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Licence and registration requirements

To ride in a state forest, you must hold a motorcycle licence or learner’s permit. Your motorcycle must be registered (either full or recreation registration). Check out the rules that apply to vehicle use in Victoria's forests.

All road rules apply on forest roads and vehicle tracks. You must:

  • wear an approved helmet
  • keep left
  • ride according to the track conditions.

Unregistered motorcycles, quad bikes, all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles cannot be legally operated in state forests.

A trail rider with several bikes in a trailer speaks to an official in the bush
Standard road rules apply when riding on forest roads and tracks.

Road access

Some 4WD tracks are seasonally closed during winter to protect water quality and prevent damage to the tracks.

Information on the public road network and road and track closures is available on the Public Access MapShare website.

You can also use the More To Explore app to find trail bike routes and visitor sites, road and track closures, and to download offline maps to use when you're out of mobile range.

Come prepared

Trail bike riding can be hazardous so please come prepared and read  Ride for Tomorrow - Safe and Legal trail bike riding brochure before you leave home.

Respect others and the environment

Remember that when out riding, you are sharing the forest with others.

  • Unload and start your trail bike away from residential areas adjoining state forests.
  • Keep your speed and noise down when in or near camping and picnic areas and when approaching other forest users.
  • Stay on the formed roads and vehicle tracks to protect the natural environment.
  • It’s illegal to ride on natural terrain, in streams or on informal single tracks.
  • Track conditions can change unexpectedly, so ride at a speed that allows you to stop safely.

Keep safe

Always ride with others and wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) for your safety, including a helmet, boots, goggles, body armour, gloves and knee guards.

Always carry a first aid kit, as well as a reliable means of communication – ideally a personal locator beacon (PLB). The first hour after an injury is critical to good recovery outcomes so it's important to be prepared.

Page last updated: 08/05/26