The Graduated Licensing for Motorcyclists discussion paper looks at possible changes to the current licensing system.

Outlined in the paper are options to introduce a more rigorous assessment of practical skills when gaining a motorcycle licence.

It also suggests a requirement for learners to obtain a minimum number of hours of supervised experience before gaining a license and restrictions on riders with automatic licenses riding manual/geared motorcycles.

Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the new system was needed because motorcyclists accounted for less than four per cent of all vehicles registered, but comprised 14 per cent of all fatalities and serious injuries.

But Motorcycle Australia member George Fong said that while he agreed with trying to reduce the road toll, the proposal needed to focus more on riders gaining practical experience rather than on restrictions.

''We do need to work on reducing the death toll, there's no question about that,'' Mr Fong said. ``But making it more difficult for riders to get a licence is not the answer''.

Mr Fong said government funding was needed for subsidies on motorcycle safety gear and activities such as group rides and track days to allow riders to increase their skills in a controlled environment before sitting for their

license.

''We have a battle in trying to get young kids to wear safety equipment when riding. You have to ask, how much is your skin worth?''