Green light signals beginning of Graduated Licensing Scheme and motorcycle rider safety boost

Thousands of young and inexperienced motorcycle riders across South Australia have transitioned to an enhanced motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) today in an unprecedent boost to road safety.

Novice motorcycle riders are impacted by the important changes as the

Marshall Liberal continues to rollout crucial reform to prevent lives lost and serious injuries on our roads.

Road Safety Minister Vincent Tarzia said the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) issued notices to all impacted riders last month explaining the enhanced GLS and changes.

“Our significant changes for motorcycle riders will save lives because the enhanced licensing system boosts road skills over a longer period,” Minister Tarzia said.

“We’re giving young and novice motorcycle riders the time they need to hone their skills on our roads.

“That additional time on a motorcycle means more road experience and gives riders a far greater chance to arrive home safe and sound.

“In addition to the new safety measures, the Marshall Government is working on boosting the Rider Safe training programme with input from road safety experts and through stakeholder consultation.

“Rider Safe is a compulsory motorcycle training course for novice riders that provides tuition for basic and advanced skills necessary for safe road use.

“Improvements in this area further illustrates how the Marshall Government is working to protect our most vulnerable road users.

GLS legislation passed Parliament in March.

Tragically, 17 lives lost on our roads this year have been motorcyclists.

A learner rider in breach of the new restrictions (see second page) can be fined $389 and accrue three demerit points.

Any rider who holds an R-Date licence (or less) and is caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than zero will be fined $771 and accrue four demerit points.

Between 2016-2020, 17% of lives lost on a motorcycle had a BAC over the limit.

For more information on the GLS or Rider Safe please visit: mylicence.sa.gov.au

The GLS reform is based on recommendations from an expert report provided by the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) and was strengthened by input from key road safety stakeholders, motorcycle groups and industry representatives.

The changes are:

LEARNER’S PERMIT

Minimum age:

• Increase from 16 to 18.
• 17 if holding a provisional car licence.
• 16 if living in regional SA and travelling for education, work or sport.

Restrictions:

• Zero alcohol.
• No passengers.
• Prohibited from towing.
• No riding between midnight and 5am if under 25.
• Restricted to motorcycle with automatic transmission only if tested on one.

Period on learner’s permit:

• Minimum 12 months in all circumstances.

R-DATE LICENCE CLASSIFICATION

Minimum age:

• Increase from 17 to 19.

Restrictions:

• Zero alcohol.
• Restricted to motorcycle with automatic transmission only if tested on one.

Period on an R-Date classification:

• 2 years.

R LICENCE CLASSIFICATION

Minimum age:

• Increase from 18 to 21.

Restrictions:

• Restricted to motorcycle with automatic transmission only if tested on one.