How to Get a Motorcycle License in New Zealand

New Zealand Motorcycle Driver’s License

Riding a motorcycle requires different skills than driving a car therefore it requires a different license also. The very first stage on the path to a full driver licence is to first get and pass a learner licence test on the NZ road code.

You can’t use a driver’s license when riding a motorcycle according to NZ Transport Agency . If you wish to ride or operate a motorcycle in New Zealand, you need to pass three stages of licensing process.

Basic Requirement for the License

To get a motorcycle in New Zealand, you must be at least 16 years old. You need to complete the following stages: learner license, restricted license, and full license. You need to pass a test on each stage and must pay the required fees.Basic Handling Skills Certificate

A Basic Handling Skills Certificate is also required before you start the first stage. You need to know the basic riding skills learned through a motorcycle riding school.  After completion of the course, you need to pass the practical riding test conducted by an approved instructor or testing officer. After passing the test on braking, turning, signaling and other basic skills, you will receive a certification which will allow you to start formal licensing process.

Learner License

To get a motorcycle learner license, you need to pass the computer-based license theory test or a multi-choice theory test that is designed to test your knowledge of the New Zealand road rules and road hazards. The test consists of two parts – general test and special motorbike test. The general test is about the road rules and road hazards of New Zealand while the special test contains questions on safety use of motorcycles.

Applicants can get the test at the offices of a driver licensing agent. To successfully pass the test, applicants must get 32 correct answers out of 35 questions.

Once you pass the learner theory test, you will receive the New Zealand motorcycle learner license.  However, you must remember the following conditions:

• Ride an approve motorcycle only.
• Your motorcycle must display a Learner plate on its rear.
• You can’t carry a passenger.
• You are not allowed to ride between 10pm to 5am.
• You are not allowed to tow another vehicle.

You must follow the restrictions of your Learner’s License in order to avoid severe penalties.

Restricted License

In order to apply for a restricted motorcycle license, you must be at least 16 ½ years old and have held a learner’s license for 6 months and should pass the practical motorcycle test.  The purpose of the test is to make sure that a learner rider can put into practice all the knowledge and skills they learned during their learner license stage. The test has three parts and to successfully pass the test, the applicant must demonstrate at least 80% of the riding skills correctly and has not broken any law during the assessment. Once you pass the practical test, you will earn the restricted license with the following restrictions:

• You are not allowed to ride between 10pm to 5am.
• You can’t carry passengers.
• You are not allowed to ride a motorcycle with 250cc engine capacity.
• You can’t tow another vehicle.

Full Motorcycle License

This is the last and final stage of motorcycle licensing process. In your order to get a full license you applicants must:

• Have held a restricted license for at least 18 months for those who are under 25 years old.
• Have held a restricted license for 6 months for riders 25 years old and above.
• Completed an approved advanced driving course before October 1, 2012 to be eligible for an exemption to reduce the minimum period of less than 18 months.

Aside from the requirements above, you also need to:

• Fill out an application form.
• Have your photograph taken and provide a signature.
• Present proper identification documents that show your address.
• Have a medical check. Your eye sight must meet the required standard.
• Book for the practical test.
• Pay your application and test fees
• Pass the practical driving test.

Practical test

The practical test will require you to demonstrate the basic riding skills, can recognize and respond to common road hazards, aware of road rules and confidence in controlling the motorcycle and can ride in higher speed zones.

After passing the test, you will be given a temporary motorcycle license that is valid for 21 days. Your official motorcycle license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

To help with your learning check our online motorcycle practice test and our NZ Road Code Theory Test reviewer app now available on the Apple App Store.