Understanding the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme
Getting your motorcycle licence opens the door to a new kind of freedom, however learner riders are required to start their two-wheeled journey on a motorcycle that’s approved under Australia’s Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS), a category created to help new riders start safely and gain confidence.
The scheme applies from your learner permit right through to the end of your provisional licence period, meaning your first few years of riding experience will almost always be on a LAMS-approved bike.
LAMS is designed to help new riders build skills on machines that are both easy to manage and appropriately sized for the rider’s build and experience. Bikes in this category are purposely designed to make those first steps simple, safe and enjoyable, whether you’re looking for a more efficient form of transport or planning your first weekend escape.
What Does LAMS Mean?
LAMS is a national initiative that identifies learner-appropriate motorcycles based on their engine size, weight and power output. The idea is to ensure beginners start with bikes that are forgiving, predictable and easier to control, while still offering enough performance to enjoy real-world riding.
Before it was introduced, learner riders in Australia were restricted to bikes with engines no larger than 250cc, regardless of how heavy or powerful they were. The LAMS system replaced that blanket rule with a fairer approach, limiting learner-approved machines to a maximum engine capacity of 660cc and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 150 kilowatts per tonne. This balance allows learners to develop their skills on a motorcycle that won’t overwhelm them, but still delivers the excitement and practicality that make motorcycling so appealing to so many.
LAMS operates under a national framework, though the details can differ slightly between states and territories. Each region maintains its own approved model list and licensing process, so it’s worth checking in with your local authority at the beginning of the process. Once you graduate to your full licence, those restrictions lift, but many riders often choose to stick with their LAMS bikes longer, especially if they commute or prefer something lightweight and easy to live with.
Why LAMS Bikes Make Sense
Starting small doesn’t mean limiting your experience. LAMS motorcycles are designed to give new riders every opportunity to learn safely, build confidence and have fun along the way. They tend to be lighter, easier to manoeuvre and more forgiving when you’re still mastering clutch control, braking and balance.
They’re also practical. With their relatively small engines and reduced fuel use, running costs are lower and insurance and registration fees often cheaper too. Most importantly, a LAMS bike lets you focus on learning to ride well, not just learning to handle power, which is the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyable motorcycling.
What to look for in your first LAMS bike
Choosing your first motorcycle can be as exciting as getting your licence. It’s worth taking time to think about how and where you’ll ride most. If you’ll be commuting, a scooter could be just the thing you're looking for. If you're wanting something with gears and a clutch as well as a comfortable upright seating position that improves visibility and makes low-speed manoeuvring easier, then maybe an naked bike is for you. If weekends are your priority, you might prefer something sportier or a bike with a bit of wind protection that’s more suited to longer rides.
Comfort is key, so check seat height and reach to the handlebars, as both affect your confidence at low speed and when stopping. A test sit at your local Yamaha dealership is the best way to find a good fit. And it’s a good idea to wear or bring the same riding gear you’ll use on the road, so you can feel how the bike fits and balances with your riding gear on.
Yamaha’s LAMS-approved range
From everyday commuters to adventure-ready trail bikes and sporty machines, Yamaha’s LAMS range has something for every kind of rider. Whether you’re drawn to a fully-faired sportsbike, the relaxed style of a naked bike, the ease of a scooter or the versatility of an off-road model, every LAMS-approved Yamaha is built with the same attention to quality, performance and rider confidence.
Yamaha Supersport LAMS Bikes
If you like the look of a race-inspired machine, Yamaha's YZF-R15M, YZF-R3 and YZF-R7LA offer the sharp styling and sporty feel of Yamaha’s Supersport family, in learner-approved form.
Discover the Yamaha YZF-R15M | Discover the Yamaha YZF-R3 | Discover the Yamaha YZF-R7LA | Discover the Yamaha Supersport Range
Yamaha Maximum Torque (MT) LAMS Range
For riders who prefer a more upright position and road-ready versatility, the MT-03, MT-07LA and XSR700 combine everyday comfort with plenty of character.
Discover the Yamaha MT-03 | Discover the Yamaha MT-07LA | Discover Yamaha's Maximum Torque (MT) Range
Yamaha Scooter Range
Yamaha’s scooter line-up – including the TMAX Tech Max, XMAX 300, NMAX 155 and D’ELIGHT 125 – delivers simple, twist-and-go convenience with built-in practicality, ideal for city commutes or quick errands.
Discover Yamaha D’elight | Discover Yamaha NMAX 155 | Discover Yamaha XMAX 300 | Discover Yamaha TMAX 560 | Discover the Yamaha Scooter Range