The State Government will introduce mandatory safety gear requirements for novice motorcycle riders from 1 July as part of what it says are the biggest reforms to motorcycle licensing in almost 20 years.
Under the changes, all NSW learner, provisional P1 and provisional P2 riders will be required to wear approved motorcycle gloves while riding. Learner riders will also have to wear a high-visibility vest or jacket.
The reforms are part of a broader overhaul of the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme aimed at improving rider safety and visibility on NSW roads.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the changes were designed to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries involving inexperienced riders.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to reducing the number of deaths on our roads,” Aitchison said.
“We are implementing these life-saving reforms to help lower the road safety risks of one of our most vulnerable road users – novice motorcyclists.”
Motorcycle ownership and licensing in NSW has grown significantly over the past two decades, with the number of licences increasing by more than 65 per cent to more than 690,000. About 27,000 learner licences are issued each year, with around 40 per cent held by riders aged under 25.
The number of riders aged 16 to 25 killed on NSW roads increased from 12 in 2023 to 17 in 2024 and 21 in 2025. Preliminary figures show three young motorcycle riders have died so far this year.
Deaths among novice riders — including learner and provisional licence holders — rose from nine in 2023 to 12 in both 2024 and 2025.
Aitchison said novice riders were disproportionately represented in road trauma statistics.
“We know the data shows learner and novice riders are over-represented in road trauma compared to fully licenced riders,” she said.
“The introduction from 1 July of the requirement that all novice riders must wear motorcycle gloves and learners must also wear a high-vis vest or jacket will help increase safety for our inexperienced riders.”
The government said motorcycle gloves could significantly reduce hand and wrist injuries, while high-visibility clothing would make riders easier for other motorists to see.
“Protective gear can save your life and lower your risk of injury, with motorcycle gloves almost halving the risk of hand and wrist injuries while high-vis vests make riders easier to see,” Aitchison said.
Further reforms flagged by the government include new online learning modules, expanded knowledge testing, longer pre-learner training courses, group on-road coaching and an optional learning journal for novice riders.
The reforms will be introduced in stages over several years to allow for system development, consultation and training provider preparation.
“These changes are just the start of our safety reforms,” Aitchison said.
“We will continue our plans to roll out other lifesaving changes, including an increase in training and education for riders.”
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