You and your motorcycle
Buying a bike
Why do I need a motorcycle licence?
How do I get my licence?
First things first - pre-test bike check (roadworthiness)
Basic Handling Skills Test
How much does it cost?
The three stages of getting your motorcycle licence
Stage 1 - Learner Licence
Stage 2 - Restricted Licence
Stage 3 - Full Licence
The Full Licence test for motorcyclists
Mopeds
Frequently asked questions

The material outlined on this section of the web site was developed in conjunction with Motor Trade Association. For more information on Motor Trade Association click here.

You and your motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle is a great experience. The world of motorcycling opens up new worlds of adventure, travel and experience. Entering this world of fun and excitement can also present some challenges that you must be equipped to handle. Before you can even contemplate riding a motorcycle on the road, you need to get yourself a motorcycle to practise on and a licence to ride.

Buying a bike

There are many different brands and types of bike available on the market that offer the rider different riding experiences. The best way to choose your bike is to talk to someone who knows about them, your local motorcycle dealer.

Buying a used bike

Buying a used bike need not be a difficult exercise. MTA members are Registered Motor Vehicle traders and can provide you with sound, sensible guidance when it comes to buying a motorcycle (MTA motorcycle dealers are bound by the MTA Code of Ethics and provide a Customer Promise to all buyers).

Why do I need a motorcycle licence?

Motorcycle licensing is done to help protect you. It ensures that you are equipped with the necessary skills to ride safely on New Zealand's roads. It also ensures that you know the rules and laws of the road so there's less chance of you being involved in a crash.

While getting a licence isn't complicated, there are certain steps you need to take, and some of these are subject to particular periods of time. In this section we have set out the steps involved in getting your licence, so that at least understanding what's involved is as easy as it can be.

How do I get my licence?

You must be at least 15 years old before you can apply for a motorcycle licence. To ride a motorcycle on the road you need a Class 6 (motorcycle) licence. Riding requires skills that you can only gain by spending time riding a motorcycle. For this reason you cannot legally ride a motorcycle on the road using a car driver licence, however you can ride a moped. We cover mopeds later, in a separate section.

Getting your licence involves three graduated stages, designed to build riding and road safety skills progressively as you move through the system. In a hands-on learning environment such as that involved in riding a motorcycle, a graduated programme of learning ensures that you are competent at the earlier stages of riding before you move on to the more challenging stages. This ensures that by the time you get your Full Licence you're equipped to handle all types of riding situations.

Before you can start the first stage though, you need to complete a basic handling skills test conducted by an approved motorcycle riding instructor or an approved testing officer. For more information on the riding exercises required in the test see the latest version of The Official New Zealand Road Code and Licence Guide for Motorcyclists.

First things first - pre-test bike check (roadworthiness)

To complete any of the tests required, your motorcycle needs to have a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF). The testing officer will always carry out a brief check before Part 1 of the test. You should get into the habit of checking your motorcycle regularly for things that may be deteriorating or that may have broken. If the motorcycle isn't roadworthy (even if it does have a current WoF) the test won't proceed and you will need to book and pay for another test, and the test fee won't be refunded.

Things that will be checked:

• Tyres and wheels: They must have legal tread depth and no uneven wear, and must appear undamaged.
• Indicators: Must operate correctly and all lenses must be intact.
• Brake lights: Must operate correctly and all lenses must be intact.
• Headlights: The high and low beams must operate and the lenses must be intact.
• Horn: Must operate satisfactorily.
• Registration: The licence label and WoF must be current.
• Your helmet: By law every motorcycle rider and pillion passenger must wear an approved safety helmet securely fastened on the head.

Basic Handling Skills Test

This test is your first step towards obtaining your Learner Licence. You will need to pass a 'Basic Handling Skills Test' conducted by an approved motorcycle riding instructor or an approved testing officer.

To help you pass, you might want to practise basic handling skills on your own private property or at a motorcycle training school. For more information on the riding exercises required in the test see the latest version of The Official New Zealand Road Code and Licence Guide for Motorcyclists.

How much does it cost?

Basic Handling Skills Test*	$48.90
Learner Licence application fee	$39.30
Learner Licence test	$39.70
Restricted Licence application fee	$39.30
Restricted Licence test	$48.90
Full Licence application fee	$44.30
Full Licence test	$70.80
Total	$331.20

All fees include GST and are non-refundable.

These prices are subject to change at the discretion of Land Transport New Zealand.

* Please note: Undertaking the Basic Handling Skills Test with a testing officer will cost $48.90. The fee charged by motorcycle riding instructors will vary.

The three stages of getting your motorcycle licence

Once your motorcycle has passed its pre-test bike check you can move on to the first stage of licensing.

• Stage 1 - Learner Licence
• Stage 2 - Restricted Licence
• Stage 3 - Full Licence

As you graduate from one stage to the next, you're given a new licence with different requirements and more responsibilities. Normal road rules apply at all times and you must carry your licence with you when you're riding.

Stage 1 - Learner Licence

How to apply

Once you have your Basic Handling Skills Test certificate you can apply for a motorcycle Learner Licence. This means you'll need to:

• Fill out an application form at your local driver-licensing agent.
• Produce your Basic Handling Skills Test certificate.
• Produce two forms of identification: one can be your birth certificate, passport or other proof of your identity and age; the other must show your current address, for example:

1. An account statement issued within the past 12 months by your bank or credit card company, with your name and address on it.
2. A telephone or electricity account issued within the past six months, with your name and address on it.
3. Another form of identity issued within the past 12 months, with your name and address on it

• Pay the appropriate fees for the test and the Learner Licence application.
• Pass an eyesight screening check.
• Provide a signature.
• Have your photograph taken.
• Pass a written theory test.

The Road Code provides all the information you need when preparing for the test and practise questions.

To pass this test you must correctly answer 32 of the 35 questions. If you have difficulty reading you can use a reader-writer to assist you.

Once you pass the test you'll be given a Temporary Licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your Learner Licence in the mail within two to three weeks.

Conditions of your Learner Licence

• You must not ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity greater than 250cc.
• You must not go faster than 70 km/h on the open road.
• You must not ride between 10pm and 5am.
• You must not carry a passenger.
• At all times when you are riding you must have a learner ('L') plate attached to your motorcycle's rear number plate. You can obtain 'L' plates from participating outlets of Land Transport New Zealand's driver licensing agents:

1. Automobile Association (AA).
2. Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ).
3. Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ).
4. On Road New Zealand.

Remember that you must carry your Learner Licence at all times when you're riding.

Drinking alcohol before riding your motorcycle has the possibility of impairing your driving judgement. If you're under 20 years old the legal blood alcohol limit is 30 mg/100 ml, and 150 mcg/litre for breath alcohol. This is effectively a zero limit - consuming one drink will mean a rider can be charged with drink driving.

If you're over 20 years the legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg/100 ml, and 400 mcg/litre for breath alcohol.

Stage 2 - Restricted Licence

How to apply

After you have held a Learner Licence for at least six months you can book a time with your driver-licensing agent to take your Restricted Licence practical riding test.

To obtain your Restricted Licence, you must:

• Have held your Learner Licence for at least six months.
• Pay the appropriate fees for the test and Restricted Licence application.
• Produce two forms of identification (one can be your Learner Licence, the other must show your current address).
• Pass an eyesight screening check.
• Have your photograph taken.
• Provide a signature.
• Pass the Restricted Licence practical riding test.

On passing this test you'll be given a Temporary Licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your Restricted Licence in the mail. Your Restricted Licence should arrive within two to three weeks.

Conditions of your Restricted Licence

• You must not ride between 10pm and 5am.
• You cannot carry a passenger.
• You must not ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity greater than 250cc.
• You must carry your Restricted Licence at all times when you are riding.
• If you are under 20, your legal alcohol limit is still the same as it was on your Learner Licence. To be safe, you should not drink anything before you ride.

What do I need for the practical riding test?

For both the restricted and full practical riding tests your motorcycle must have a current WoF, be up to WoF standard and have a current licence label showing. A moped cannot be used for a Restricted or Full Licence practical riding test.

You must have an 'L' plate showing for a Restricted Licence practical riding test

You must have your licence with you.

The testing officer will observe your riding, including your awareness of what's going on around you, how you control your speed and direction, and your overall riding standard, including your behaviour toward other road users.

If you are unable to keep your test appointment you must give at least two working days' notice. If you don't, or you are more than five minutes late, you will have to re-book and pay the test fee again.

The Restricted Licence practical riding test is designed to:

• Encourage you to build up your experience and maintain safe habits after passing the initial practical test.
• Place more emphasis on, and increase awareness of, potential hazards.
• Emphasise that there's more to safe riding than simply being able to control the motorcycle.
• Make it clear that you are still learning so don't have the same skill level as experienced riders.

Stage 3 - Full Licence

How to apply

Application timings for your Full Licence depend on whether you are younger or older than 25 years. If you are under 25, you can apply for a Full Licence after 18 months on your Restricted Licence, or after six months on your Restricted Licence if you are 25 or older.

If you successfully complete an approved course, the length of time you must hold your Restricted Licence can be reduced to 12 months for those aged under 25 years, and reduced to three months for those 25 or older. You must present the course certificate to the driver-licensing agent when you book the practical test.

If you are under 25 you can only complete an approved course after you've had your Restricted Licence for at least six months.

To obtain your Full Licence, you must also:

• Pay the appropriate fees for the test and Full Licence application.
• Produce two forms of identification (one can be your Restricted Licence, the other must show your current address).
• Pass an eyesight screening check.
• Have your photograph taken.
• Provide a signature.
• Pass the Full Licence practical riding test.

On passing the Full Licence test you'll be given a Temporary Licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your Full Licence in the mail. Your Full Licence should arrive within two to three weeks.

You must carry your motorcycle licence at all times when you are riding.

What is the Full Licence practical riding test?

It's the riding test that Restricted Licence holders must pass before 'graduating' to a Full Licence, and you'll need to demonstrate safe riding behaviour across a wide range of traffic situations and road conditions.

The things that you'll be asked to do in the test are designed to see if you can safely handle riding situations that present the greatest risk to New Zealand motorcyclists in their first five years of riding.

If you can't show the testing officer that you can safely handle these situations you won't pass the test and will stay on a Restricted Licence.

What does the Full Licence test involve?

It takes about one hour. You need to provide the motorcycle that you'll ride for the test (note that you sit the test on a motorcycle, not a moped or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)).

Your motorcycle will be checked for roadworthiness before the test begins. If it isn't roadworthy, the test won't proceed and you'll need to book another test.

The Full Licence test is made up of three parts:

• Part 1 - Basic riding (about 15 minutes).
• Part 2 - Detecting and responding to riding hazards in built-up areas (about 20 minutes).
• Part 3 - Detecting and responding to riding hazards in higher speed zones (about 10 minutes).

About five minutes is also allowed for administration and for the testing officer to give you feedback on your performance.

The testing officer won't ride with you on your bike, but will follow you in a car or on another motorcycle. You'll be asked to stop from time to time so the testing officer can complete the test records and give you more instructions.

You must successfully complete Part 1 before progressing to Parts 2 and 3. The testing officer will tell you the result of Part 1 as soon as you have completed it.

There are no fixed test routes, and you must be able to ride on all types of roads and in all traffic situations.

How is the test scored?

If you perform a riding skill to the required standard you get a 'yes', otherwise you will get a 'no'. You need to get 80% 'yes' scores to pass (based on your total score across all three parts of the test).

Preparing for the Full Licence test

If you have been riding regularly in all types of traffic situations for at least 18 months without difficulty, you should be able to pass Part 1 of the Full Licence test without difficulty. However, to prepare for Parts 2 and 3 of the test, you may need to practise detecting and responding to the hazards that you see when riding.

You must ride safely and legally throughout the test - positioning the motorcycle correctly on the road, controlling your speed and selecting safe gaps in the traffic.

You must ride to suit the conditions. Where it's safe you must travel within 5 km/h of, but never exceeding, the speed limit.

If your riding endangers anyone, the test will end. If the danger was caused by your error, you will fail the test. If you break any traffic law, you will fail the test. Very close note will be taken of your speed and you will fail if you exceed the speed limits. You can also fail the test if you fail to stop at Stop signs or fail to indicate before a manoeuvre.

You should practise until you can confidently and clearly identify and remember traffic hazards, and can safely and legally perform the manoeuvres required in Parts 2 and 3 of the test.

The Full Licence test for motorcyclists

Part 1: A test of basic riding

Part 1 confirms that you have developed the basic safe riding skills needed to deal with the four most common crash situations for motorcyclists in their first five years of riding:

• Riding in a straight line.
• Riding through intersections.
• Turning left at 90^ intersections.
• Turning right at 90^ intersections.

You'll be asked to perform these riding skills on roads with and without painted centrelines, some intersections with Give Way and Stop signs and some without, in speed zones of up to 60 km/h and in all types of traffic.

In Part 1 the testing officer will check the following aspects of your riding:

• Search: That you search forward, to both sides and behind to identify potential hazards.
• Signal use: That you use signals applied in the appropriate direction for a minimum of three seconds before turning, changing lanes and merging.
• Head checks: That you check over your shoulder in the appropriate direction before turning or changing lanes.
• Braking: That you brake smoothly and effectively.
• Speed control: That you adopt a safe and legal speed throughout the test.
• Position: That you position the motorcycle in a safe and legal position before, during and after hazards (including un-laned and laned carriageways, at Stop sign lines and at Give Way sign lines).
• Gap selection: That you select an appropriate gap in traffic before moving into traffic flows, including from intersections and when merging.

Part 2: Detecting and responding to riding hazards in built-up areas

In Part 2 of the test you will be required to show that you can detect and respond to riding hazards in built-up areas in and around town and suburban areas, where speed zones range up to 60 km/h. You can expect to be riding on streets and roads where there are a lot of intersections, traffic and pedestrians.

The testing officer will be looking at the same things as in Part 1 of the test, and will also be checking the way you detect hazards and respond to them by adjusting the motorcycle's speed or position.

A hazard is anything that may be a crash danger to you as a rider or to other road users (e.g. cross-traffic at an intersection, a railway crossing or the crest of a hill you can't see over).

The testing officer will ask you to observe and remember the major hazards that you detected as you performed a particular riding manoeuvre.

As soon as possible after each one of these situations the testing officer will ask you to pull in to the kerb (or a safe area on the side of the road) and then ask you to describe the hazards you saw, to find out where you were looking and what you saw when dealing with that particular traffic situation. This will indicate your awareness of riding hazards.

Example - if you had been asked to make a right-hand turn at a busy intersection, the testing officer would expect to hear you describe what vehicles or other road users you were looking at and what things presented the greatest hazards to you as a rider during the manoeuvre. The things that you saw must match those the testing officer noted. You must also have performed the riding manoeuvre (e.g. the right-hand turn) correctly and safely.

During Part 2 of the test you will be required to perform each of the following riding manoeuvres at least once when looking for hazards:

• U-turns.
• Turning left at intersections when facing Give Way signs.
• Turning right at intersections when facing Give Way signs.
• Turning right at intersections when not facing Give Way or Stop signs.

Part 3: Detecting and responding to riding hazards in higher speed zones

Part 3 of the test requires you to show that you can ride in higher speed zones, where the speed limits range from 70 km/h to 100 km/h. You can expect to be riding on sections of highways, major roads and motorways.

Your ability to demonstrate the following safe riding skills will be assessed across a variety of traffic situations, including:

• Riding straight on highways.
• Riding around curves on highways.
• Merging and changing lanes on highways.

You must be able to perform the riding manoeuvres correctly and safely. Examples of the things the testing officer will be looking for when you make a curve to the left include:

• Searching ahead, detecting left curve, searching behind for traffic.
• Slowing on approach and positioning the motorcycle to the right of the lane (towards road centreline) not to the left of the lane.
• Searching around curve, holding position to right at entry, moving slightly left if there is an on-coming vehicle, and holding steady speed.
• Searching for centre of curve, positioning to left around centre of curve, beginning slight speed increase.
• Searching ahead to exit, holding left or centre position for exit (not to right toward centreline), progressively increasing speed on exiting curve.
• Searching behind for following traffic and resuming normal road position and speed.

Remember!

• Don't forget your Restricted Licence. You won't be allowed to sit the Full Licence test if you can't produce your Restricted Licence: you'll need to re-book the test and pay the test fee again.
• Don't be late. If you're more than five minutes late your test will be cancelled and you'll have to book and pay again to sit the test at a later date.
• Make sure your motorcycle is roadworthy and has enough fuel in it to last the 45-minute ride.

Where can I find out more?

For further information contact Land Transport New Zealand, PO Box 2840, Wellington, visit their web site, or call the driver licensing helpdesk, freephone 0800 822 422.

Mopeds

Many people new to the world of motorcycling are confused as to the difference between a motorcycle and a moped. It's an easy mistake to make though, as when you are talking about small capacity scooter-type machines, it's not always clear which is which.

What is a moped?

A moped is a motor vehicle running on two or three wheels. A moped can have an engine as long as it does not exceed a two-kilowatt power output. Mopeds can have a power source other than a piston engine, but they must not have a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h under normal conditions of use. If it does go faster than 50 km/h, it isn't a moped - you'll need a Class 6 (motorcycle) driver licence.

Does a moped rider have to hold a driver licence?

Yes. This can be any class of driver licence valid in New Zealand, including Learner Licences and international driving permits.

Does the rider have to wear a helmet?

Yes. It must be an approved motorcycle helmet. You can't wear a cycle helmet when you're riding a moped.

Where can I find out more?

For further information contact Land Transport New Zealand, PO Box 2840, Wellington, consult the web site or freephone 0800 822 422.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Learner Licence test have to be taken in English?

Yes, but if you have problems reading English you can bring along an interpreter who is competent in English.

Can I pass the Learner Licence test if I can't read properly?

You can arrange for a reader-writer to read the questions to you.

What is involved in the eyesight check?

All driver-licensing agents have special machines, which check your distance vision and your field of vision (how well you see to the sides). If you do not pass this check you will have to have your eyes tested by an optometrist or doctor.

Can I get a licence if I have a medical condition?

There are some medical conditions that could stop you from getting a licence. For more information, factsheets are available on diabetes, epilepsy, head injuries and vision. Your doctor will also have information on these and other conditions.

Can I ride to my Learner Licence test?

No. You don't yet have a licence and it's illegal to ride without one.

What happens if I am unlicensed and I ride?

You will be breaking the law. The penalty for this offence is a fine of up to $1,000 if you're summoned to appear in court. If you crash, you may not be covered by insurance. You'll also be forbidden to ride by the Police until you obtain a licence. If you're caught riding unlicensed on another occasion, you will be fined again and your motorcycle may be impounded by the Police for 28 days.

Who can teach me to ride?

An approved riding instructor can teach you.

Where do I find my nearest approved riding instructor?

Look in the Yellow Pages first, under Motorcycle Riding Schools.

Are there any exemptions to the conditions that apply to the Restricted Licence?

You can apply through a driver-licensing agent for an exemption if you can prove the restrictions are unreasonable in your case, and that safety will not be compromised if an exemption is granted. There is a non-refundable application fee of $22.50.

What if I break the conditions of my Learner or Restricted Licence?

Each time you are caught offending you will get 25 demerit points and a $400 fine or a fine of up to $1,000 if you are summoned to appear in court. If you crash, your insurance claim could be delayed or declined. Licences are suspended for three months if a driver gets 100 or more demerit points within two years (and in addition to more court appearances, vehicles can be impounded for 28 days if a person is caught driving with a suspended licence).

What kinds of motorcycle can I ride once I've got a Full Licence?

You can ride any motorcycle, moped or ATV.