K53 topic guide · 4 chapters
K53 learner's licence requirements and documents
Ages, supervision, the learner's codes and the documents involved in driving legally.
Before the test, it helps to know how learner's licences work. These chapters cover ages and supervision, the learner's codes and the licensing and vehicle documents you need to understand. Always confirm current requirements and fees with your driving licence testing centre.
Learner licences, ages and supervision
A learner licence is permission to learn to drive the authorised vehicle class under its conditions. It is not an unrestricted driving licence. The theory test covers rules of the road, signs and markings, and vehicle controls. Passing it does not prove practical driving competence.
- Your document’s class and conditions determine what you may drive.
- The correct vehicle class, age and supervision conditions all matter.
- Use theory learning to prepare; obtain supervised practical instruction.
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Rules in detail: Learner's licence codes and applying
What the rule says. A code 1 learner's licence authorises you to ride a motorcycle on a public road. You must be at least 16 years old to get it. If you are under 18, you may only ride a motorcycle with a cylinder capacity (engine size) not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres.
- Code 1: at least 16 years old, and under 18 means 125 cc or less.
- A code 1 learner rides alone, never with a passenger.
- Code 2: at least 17 years old, up to 3 500 kg, supervised, valid 24 months.
Read the full chapter: Rules in detail: Learner's licence codes and applying →
Driving documents and vehicle licensing
A driver needs a valid document authorising the vehicle class and must obey its conditions. Carry the licence or authorising document when driving. A vehicle owner must not permit an unlicensed person to drive it on a public road.
- Both driver authority and vehicle licensing must be valid.
- Confirm the current centre-specific document and booking requirements.
- Check permit and update obligations with the authorised authority.
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Rules in detail: Vehicle licences, permits and offences
What the rule says. A motor vehicle licence and licence disc are valid for 12 months, counted from the first day of the month in which they were issued. The date of expiry must be shown on both the motor vehicle licence and the licence disc.
- A vehicle licence and disc last 12 months from the first day of the month of issue.
- Up to 21 days after expiry, with the old number and disc displayed.
- Tell the registering authority within 14 days of a permanent move.
Read the full chapter: Rules in detail: Vehicle licences, permits and offences →
Practice questions on learner's licence requirements
1 How long is a learner licence valid?
- 6 months
- 24 months
- 10 years
Show the answer
Answer B: 24 months
The learner test covers road rules, signs and markings, and vehicle controls. A learner licence is valid for 24 months. Learner code 1 is for motorcycles; code 2 is for light vehicles; code 3 covers light and heavy vehicles as permitted. These learner codes are different from driving-licence codes such as B or C. The reference manual states minimum ages of 16 for motorcycle learners, 17 for light vehicles and 18 for heavy vehicles. A motorcycle learner under 18 may only ride a motorcycle of at most 125 cc. Car and heavy-vehicle learners need supervision by someone correctly licensed for the vehicle; motorcycle learners may not carry passengers.
Memory tip: Check your vehicle class and the conditions on your licence.
All vehicle codes
2 What is learner code 1 for?
- Only heavy trucks
- Only buses
- Motorcycles
Show the answer
Answer C: Motorcycles
The learner test covers road rules, signs and markings, and vehicle controls. A learner licence is valid for 24 months. Learner code 1 is for motorcycles; code 2 is for light vehicles; code 3 covers light and heavy vehicles as permitted. These learner codes are different from driving-licence codes such as B or C. The reference manual states minimum ages of 16 for motorcycle learners, 17 for light vehicles and 18 for heavy vehicles. A motorcycle learner under 18 may only ride a motorcycle of at most 125 cc. Car and heavy-vehicle learners need supervision by someone correctly licensed for the vehicle; motorcycle learners may not carry passengers.
Memory tip: Check your vehicle class and the conditions on your licence.
All vehicle codes
3 What supervision does a car learner need?
- Any passenger over 12
- A driver correctly licensed for that vehicle class beside them
- No supervision
Show the answer
Answer B: A driver correctly licensed for that vehicle class beside them
The learner test covers road rules, signs and markings, and vehicle controls. A learner licence is valid for 24 months. Learner code 1 is for motorcycles; code 2 is for light vehicles; code 3 covers light and heavy vehicles as permitted. These learner codes are different from driving-licence codes such as B or C. The reference manual states minimum ages of 16 for motorcycle learners, 17 for light vehicles and 18 for heavy vehicles. A motorcycle learner under 18 may only ride a motorcycle of at most 125 cc. Car and heavy-vehicle learners need supervision by someone correctly licensed for the vehicle; motorcycle learners may not carry passengers.
Memory tip: Check your vehicle class and the conditions on your licence.
All vehicle codes
4 May a motorcycle learner carry a pillion passenger?
- Yes, during daylight
- Yes, with a helmet
- No
Show the answer
Answer C: No
The learner test covers road rules, signs and markings, and vehicle controls. A learner licence is valid for 24 months. Learner code 1 is for motorcycles; code 2 is for light vehicles; code 3 covers light and heavy vehicles as permitted. These learner codes are different from driving-licence codes such as B or C. The reference manual states minimum ages of 16 for motorcycle learners, 17 for light vehicles and 18 for heavy vehicles. A motorcycle learner under 18 may only ride a motorcycle of at most 125 cc. Car and heavy-vehicle learners need supervision by someone correctly licensed for the vehicle; motorcycle learners may not carry passengers.
Memory tip: Check your vehicle class and the conditions on your licence.
All vehicle codes
5 What is the minimum age to obtain a code 1 (motorcycle) learner's licence?
- 16 years
- 17 years
- 18 years
Show the answer
Answer A: 16 years
The manual states you must be at least 16 to obtain a code 1 learner's licence.
Memory tip: Code 1, sweet sixteen.
Motorcycle (code 1)
6 A 17-year-old holds a code 1 learner's licence. What is the largest engine they may ride?
- 200 cubic centimetres
- 50 cubic centimetres
- 125 cubic centimetres
Show the answer
Answer C: 125 cubic centimetres
Under 18, a motorcycle's cylinder capacity may not exceed 125 cc.
Memory tip: Under 18: one-two-five.
Motorcycle (code 1)
AceK53 is an independent study aid based on public road traffic manuals and is not an official test. Always confirm requirements with your driving licence testing centre.