Reforms to the Graduated Licensing Scheme for motorcycle riders come into effect
Young motorcyclists hoping to get a licence will now have to wait up to two years longer under new SA rules.
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South Australian teens looking to get a motorcycle licence will have to wait up to two years longer under new rules that come into effect from today.
The reforms to the Graduated Licensing Scheme passed parliament in March in a bid to bring down the increasing number of motorcyclists killed on the state’s roads.
The minium age for a learner’s permit has been raised from 16 to 18, or to 17 if already holding a provisional car licence.
People living in regional SA travelling for education, work or sport can still apply for a licence at 16.
Passengers, vehicle towing and riding between midnight and 5am is now banned unless exempt while on a learner’s permit.
The minimum age for an R-date licence, which is the equivalent of a provisional licence, has moved from 17 to 19.
Alcohol is now prohibited while on an R-date licence, and riders are restricted to test on an automatic motorbike.
A learner must have a permit for a minimum 12 months.
Police Minister Vincent Tarzia said he hoped to also boost the rider safe training program.
“Our significant changes for motorcycle riders will save lives because the enhanced licensing
system boosts road skills over a longer period,” Mr Tarzia said.
“We’re giving young and novice motorcycle riders the time they need to hone their skills on our roads.”
Of the 90 lives lost on SA roads so far this year, 17 were motorcyclists.
In the most recent incident, a Torrensville man, 19, died after failing to negotiate a roundabout at Edinburgh at the weekend.
“In addition to the new safety measures, the Marshall Government is working on boosting the Rider Safe training program with input from road safety experts and through stakeholder consultation,” Mr Tarzia said.
“Rider Safe is a compulsory motorcycle training course for novice riders that provides tuition for basic and advanced skills necessary for safe road use.”
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