The pre-provisional course is a requirement for those upgrading from an Learner licence to a Provisional (P1) licence. This course includes training and assessments the final of which is the motorcycle operator skills test.

It is a full day course (approx 8 hours), which covers slow riding and has a strong focus on roadcraft, which includes observation, hazard avoidance, buffering, road positioning. If you are booking something that does not seem to be 8 hours in duration, you probably have booked the wrong thing.

The normal conversion process differs. You will first do a rider knowledge test (RKT) and then have permission to book a skills test. Now you need only do the skills test if you are converting a licence. "Not in all cases" one might say. Yes, this is true not all cases, but for those who have an equivalent of provisional or higher will just need the skills test. If, for example, converting a WA learner licence into a NSW learner licence you would need to do the pre-provisional course to get the provisional licence.

I don't have a bike

If you do not have a bike and therefore cannot practise, there are options. Some of the testing centres are providing a course which consists of a training session followed by the test and includes motorcycle and gear hire. This is a good option if you can ride and need to get your licence and do not have a bike.