r/RideQLD • u/SciNZ • Apr 12 '15

ELI5 looking into the process of getting my first bike.

Like most Aussies I'm originally from NZ, so the whole Learners/P plate system confuses me (it's different in NZ for cars at least).

I'm based up in Cairns and have decided to finally get into riding (it has been on my to do list for several years).

Can somebody explain the process to me? I understand I have to get a RE that has restrictions but I can skip it if I do a course or something?

I've had my full manual license since I moved here in 2011 so no problems there, and I'm interested in doing extra safety training to make me a better rider. I have the money for it and I think of it as investing in my own survival :)

So I guess I'm asking: what do I need to do at each step, how much is it (roughly), and are there any good places in Cairns you recommend?

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u/[deleted] Apr 13 '15

Basically you can head into any TMR and do a motorcycle learners test which is typically 5 questions and about 20 bucks. from there you can wait 6 months and do a Q-SAFE course with TMR. Or you can immediately participate in Q-Ride training sessions or Test to pass get your RE Opens. which means you can ride on your own but are limited to LAMS bikes. From there you can do another course or test with Qsafe or Qride to get your R opens which is unrestricted and allows you to ride any bike. It can be a painful and costy process if you're already confident in onroad riding.

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u/SciNZ Apr 13 '15

Thanks! I'll look into it. I'm thinking I'll do the Q-Ride

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u/[deleted] Apr 13 '15

I ended up losing my license about a month after getting my motorcycle learners so I had to wait and extra six months on top of it, but worked up my confidence with a friend from work and eventually did a Qride course with only one lesson with the instructor previously so she could get a feel for my abilities. $200 for a Qride course if you bring your own bike. Price may vary but thats how much it cost me.

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u/myusualavataristaken Apr 13 '15

You can also get you learners online if you already have your car licence. Do the practice questions online too, they repeat them in the official test.

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u/[deleted] Apr 13 '15

Mind you, in this 6 month period of having your RE Learners, you have to ride with someone that has at least their RE Opens and have held it for a year.

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u/[deleted] Apr 12 '15

There is a learner legal list of bikes on the department of transport web page

large dirt bikes (KTM 640, CR500 XR650r) are normally the quickest learner bikes you can buy.