Motorcycle-Specific Safe Riding and Protective Gear
The helmet rule
In Victoria you must wear an approved motorcycle helmet whenever you ride on a road or road-related area, securely fastened. Approved means AS/NZS 1698 or an equivalent UN ECE 22.05/22.06 standard. A helmet must fit firmly - it should not rotate forward over your eyes when you push it from the back, and you should not be able to roll it off your head with the straps undone. Replace any helmet that has taken an impact, been dropped onto a hard surface, or has a damaged shell or frayed strap, even if the damage is invisible.
The rest of the kit
Helmets protect the head; everything else protects skin and joints. An abrasion-resistant jacket and pants, gloves that cover the wrists, sturdy boots covering the ankle, and eye protection (a visor, goggles or glasses) are the baseline. Bright colours, reflective strips and a headlight on low beam in daylight improve your odds of being seen - conspicuity is protective gear too.
Rider condition and passengers
Alcohol, drugs and fatigue degrade balance and judgement faster on two wheels than four. A learner permit holder must not carry a pillion passenger at all. Once licensed, a passenger must wear an approved helmet, be at least eight years old, be able to reach the footrests, and the motorcycle must be designed to carry them.
Trap and rule of thumb
Questions test gear that is recommended against gear that is legally required. Only the helmet, plus eye protection where the helmet has no visor, is compulsory. Rule of thumb: dress for the slide, not the ride.