The following information is copied directly from the Queensland Transport website:
LEARNER’S LICENCE (RE LEARNER)
From October 2016, how you get your RE learner licence is changing, you will need to:
Hold a provisional or open car licence and have held the licence for at least 1 year. This makes sure you have on-road driving experience before you learn to ride.
Successfully complete a Q-Ride pre-learner training and assessment course
Note: If you live outside a 100km radius of a Q-Ride training centre, you may choose to apply for an exemption from completing the course, however if you are exempt from the course your will need to hold your RE learner licence for longer.
Pass a motorcycle knowledge test
Be medically fit.
The new pre-learner training and assessment course is being introduced to better prepare learner riders by enabling them to gain basic riding knowledge and motorcycle handling skills in a safe environment before riding on-road.
UPGRADING LEARNER’S LICENCE (RE PROVISIONAL / OPEN)
From October 2016 the time you need to hold a class RE learner licence is changing. If you get your class RE learner licence from October 2016, you will need to hold your class RE learner licence for at least 3 months (or at least 1 year if you were exempt from the Q-Ride pre-learner course) before you can enrol in a Q-Ride course or take the Q-SAFE test. If you already hold a class RE learner licence before October 2016, the old rules will continue to apply to you.
The new class RE learner licence period aims to encourage new riders to practice the skills they learn in the pre-learner course, and encourage new riders to gain supervised riding experience before progressing to a class RE licence and riding unaccompanied.
UPGRADING TO CLASS R (UNRESTRICTED)
From October 2016, the time you need to hold a class RE provisional or open licence is changing. If you get your class RE provisional or open licence from October 2016 you will need to hold the licence for at least 2 years before you can learn to ride a class R motorcycle or upgrade to a class R licence. If you already hold a class RE provisional or open licence before October 2016, the old rule will continue to apply to you.
The extension of the class RE licence period from 1 to 2 years aims to provide new riders with more time to develop their skills and gain experience under conditions of reduced risk before progressing to riding more powerful motorcycles.