New NSW motorcycle rider regulations will come into effect over coming years with new novice rider licence conditions and enhanced training and testing pathways. The reforms followed a Motorcycle Safety Roundtable held by Transport NSW and with information from the Motorcycle Graduated Licencing Scheme evaluation and research on rider training pathways.
The roundtable was held in April to address concerns around the increase in motorcycle fatalities in the state. The event was a collaboration with road safety experts from NSW and other states, rider trainers and government agencies, who shared their knowledge on best practices on motorcycle safety.
The attendees discussed a range of issues across several areas of safety. These included protective gear, education, training, licensing, motorcycle safety and road infrastructure. Issues focussing on initiatives to save lives and prevent serious injury.
The outcomes of the event are several reforms which Transport for NSW is developing and that will be brought in over the coming years. While these reforms are not yet law, new riders and those in the process of starting training to get their licence, may benefit from the knowing the key areas for safety highlighted by the group.
Why are there new NSW motorcycle rider regulations?
The reason why the new reforms are required is to address the high number of fatalities involving novice riders. In announcing the reforms, Transport for NSW highlighted that learner riders are approximately 7 time more likely to be in a fatal crash than fully licenced motorcycle riders. They also not that the first months that a learner rider has their licence poses the highest fatality risk.
The reforms coming out of the roundtable will focus on enhancing the training of riders and the testing pathways and applying new conditions on novice rider licences.
Training and Testing Changes
The reforms planned by Transport for NSW in the training and testing area include enhancing the pre-learner and learner phases. The objective being to better prepare riders for the risks of riding on the road.
New online learning and testing is planned to enhance riders’ knowledge of the road rules, perception of hazards and increase awareness of safety risks specific to motorbike riding. A modernised Rider Knowledge Test will be offered online. The department says this follows the success of the launch of online Driver Knowledge Tests for motor car drivers in 2024.
The pre-learner course will be extended. This will increase the amount of training time that novices spend with instructors before they can get a learner licence. On-road coaching sessions in small groups will be introduced at the learner phase. This is intended to provide learners with more supervised and personal on-road experiences.
An optional learner’s journal will be available to support learners to gain on-road experience. The journal would assist learners to assess their level of skill and encourage self-reflection. The Motorcycle Operator Skills Test would be replaced with a more comprehensive assessment on-road, in real environments.
Testing pathways for learners in areas that are not serviced will remain as is, with riders in these areas continuing with the kerbside test.
The changes will also include a review of set fees for rider training. Government subsidies for novice rider training would continue.
Changes to Novice Rider Licence Conditions
A key element of the planned reforms is the wearing of mandatory safety gear. The Department notes that despite the benefits of reducing the risk and severity of injury, many riders are still not wearing appropriate safety gear.
The reforms will include mandatory wearing of motorcycle gloves for P1 and P2 licence holders. The gloves must be compliant with the European Standard EN13594. Learner riders will also be required to wear high-vis vests while riding. This is seen as allowing them to be better seen by road users to assist in avoiding crashes.
While the reforms are yet to be formalised and enacted into law, new riders, and those planning to start training, may benefit from being aware of what authorities consider are important safety issues. Novices can start by voluntarily implementing some of the reforms to increase their own safety.
Novice and Learner Rider Gear and Safety Tips
Transport NSW provides links to Motocap to assist all riders to select their gear. This site provides information on safety ratings for helmets, gloves, pants and jackets. The Department also directs riders to Ride to Live for safety tips. Anyone considering getting their rider’s licence in NSW can find information on how to apply for rider’s licence in NSW at the Service NSW website.
Motorcycle and Gear Loans for Novice Riders
If purchasing a motorcycle as a new rider finance is available with a Secured Motorbike Loan. To be eligible, applicants must be over 18 years of age and have income and employment. Where an applicant does not meet lender approval criteria, we may assist with how to get a loan with a Guarantor.
If purchasing a machine with finance, it can be advisable, wear possible, to purchase safety gear in the same package so the cost can be covered by the loan. Riders looking to upgrade their gear or purchase new gear, may speak with us about an Unsecured Personal Loan.
For details of motorbike loans for novice and learner riders, contact Jade Bike Loans on 1300 000 003 for possible solutions.
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