I've got my Learners Licence, where to next?

Restricted Licence

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 motorcycle no greater than 250cc
-  Not ride between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am
-  Must not carry a pillion passenger
-  You should avoid drinking any alcohol before you ride

However, you can say goodbye to the L plate and you are permitted to do the open speed limit.

Riders under 25 years of age
Riders who successfully pass their practical riding test will be granted a restricted licence. You will be required to hold your restricted licence for a minimum period of 18 months. This 18 month minimum period can be reduced to 12 months upon the successful completion of an approved course teaching advanced riding skills provided the course is undertaken after you have held your restricted licence for at least six months.

Riders aged 25 or over
Riders who successfully pass their practical riding test will be granted a restricted driver licence. You will be required to hold your restricted licence for a minimum period of six months. This six month minimum period can be reduced to three months upon the successful completion of an approved course teaching advanced driver skills.

Full Licence

If you are under 25 years of age, you can apply for your full licence once you have held a restricted licence for 18 months. This time can be reduced to 12 months if: you have completed a driving course approved by the Director of Land Transport Safety; and you began the course no less than 6 months after receiving your restricted licence.

If you are aged 25 or over, you can apply for your full licence once you have held a restricted licence for 6 months. This time can be reduced to 3 months if you have completed a driving course approved by the NZTA.

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

The full licence test for motorcyclists involves a thorough examination of your riding skills and how you detect and respond to driving hazards.

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.

Well Done!

You now have no restrictions on Motorcycle size,
riding hours and 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 Land Transport New Zealand website (NZTA).