To ride on New Zealand roads, you must be Licenced.
To achieve a NZ Motorcycle Learner Licence, you will need to complete two separate tests.
- The first part comprising of a Practical Test - The Basic Handling Skills Test - The second part being a Written Test - based on the New Zealand Road Code
You must pass the Basic Handling Skills test before applying for the written test.
What is the Basic Handling Skills test?
The Basic Handling Skills Test (BHS test for short), is a practical riding test to see if you have mastered the basic skills that will keep you safe on the road while you’re working towards your full licence.
RIDER TRAINING (NZ) is a NZTA approved tester of the Basic Handling Skills Test.
We specialize in BHS training and testing. We have the right course for you to attain your BHS certificate. See our Training Courses page to find out which package would suit you best.
What do I have to do in the BHS test?
What is involved in a basic handling skills test?
On 1 November 2012, changes came into effect to strengthen the basic
handling skills test (BHST) and improve the safety of motorcyclists.
The basic handling skills test consists of four stages:
1. Basic turn and stop 2. Figure of eight and park 3. Linking figures of eight 4. Increased speed and emergency stop
Each stage is broken down into varying combinations of the following tasks:
Move off Straight ride Corner Stop Park
In completing the tasks above you will be assessed against the relevant assessment items below:
Looking in the correct direction Signalling correctly Making head checks before changing position Lateral position of motorcycle Control of motorcycle Using appropriate speed Parking observation Parking movement.
There are also other requirements that the Instructor will be looking out for
while you conduct these exercises.
Once you have passed the BHS test, you will be presented with a Basic Handling Skills Certificate. You will need to take this with you when applying for your learner licence at your closest NZTA agency (AA, VTNZ or Onroad).
You will need to:
- Complete the application form (DL9) - Produce your Basic Handling Skills Certificate - Show identification and evidence of your address - Pay the appropriate fees - Sit the theory test - Pass an eye sight test - Have your photograph taken (Smile!) - Provide your signature on an electronic pad
It is highly recommended to purchase a copy or use the online version of NZ Road code for Motorcyclists and study the Road code as you will be tested on this for your theory test.
Completing the Learners Licence
When
you've passed the theory test you'll be given a temporary licence,
valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your learner licence in the
mail. Your learner licence should arrive within two to three weeks. You will notice that your new licence will show 6L which means 6 is for Motorcycle and L is for Learner.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You are now a Learner Rider and can legally ride on the road!
**** But don't forget to keep to the conditions of the Learner licence! ****
- You must display an “L” plate attached to the rear of the motorcycle - Ride an LAMS approved Motorcycle - Must not ride between the hours of 10pm and 5am - You must not carry pillion passengers - You must carry your learners licence at all times - You must not drink alcohol before riding, if :
If you're under 20, Effectively a zero limit - consuming one drink will mean a rider can be charged with drink driving.
If you're over 20, Your riding, however, may be affected well before you reach the legal alcohol limit. It would be best practice not to have a drink when you intend to ride.
This is a very brief summary of how to get a motorcycle licence - for more information you will need a copy of The Official New Zealand Road Code and Licence Guide for Motorcyclists or visit the New Zealand Transport Agency website (NZTA)
I've got my Learners Licence, where to next?
It
doesn't matter what age you are, all riders must hold their Learner
Licence for at least 6 months before being able to apply for the
Restricted Licence. Before applying for your restricted licence
you must pass a practical riding test. This test is known as the
"Restricted Licence Practical Test". It has been designed to test your
riding ability in a range of traffic situations and on various
different road conditions.
Applying for a Restricted Motorcycle Licence - (Class 6R)
To apply for your Restricted Licence you will need to:
- Hold a learner licence for at least six months; - Go to your to your nearest driver licensing agent, - Complete an application form and pay the appropriate fees - Pass the restricted licence practical test; - Pass an eyesight screening check; - Have your photograph taken - Provide a signature.
On
passing the restricted licence practical test, you will be given a
temporary licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your
restricted licence in the mail. You must carry your driver licence at
all times when you drive.
Restricted licence conditions Holders
of a restricted licence must carry their restricted licence with them
at all times when you are riding and adhere to the following
conditions:
- Ride a LAMS approved Motorcycle - Not ride between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am - Must not carry a pillion passenger - Best practise is to not drink any alcohol before you ride
However, you can say goodbye to the L plate!
Awesome, I've passed the Restricted test, whats next?
You will need to be at least 18 years of age and have held your
restricted licence for at least 18 months before you can apply for your
full licence. (This applies to all restricted licence holders,
regardless of age).
If you completed an approved advanced driving course (Street Talk or
Defensive Driving) prior to 1 October 2012 you may be eligible for an
exemption to reduce the minimum period to less than 18 months. All restricted licence holders need to sit and pass a full licence test before graduating to a full licence.
To obtain your full licence you must:
- Pay the appropriate fees for the test and full licence application - Pass the full licence test - Pass an eyesight screening check - Have your photograph taken - And provide a signature
Full licence practical test
To progress to a full licence you have to pass a practical test to demonstrate that you:
- Have basic riding skills - Scan, recognise and respond to a range of common road hazards - Scan, ride in higher speed zones.
On
passing the full licence test you will 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 2-3 weeks.
Now I have a Full Licence, what can I do?
Well Done!
You now have no restrictions on Motorcycle size, riding hours & can take pillions.
Time to go bike shopping!
This
is a very brief summary of how to get a motorcycle licence - for more
information you will need a copy of The Official New Zealand Road Code
and Licence Guide for Motorcyclists or visit the New Zealand Transport Agency website - www.nzta.govt.nz (NZTA).
The Basic Handling Skills Test (BHS test for short), is a practical riding test to see if you have mastered the basic skills that will keep you safe on the road while you’re working towards your full licence.
What is involved in a basic handling skills test?
It
doesn't matter what age you are, all riders must hold their Learner
Licence for at least 6 months before being able to apply for the
Restricted Licence. Before applying for your restricted licence
you must pass a practical riding test. This test is known as the
"Restricted Licence Practical Test". It has been designed to test your
riding ability in a range of traffic situations and on various
different road conditions.