How to Get Your Motorcycle or Scooter Licence in Darwin: A Complete Guide

Thinking about getting your motorcycle or motorbike licence in Darwin? Whether you have an L-Plate, a P-Plate, are just starting out for the first time, or have years of expereince, here is what you need to know. Our step by step guide covers how to get each stage of your learner, provisional and open R class licences in NT. We'll walk you through your requirements with the MVR and your pre-learner and pre-provisional courses and assessments. 

Before starting your motorcycle licence journey in Darwin, it’s important to meet the eligibility rules set by the Northern Territory Government. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old. You’ll also need to provide valid proof of identity and NT residency, such as a birth certificate, passport, or utility bill. Applicants must not have current disqualifications or suspensions from driving or riding offences. Meeting these requirements ensures a smoother process when applying for your learner rider licence in the NT.

In the Northern Territory (NT), to ride legally in Darwin you must follow the graduated licensing system, starting with a learner licence (L plate), progressing to either a provisional (P plate) or a restricted licence, and finally upgrading to an open (unrestricted) R‑class motorcycle licence.

As a novice rider (learner, provisional, or restricted), you can only ride motorcycles approved under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS). This system ensures that beginner riders build their skills safely before moving on to more powerful motorcycles.

Getting your motorcycle licence in Darwin is a great way to experience the Territory. Your learner and provisional licence is the first step! Territory Motorcycle Training has you covered, from start to finish.

Follow these five essential steps to move through the NT motorcycle licence stages efficiently:

Pass the Theory Test :
Study the NT Road Users’ Handbook and the Motorcycle Riders’ Handbook, then complete a practice theory test. The official motorists knowledge test (30 multiple-choice questions) requires at least 26 correct answers to pass.

Pass a Pre-Learner Course and Obtain Your Learner Licence (L Plate) :
After passing the theory test, complete a pre‑learner rider training and assessment course with Territory Motorcycle Training. Then visit an MVR office to pay the learner licence fee, and receive your learner licence.

Practice Riding as a L-Plate Motorcyclist
As a learner rider, you must obey strict conditions: zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) , maximum speed 80 km/h, no pillion passengers, display L‑plates, and ride only LAMS‑approved motorcycles.

After 6 months, Pass a Pre-Provisional Course and Upgrade to P or Restricted Licence:
After holding your learner licence for six consecutive months (but no more than 24 months), complete and pass a pre‑provisional rider training course with Territory Motorcycle Training.

If you already hold a full (open) licence in another class (such as an open car licence), you receive a restricted licence for 12 months (with zero BAC, ride a LAMS motorbike only, no pillion passenger, no lane filtering).

If you do not hold another full licence (for example, if you are still on for L or P driver licence for you car), you receive a provisional licence. If you are under 25, your motorcycle P-Plate licence lasts 2 years. If you are over 25, it will last 1 year. You will have conditions including zero BAC, displaying P‑plates, max speed of 100 km/h, no pillion, and ride LAMS motorbikes only.

Upgrade to Your Open (Unrestricted) Motorcycle Licence :
After completing the required provisional or restricted period, you’re eligible for an open R‑class motorcycle licence, granting full riding rights, lane filtering, no power or engine limitations, and ability to carry passengers.

Passing the theory test is a vital step toward your motorbike licence in Darwin. The test covers road rules, traffic laws, and motorcycle safety practices. Riders should study the NT Road Users’ Handbook and the Motorcycle Riders’ Handbook thoroughly. Practice tests are a valuable way to prepare, helping you become familiar with the questions and boosting your confidence. The better prepared you are, the smoother the path to your learner rider licence will be.

Practical motorcycle training is essential for building rider skills and confidence. Courses in Darwin cover everything from basic bike control and emergency braking to navigating traffic and cornering safely. Whether you’re a beginner preparing for your learner assessment or an experienced rider upgrading to your P plate or open licence, hands-on training ensures you’re ready for real NT road conditions. Completing accredited training also improves road safety and may even reduce insurance costs.

When choosing a motorcycle licence course in Darwin, it’s important to select an authorised provider with small class sizes and experienced instructors. A quality course includes both classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice, helping riders master control, hazard awareness, and road safety. Practical courses prepare you not only for the riding assessment but also for everyday riding in NT conditions. By training with Territory Motorcycle Training, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to progress smoothly from L plates to P plates and beyond.

Not all riding schools are the same. The best motorcycle training in Darwin combines theory, practical riding, and strong safety outcomes. Look for experienced instructors, well-maintained learner motorcycles, and positive reviews from past students. Territory Motorcycle Training is Darwin’s trusted choice, with professional rider training designed to help you pass your assessments and become a confident, safe rider.

The cost of obtaining your motorbike licence in Darwin depends on the type of training and assessments required. Territory Motorcycle Training has the best price on all motorcycle licence courses in NT, and always includes fee complimentary bike hire with all bookings. MVR fees apply for the written knowledge test and licence upgrade processing.

Riders should also budget for safety gear such as helmets, gloves, and boots. Investing in quality motorcycle training and equipment ensures you are well-prepared for assessments and safe riding across NT roads.