1. Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme

From 1 July 2009, a Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAM Scheme) will be introduced in Queensland. Under the new scheme, class RE licence holders will only be able to ride motorcycles that are LAM Scheme approved.

Learner riders (holders of a Queensland class RE learner licence) will also only be able to ride motorcycles that are LAM Scheme approved.

Why is the type of motorcycle that a class RE licence holder is authorised to ride changing?

A 250mL limitation was introduced in Queensland when a small capacity engine generally related to the performance of the motorcycle. Due to advancements in technology, this is no longer the case and a number of modern 250mL motorcycles have performance capabilities that are not suitable for inexperienced riders. The LAM Scheme will replace the current 250mL engine capacity limit applied to class RE licence holders.

The introduction of the LAM Scheme provides consistency between Queensland and other Australian states.

What is a class RE motorcycle?

A class RE motorcycle is a learner approved motorcycle, including a moped.

What is a learner approved motorcycle?

A learner approved motorcycle is a production motorcycle that is fitted with an electric motor, or has an internal combustion engine with an engine capacity of not more than 660mL; and
• has a power to weight ratio of not more than 150kW per tonne
• that has not been modified other than for an allowable modification
• that is stated to be a learner approved motorcycle in a list kept by the chief executive and published on the department's website at www.transportandmainroads.qld.gov.au.

What is the power to weight ratio of a motorcycle?

The power to weight ratio is obtained by dividing the maximum engine power by the sum of the tare mass of the motorcycle plus 90kg and multiplying the answer by 1000 expressed as kilowatts per tonne.

How is the power to weight ratio of a motorcycle worked out?

The motorcycle’s maximum engine power in kilowatts is divided by the prescribed weight of the motorcycle then multiplied by 1000 for conversion to kilowatts per tonne. The prescribed weight of the motorcycle means the tare mass, in kilograms, of the motorcycle plus 90 kg, that is:

Example:
Maximum Engine Power (kW)
-------------------------------------  x 1000 = Kilowatts per tonne (kW/t)
Prescribed Weight (kg)

The power to weight ratio of a motorcycle that has a maximum engine power of 54kW and a tare mass of 360kg is calculated by dividing 54kW by the sum of 360kg and 90kg (that is, 450kg) and multiplying the product of the division by 1000. In this example, the power to weight ratio is 120kW/t.

What is a production motorcycle?

A production motorcycle is a motorcycle that is manufactured and marketed in volume for normal road use and conforms with the requirements that apply to the motorcycle under vehicle law.

A production motorcycle may be modified and still be considered a learner approved motorcycle, provided the modification is an allowable modification.

What is an allowable modification?

An allowable modification is a modification that is approved under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 1999.

The modification may either be to the seating capacity of the motorcycle or a modification designed to enable a person with a physical impairment to ride the motorcycle. However, it does not include a modification that increases the maximum engine power of the motorcycle.

How is a learner approved motorcycle identified?

The department’s website will list those motorcycles that are learner approved motorcycles.

Whilst most motorcycles with an engine capacity of less than 250mL will be considered a learner approved motorcycle, those that have a power to weight ratio of more than 150kW per tonne are excluded. There will be an additional list that will help identify those motorcycles that are not a learner approved motorcycle.

The vehicle registration label will help identify the motorcycle as being a learner approved motorcycle with the exception of a production motorcycle that is conditionally registered.

Which motorcycles are prescribed motorcycles?

The following six models of motorcycles although 250mL or under have been identified as a prescribed motorcycle, and are not learner (LAM Scheme) approved:
• Aprilia RS250
• Honda NSR250
• Kawasaki KR250 (KR-1 model)
• Kawasaki KR250 (KR1s model)
• Suzuki RGV250
• Yamaha TZR250

Why have these prescribed motorcycles been excluded from the learner approved motorcycle list?

These motorcycles are capable of high speed and rapid acceleration and are regarded as being unsuitable for inexperienced riders due to their sports style power delivery, handling and riding position.

What class of licence will I need to ride a prescribed motorcycle?

You will need a class R licence to ride a prescribed motorcycle.

However, if you hold a class RE motorcycle licence (excluding RE learner licence) that was issued before 1 July 2009 you will be authorised to ride a prescribed motorcycle until 30 June 2010.

This arrangement will allow you time to apply for a class R licence if you wish to continue to ride your prescribed motorcycle after 30 June 2010.

What happens if I don’t get a class R licence by 1 July 2010?

If you do not get a class R motorcycle licence before 1 July 2010, you will no longer be authorised to ride a prescribed motorcycle under your class RE licence.

However, if you have held your class RE licence for at least one year, you will be authorised to ride your prescribed motorcycle as a class R learner and be required to ride under the direction of a person who holds a class R open licence and has held the licence for at least one year.

What class of licence will I need to ride a conditionally registered motorcycle that is not a production motorcycle?

You will need a class R licence to ride a conditionally registered motorcycle that is not a production motorcycle.

However, if you hold a class RE motorcycle licence (excluding RE learner licence) that was issued before 1 July 2009, you are authorised to ride a conditionally registered motorcycle with an engine capacity of not more than 250mL that is not a production motorcycle until 30 June 2010.

Note: The motorcycle must have conditional registration that is current prior to 1 July 2009.

This arrangement will allow you time to apply for a class R licence if you wish to continue to ride your conditionally registered motorcycle that is not a production motorcycle after 30 June 2010.

Are there any changes to the types of motorcycles I can ride under a class R licence?

No. You can still ride a motorcycle of any engine capacity including a learner approved motorcycle and a moped.

When can I learn to ride a class R motorcycle?

You may learn to ride a class R motorcycle after you have held a class RE motorcycle licence (excluding a learner licence) for at least one year.

What will happen if I am found riding a class R motorcycle unaccompanied and I only hold a class RE licence?

You may receive an infringement notice or be required to appear in a court for unlicensed driving. If you are convicted of unlicensed driving the court may impose a fine of up to $4000.

Is a moped a learner approved motorcycle?

Yes.

2. Pillion passenger restrictions for learner riders

Can I still carry a supervisor as a pillion passenger on my motorcycle when learning to ride?

No. From 1 July 2009, you will not be able to carry a supervisor as a pillion passenger on your motorcycle while you are learning to ride the motorcycle.

How can I learn to ride a motorcycle if I can not carry my supervisor as a pillion passenger?

As a learner you are still required to be supervised by an appropriately licensed person when riding a motorcycle.

From 1 July 2009 you may only carry a supervisor seated in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle. If the motorcycle does not have a sidecar, the supervisor may follow you at a safe distance on another motorcycle or in another motor vehicle.

When will I be able to carry a passenger as a pillion on my motorcycle?

You can only carry a passenger as a pillion when you have held your class RE or R motorcycle licence (other than a learner licence) for at least one year.

Why is this new passenger restriction for learner riders being introduced?

Evidence suggests carrying passengers increases the risk to the rider and the passenger and can lead to more severe injuries in the event of a crash.

Carrying a pillion passenger requires more advanced riding skills to accommodate the passenger’s impact on the balance and stability of the motorcycle. This new restriction will remove the added burden on learner riders to allow them to concentrate on developing basic on-road riding skills.

3. Requirement to display a P Plate

When will I be required to display a 'P' plate on a motorcycle?

From 1 July 2009, you will be required to display a 'P' plate on a motorcycle if you hold a class RE or R motorcycle P1 or P2 type licence.

The requirement to display a 'P' plate on a motorcycle (including mopeds) will continue until you upgrade to an open type licence.

If you are the holder of an open driver licence and obtain an RE or R class motorcycle licence, you will not be required to display a 'P' plate.

What colour 'P' plate will I be required to display when riding my motorcycle?

Similar to the requirements to displaying 'P' plates on cars, P1 licence holders will be required to display a red 'P' Plate and P2 licence holders must display a green 'P' Plate on the rear of the motorcycle, or on the back of a vest worn by the rider.

Will I need to display a 'P' plate on the front and rear of my motorcycle?

No. Similar to the current requirements for display of an 'L' plate on a motorcycle, you will only need to display a 'P' plate on the rear of the motorcycle.

Where can I find more information?

For a full list of learner approved motorcycles, information regarding the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme, how to apply for a class RE or R licence, and other motorcycle rules visit www.motorcyclesafety.qld.gov.au or call 13 23 80 (during business hours).