Prepare your motorcycle for your driving test

Ensuring you and your motorcycle are ready. 

Every time you take to the road on your motorcycle you must always think safety first. The focus of your Initial Basic Training (IBT) was all about your safety and that of other road users.  

The day of your driving test will be no different. 

On the day of your driving test, it’s critical that your documentation is in order and your motorcycle meets all of the safety requirements. Otherwise, your test won’t go ahead, you will forfeit your fee and you will have to book another test appointment. 

You must: 

• supply a vehicle for the driving test that is consistent with any restrictions noted on your learner permit
• make sure your vehicle is a  representative vehicle for your driving test
• be insured to ride it 
• display a valid, original motor tax disc 
• produce your vehicle registration certificate  
• wear all the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), i.e. helmet, gloves, boots and weather-gear 
• have L-plates no less than 15 cm high in red on a white background and in good condition, on the front and back of a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over your outer clothing 
• make sure that your vehicle is fitted with functioning and adequate brake and, amber when lit indicator lights
• have Vehicle Registration Certificate / Licensing Certificate of your motorcycle showing its engine size and power output.  If these documents do not show the original power output, which is often the case for imported vehicles,  then you must bring written proof on headed notepaper from a relevant dealer or official importer showing the particular make of motorcycle and it's registration number
• If your vehicle is restricted, have proof of Restriction on headed notepaper from a relevant dealer or official importer of the particular make of motorcycle, showing the restricted KW output and the registration number.  (Note, original KW output cannot be restricted by more than 50%)

Prepare your personal protective equipment

Your personal safety must come first at all times, including during your driving test. That means having the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), weather-gear and communication device (earpiece) ready to go.  

Remember, you will not be allowed to take your driving test unless you meet the  RSA’s requirements for your safety gear, PPE and earpiece. 

On the day of your motorcycle driving test you must present with: 

• all your necessary and approved PPE, i.e. helmet, gloves, boots and weather-gear
  
• L-plates no less than 15 cm high in red on a white background and in good condition, on the front and back of a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over your outer clothing 

Earpieces

You must bring your own compatible radio earpieces with you to your motorcycle driving test. 

Prepare your motorcycle 

You must supply a motorcycle for the driving test and be insured to ride it. Your motorcycle must:

• display a valid, original motor tax disc 
• be roadworthy, e.g., brake and indicator lights must be working properly, and tyres must be properly inflated to the correct tyre pressure as advised by your vehicle or tyre manufacturer.
• tyre thread depth must be above the legal minimum 1mm thread depth requirement 
  

Helpful videos

Watch these helpful RSA videos when preparing for your driving test:

Useful information

Get useful information about the driving test by reading our Preparing for your driving test and Checklist for your practical driving test booklets.