Transport for NSW is reminding novice motorcycle riders that new protective gear requirements take effect from 1 July as part of changes to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries.
From 1 July, all NSW learner, provisional P1 and provisional P2 motorcycle riders must wear approved motorcycle gloves while riding.
Learner riders must also wear a high-visibility vest or jacket to improve visibility and reduce risk.
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said the changes, announced last year, respond to rising motorcycle fatalities on NSW roads.
“Every year Transport issues about 27,000 learner motorcycle licences, and around 40 percent of those are to people aged under 25.
“Novice motorcyclists are consistently overrepresented in road trauma, and these new requirements are designed to help better protect them when they’re out on the road,” Murray said.
“We know gloves can almost halve the risk of hand and wrist injuries, and high-vis gear makes riders far easier for others to see.
“These reforms are just the first stage of a broader package of enhancements aimed at strengthening safety for new riders by improving protective gear use, visibility, and training.”
Over the past 20 years, the number of motorcycle licences in NSW has increased by more than 65 per cent to more than 690,000.
The number of motorcycle riders aged 16 to 25 who died on NSW roads rose from 12 in 2023 to 17 in 2024 and 21 in 2025 (preliminary).
The NSW Government has committed to further reforms to improve safety for novice riders, including an extended pre-learner course, small-group on-road coaching, new online learning modules and updated knowledge testing.
The reforms will be introduced in stages over several years to allow for system development, program design and consultation with stakeholders.
More information is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/rider-licences/gear-requirements-for-learner-and-provisional-riders.
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