How does a motorcycle learners work?

[thestaggy]

My Googling skills seem to have failed me nor could I find all the answers on the forums.

Taken from the gov.za website;

Code 1: This is for a motor cycle with or without a sidecar, motor tricycle or quadrucycle. You must be 16 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply if the motorcycle’s engine does not exceed 125 cc and 18 years or older if it exceeds 125 cc.

Does this mean that if I get myself a learners license I can ride a bike with an engine capacity of 125 cc or more (I'm 29)?

How long does the license last and what are the restrictions? Surely a noob such as myself shouldn't be allowed to cruise around on a Superbike with a passenger one day after getting a learners?

As a complete novice, what capacity should I be looking at to learn on? I know its not the same thing, but I have some experience riding scooters.

EDIT: I'm also looking at riding schools in my area. I'd rather learn the basics in an environment where dropping a bike won't be too painful or costly.

 

[Talentloos]

Yeah motorcycle learners is not as hectic as car. I dont think you are allowed to have someone else on the bike tho. I would say start with nothing more than a 250. If you havent ever driven a motorcycle before, 125

 

[unskinnybob]

Bike learners is valid for 2 years. You aren't allowed to lift or drive on highways.

 

[Hamster]

Bike learners is valid for 2 years. You aren't allowed to lift or drive on highways.

Thought the highway restriction was just on engine size (125cc and lower)?

 

[Tman*]

Does this mean that if I get myself a learners license I can ride a bike with an engine capacity of 125 cc or more (I'm 29)?

being 29, you can even buy a 1200cc if you like. The restriction is only for 16-18 year olds if I remember correctly.

The only other restriction is you cant lift. Not too sure about driving on the highway, but I cant see how that can be a problem, if your capacity allows it.

 

[Cactus]

Bike learners is valid for 2 years. You aren't allowed to lift or drive on highways.

This will be quite a problem if true considering I only have my learners.
However I found this:
http://www.k53-test.co.za/frequently-asked-questions.php
If you look under "Motorcycles Driving rules", it state

A motorcycle rider with a learner's licence is allowed to drive on any public road, including a freeway.
Note: A motorcycle learner's licence does not permit you to carry a passenger, not even an instructor.

 

[Paul Bedford]

Cannot carry a passenger but there are no other restrictions.

 

[zafroggy]

Went through this last year.

I would highly recommend the BMW novice course. Take you from being able to ride a bicycle to a fairly compotent rider over two days.

I have started on a 250 but will need to upgrade soon as it is too small for me. Am still glad I did start so low.

 

[unskinnybob]

This will be quite a problem if true considering I only have my learners.
However I found this:
http://www.k53-test.co.za/frequently-asked-questions.php
If you look under "Motorcycles Driving rules", it state

Ok - that's news to me.