Licensing, Registration and Rider Responsibilities
Core concepts
Riders must hold the correct licence for the motorcycle and follow the graduated licensing system. In NSW, learner and provisional riders face restrictions including motorcycle power-to-weight limits, zero alcohol, and passenger and towing limits. A motorcycle must be registered and insured (compulsory third party) to be used on the road. Riders must carry their licence when riding and produce it on request. Responsibilities include keeping the motorcycle roadworthy, displaying the correct number plate, and reporting notifiable incidents.
Traps in questions
Questions test the exact restrictions that apply to learner and provisional riders, and the penalties for riding unregistered or unlicensed. A trap is assuming a car licence covers a motorcycle; it does not. Another is forgetting that CTP insurance is tied to registration. Watch for questions on displaying L and P plates and on the blood alcohol limit for novice riders, which is zero.
Worked example
A provisional rider wants to carry a pillion. Before doing so, check the licence conditions: provisional riders in NSW are generally restricted from carrying passengers. If the condition is not met, the ride is unlawful even if the motorcycle is registered.
Rule of thumb
Before every ride, check licence, registration and condition compliance; if any is missing, do not ride.