Apply for a provisional rider licence (serviced area)

Find out how to upgrade to a provisional rider licence in an area where motorcycle rider training is available.

Serviced and unserviced areas

Before applying for a learner or provisional rider licence, you must complete the relevant training course, if an approved motorcycle rider training provider is in your area.

To this purpose:

  • a serviced area refers to an area where motorcycle rider training is available
  • an unserviced area refers to an area where there are no training providers within a reasonable distance of you.

Most NSW city and regional areas are in serviced areas.

Check find a rider training centre for your nearest provider. If you cannot find one within a reasonable distance of where you live, call TfNSW on 13 22 13.

Introduction

To upgrade to a provisional rider licence in a serviced area, you must first undertake the pre-provisional rider training course.

The course is a full-day course and includes a one-hour motorcycle operator skills test (MOST). When you successfully complete the course you'll be issued with a pre-provisional certificate of competence to take to your local Service NSW Centre.

The certificate is valid for 3 months.

When you visit the service centre, you can apply for a NSW Photo Card at the same time if you wish, and take advantage of paying a reduced application fee for it.

Eligibility

To upgrade to a provisional rider licence, you must:

  • be aged 17 or over
  • have held a learner rider licence for at least 3 months
  • have successfully completed the pre-provisional rider training course with an approved motorcycle training provider.

What you need

  • the PDF form – 'Licence Application'
  • your pre-provisional certificate of competence
  • your learner rider licence
  • your contact lenses or glasses (if you wear them)
  • a current concession card (if applicable)
  • your payment

How to apply

  1. Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
  2. Complete the form and check the tick box to apply for a NSW Photo Card (if applicable).
  3. Gather the required documents.
  4. Visit a service centre and lodge your application with your payment.

More information

  • For rider licence applications, a receipt is provided which allows you to ride until the card arrives in the mail. The receipt is valid for 2 months.
  • The NSW Photo Card is voluntary – you don't have to have one, but you may find it useful to prove your identity in situations not related to riding/driving.

Payment methods

You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.

Documents

Last updated: 22 April 2025