You can get your P1 rider licence once you've held your learner licence for at least 3 months. Here's how.
On this pageTo progress from your learner rider licence to your P1 rider licence, you must:
To find out if pre-provisional training is available near you, check the list of training providers or call Transport for NSW on 13 22 13.
If you have an interstate or overseas rider licence you may be able to convert it to an equivalent NSW rider licence.
If there are no training providers near you (undeclared area), you can book a rider test without completing the pre-provisional course. Double-check the list of training providers or call Transport for NSW on 13 22 13 to confirm if this applies to you.
Complete the pre-provisional rider training courseIf you live in a declared area, you'll need to choose a rider training provider and contact them to book your training. Make sure you book at least 6 weeks before your learner licence expires.
Duration: 7 hours (one day)
Equipment: If you are using your own motorbike, trike or scooter, it must be a learner approved motorcycle. You may be able to hire one from your training provider. Make sure you check with them in advance if you need to hire a bike.
Trikes and Three-wheeled scooters: Trikes (Can Am Ryker 600) and Three-wheeled scooters with a narrow front wheel track (eg. Piaggio 3) can be used for rider training. If you wish to train and test on a trike or three-wheeled scooter, you will need to bring your own trike scooter to rider training. You'll also need to meet registration and insurance requirements. For full details, see Rider training centres.
Course completion: You must successfully complete all of the competencies – including an on-road ride component – in order to successfully complete the course.
Testing: When you've completed the training component of the course, you’ll do the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test. This is a practical test to assess your riding ability.
Certification: Once you pass the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test, you'll get a certificate of competence. You need this to apply for your P1 rider licence.
Trike conditions: A035 Provisional rider may only ride an automatic motorcycle.
Before you can book rider training, you'll need one of the following for proof of identity:
You need to pass the pre-provisional training before your learner licence expires. There are no extensions on learner rider licences. Learner rider licences can be renewed within 3 months under limited circumstances, to find out more contact Service NSW on 13 22 13.
So if yours expires before you pass training, you'll need to complete the pre-learner program again, including paying all fees.
The certificate is valid for 3 months. If you haven't applied for your P1 rider licence before your certificate expires, you'll have to redo the course and test.
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 won't need to pay the course fee again as long as you 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 the training provider and pay the course fee again.
Pass the P1 practical riding testYou need to pass a riding test to get your provisional P1 rider licence. The way you book and take your test differs depending on whether you live in a declared or undeclared area.
If rider training is available in your area, you will take the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test as part of your pre-provisional rider training course.
You will not need to take a test through a service centre. You're ready to apply for your licence as soon as you pass the course.
If you live in a region without training providers (undeclared area) you will need to take a kerbside riding test through Service NSW. You can book this test without completing the pre-provisional 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.
Apply for your P1 rider licencePassed your practical riding test? Congratulations! You're ready to apply for your red Ps.
To apply, complete a Licence Application form (PDF 222.41KB) and take it to a service centre along with:
You may also need to pass an eyesight test, so make sure you bring your glasses or contact lenses with you if you wear them to ride.
Once you’ve paid your rider licence fee, we'll take your photo and give you a temporary paper licence. You can use the paper licence until your P1 licence arrives in the post (usually within 10 working days).
You can choose to get a digital licence as well if you download the Service NSW app.
Your P1 rider licence is valid for 18 months.
In addition to complying with the NSW road rules, as a provisional P1 rider, you must:
You must not:
Failure to meet these conditions is an offence and can carry severe penalties, including immediate loss of licence. If you lose your licence for any period, that time won't count towards your progression to a P2 licence.
P1 riders have 4 demerit points. If you get 4 demerit points, you will lose your licence.
If you commit a speeding offence your licence will be suspended for at least 3 months. Additional penalties will apply if you are more than 30km/h over the speed limit.
Any length of time your P1 licence is suspended for does not count towards your P2 licence.
If you’re disqualified from riding by a court, your P1 licence will be cancelled instantly and any time you’ve accumulated towards your P2 licence will be lost. When your disqualification ends you’ll have to apply for your P1 and have it for another 12 months.
It’s illegal to use fake ID to gain access to licensed premises or buy alcohol. If you’re convicted of this offence while you’re on your P1 licence, you’ll have to have it for an additional 6 months before you can progress to your P2 licence.