Rider Safe training
Rider Safe Program
Rider Safe is the practical training component of the Motor Bike Graduated Licensing Scheme.
The Rider Safe Program is designed to help you become a safer rider and build the necessary skills to ride safely on the road.
The Rider Safe Program is delivered on “ranges”. These ranges are off-road facilities used to demonstrate, train and assess safe riding and handling skills.
If you live within 100km of a Rider Safe range, you must complete the Rider Safe Program to get your learner’s permit and motor bike licence.
There are ranges in St Agnes, Murray Bridge, Millicent, Barmera, Port Pirie and Whyalla.
From 9 December 2024, riders that enrol in the updated Rider Safe program will complete more extensive training when they apply for either:
- a motor bike learner’s permit
- a R-DATE licence class.
The updated Rider Safe program will better prepare riders with the skills and experience they need to navigate our roads safely.
Why we updated the program
Between 2019 and 2023, 15% of motor bike rider deaths from crashes in South Australia were learner riders. Motor bike rider deaths in the 16–24 age range have increased by an average of 1.3% per year over the past 20 years.
Rider Safe’s training focuses on:
- bike control
- key road safety messages
- rider attitudes
- skills.
The new program introduces on-road assessments that complement the existing training.
The current curriculum will expand to increase focus on:
- safety awareness
- judgement
- decision-making
- crash risks and the most common crash types. This includes loss of control, intersections, same direction, side swipe and head on.
Road safety experts support the rider training reforms. The experts include:
- the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) at the University of Adelaide
- Transport and Road Safety (TARS) at the University of New South Wales.
The Rider Safe training program
See the steps below to obtain a motor bike learner’s permit or R-DATE licence.
Pre-learner (people who don’t have a motor bike learner’s permit) | myRiderSafe (online)This online program includes:
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Motor Bike Learner’s Course
The course will include:
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Pre-licence (people who have a motor bike learner’s permit) | Motor Bike Pre-licence CourseThis is a half-day course with two instructors and up to five participants. The course will include:
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Motor Bike Licence AssessmentThis is a 75-minute, on-road assessment with one instructor per participant. During the assessment, the participant will travel along a set route while the instructor observes. The participant is assessed on their ability to:
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Fees for the new courses
Stage | Course or assessment | Fee |
---|---|---|
Pre-learner | myRiderSafe course (online) | $35 |
Motor Bike Learner's Course Part A (one full day) | $450 | |
Motor Bike Learner's Course Part B (one full day) | $450 | |
Pre-licence | Motor Bike Pre-licence Course (one half day) | $225 |
Motor Bike Licence Assessment (75-minute session) | $240 | |
Total | $1,400 |
You will pay for each stage as you complete a course or assessment.
Fees have increased because of the higher level of training that will be provided compared to the previous program.
Bookings
You will be able to complete your online tests and book into the new courses using your mySAGOV account. If you don’t have a mySAGOV account, you can create a new account.
Visit SA.GOV.AU to learn about applying for a motor bike licence.
What this means for people who participated in the old program
For those who passed the Basic Rider Safe course
If you passed the Basic Rider Safe course, Service SA will accept your Certificate of Completion.
Present your certificate within 12 months of the completing the course to receive a motor bike learner's permit.
If you haven't passed the Advanced Rider Safe course, you must complete:
- the new Motor Bike Pre-Licence Course
- a Motor Bike Licence Assessment.
For those who passed the Advanced Rider Safe course
If you passed the Advanced Rider Safe course, Service SA will accept your Certificate for Competency.
Present your certificate within 12 months of the completing the course to receive an R-DATE motor bike licence.
There are no guarantees that certificates older than 12 months will be accepted.
Exemptions
South Australians must pass the new online myRiderSafe course before they can apply for a motor bike learner’s permit.
You don't have to complete the practical Rider Safe courses if you live more than 100km from one training range locations.
People living outside the 100km catchment area can either:
- take the practical Rider Safe courses
- pass a motor bike practical driving test with an Authorised Examiner (government or private) or a police officer.
The Rider Safe ranges are in:
- St Agnes
- Murray Bridge
- Millicent
- Barmera
- Port Pirie
- Whyalla.