test within 3 months of completing the course.

If you don't pass the practical within 3 months, you'll have to do the whole course again. You'll need to book again with the training provider and pay the course fee again.

Riders in undeclared area

If you live in a region without training providers, you'll need to book a kerbside riding test through a service centre. You can do this without completing the pre-provisional training course.

When you’re ready to take the test, you’ll need to make a booking and pay the test fee.

You can book your test by phoning 13 22 13 or in person at any service centre.

Practical riding tests in undeclared areas cannot be booked online.

Remember: If you live in a declared area you will do the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test (MOST) as part of your pre-provisional course through your rider training provider. You do not need to book a practical riding test through a service centre.

How the riding test works

The test is designed to you've reached the level of riding ability needed to ride safely on NSW roads.

The testing officer makes most assessments (performance checks) at designated locations. Most performances are checked several times during the test.

Some performances are continuously assessed. This includes:

• the ability to operate the controls
• ensuring that the rider you do not delay other traffic.

You can score a fail at any time during the test for unsafe riding behaviour. Dangerous riding can result in an immediate fail.

When to book the riding test

You can take the test after 3 months on your learner licence. You can continue to practise riding on your learner licence for longer, but it's a good idea to book your test at least 4 to 6 weeks before your learner licence expires.

Learner rider licences cannot be extended or renewed. If you haven't passed the riding test within 12 months, you'll need to begin the learner licensing process again. To do this, you'll need to complete the pre-learner rider course and sit the Rider Knowledge Test again, including paying all fees.

On the day of the riding test

At your appointment time, you’ll need to attend the nominated service centre to do your test and bring:

• proof of identity
• a completed Licence application form (PDF 222.41KB)
• payment for the licence fee
• a motorcycle or scooter that is approved for novice riders, safe for road use and ready to ride
• an approved motorcycle helmet.

Test termination

The testing officer will check your motorcycle and may cancel the test if they think it's unsuitable.

If we suspect that you’ve recently taken alcohol or another drug, we will cancel the test. If this happens, you will not receive a refund for the test fee.

If you offer money or some other bribe, or you try to influence a driving instructor, the test will be stopped. The matter will then be reported to the police.

If you fail

If you fail, you'll need to book another test for the following day or the next available day. You'll need to pay the test fee again.

Applying for your P1 licence

Once you've passed your practical riding test, you're eligible to apply for your provisional P1 rider licence.