Strict new rules for millions of motorcyclists in New South Wales: what you need to know

Published: 03:53, 13 May 2026 | Updated: 03:57, 13 May 2026 Learner motorcyclists will be required to wear high-visibility vests or jackets while riding in a fresh bid to curb fatalities on Australian roads.  L-platers, P1 and P2 licence holders in New South Wales will need to wear gloves that meet European safety standards when the rules come into effect on July 1.  Other changes include new learning modules and knowledge testing, an extended pre-learner course, group on-road coaching and assessment and an optional learning journal to support novice riders in planning rides appropriate to their skill level. The new safety precautions have been introduced in a bid to counter a surge in motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries. The NSW Labor government, led by Chris Minns, lauded the overhaul as 'the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly 20 years'.  'The new requirements, part of significant reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme, have been introduced to improve rider safety and visibility on NSW roads,' the government said in a statement.  The number of motorcycle riders aged 16-25 years who died on NSW roads increased from 12 in 2023 to 17 in 2024 and 21 in 2025.  Three young motorcycle riders have lost their lives on NSW roads so far in 2026.  All L-plate motorcyclists will soon need to wear high-visibility vests or jackets while driving as part of a huge overhaul to safety standards (pictured, cars on the WestConnex tunnel) L-platers, P1 and P2 licence holders will be required to wear gloves that meet European safety standards from July 1 of this year (stock image) Deaths among beginner motorcycle riders - those on learner or provisional licences - rose from nine in 2023 to 12 in 2024 and 2025.  Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the reforms would help save lives.  'We are implementing these life-saving reforms to help lower the road safety risks of one of our most vulnerable road users – novice motorcyclists,' she said. 'We know the data shows learner and novice riders are over-represented in road trauma compared to fully licensed riders. 'These changes are just the start of our safety reforms, we have listened to the experts and closely examined what the statistics show us.'  Many Aussies have welcomed the changes.  'This isn't about fashion, it's about making sure someone sees you before it's too late,' one person said. 'If these new rules save even one life, one son, one daughter, one friend, one parent… they matter. Whether you agree or disagree with the laws, every rider deserves to make it home safely.' 'Should be in all states, not just NSW,' a second agreed.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.