Why should I get a Motorcycle Licence?
OK, so you have decided you want to get a Motorcycle Licence. Why is this an excellent choice?
- Motorcycling can be a very rewarding hobby
- It can be a very social, you will meet all sorts of people from different backgrounds
- Motorcycles have a smaller carbon footprint than the average family car
- You are helping to reduce traffic congestion, You can save $$$ on fuel and parking costs!
To ride on New Zealand roads, you must be correctly licenced. New Zealand uses a Graduated Licencing System (GLS). This splits the Motorcycle (and also Car) into 3 different stages:
- Learners
- Restricted
- Full
The first two stages have ‘restrictions’ to help the student gain experience in a safe manner.
Below is a brief description of what is required to gain a NZ Motorcycle Licence, for more information go to the NZTA website
Learner Licence
How do I get a Learner Licence?
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. This is the first step towards attaining a NZ Motorcycle Learner Licence.
I have passed the Basic Handling Skills Test, what's next?
Once you have passed the BHS test, you will be presented with a Basic Handling Skills Certificate (usually on the same day). You will need to take this with you when applying for your Learner Licence at your local NZTA Agency (any AA or VTNZ that do Driver Licencing).
You will need to:
- Complete the application form (DL9)
- Produce your Basic Handling Skills Certificate
- 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
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
- Only ride an LAMS approved Motorcycle
- Must not ride between the hours of 10pm and 5amYou must not carry pillion passengers
- You must carry your learners licence at all times
- You must not drink alcohol before riding - 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.
Restricted Licence
I've got my Learners Licence, where to next?
As of the 1st March 2014, there are two alternative options of getting your Restricted and Full Licences. The standard 'Practical / VTNZ' way and the new CBTA.
The CBTA is the only option that will reduce your waiting time between Licence stages as well as give you feedback on how you are riding. This is done with a Motorcycle Instructor (like us)...
Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA1)
Is a training and assessment option for people getting their motorcycle licence. There is two stages available; CBTA1 is for Learners wanting to go onto their Restricted Licence and CBTA2 is for Restricted holders wanting to go up to a Full Licence.
CBTA1 Learner - Restricted
You can complete a CBTA1 Assessment Ride any time after attaining your Learners. (No waiting time period between Learners to Restricted)
There is no theory or classroom involved in the CBTA, it consists only of:
- A pre-ride safety check of your Motorcycle (conducted together)
- A pre-ride briefing
- The actual ride
- Onroad assessment approx. 1hour for CBT1
- Then a debrief / issuing of certificate if successful or training plan
Instead of taking the practical test with a Testing Officer, you have your riding skills assessed by an NZTA approved CBTA Assessor (Motorcycle Instructor). Although training isn't compulsory, it is highly recommend you complete training before attempting the assessment ride.
This will ensure that you have the necessary riding skills and you're fully prepared to do the assessment. The assessments are designed to ensure you're competent in a prescribed range of riding skills, which are important to keep you safe when riding on our NZ roads.
Once you have successfully completed the CBTA1 (Learners - Restricted) the Instructor will issue you with a certificate that you present to your local NZTA agency.
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; (Only applies to Practical Test not CBTA)
- Go to your to your nearest driver licensing agent
- Complete an application form and pay the appropriate fees
- Pass the restricted licence practical test; or present CBT1 certificate
- Pass an eyesight screening check
- Have your photograph taken
- Provide a signature
On completing your Restricted application successfully, you will be given a temporary licence to use until you receive your new restricted licence in the mail. A reminder - you must carry your driver licence at all times when you ride!
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 10pm and 5am
- Must not carry a pillion passenger
- Best practice 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?
Again you have a choice of the older system - The Practical Test option or the new CBTA which has an added benefit of reducing your waiting time from 18months (practical test option) down to 12months (CBTA option).
Full Licence
Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA2)
CBTA2 Restricted - Full
To do a CBTA2 Assessment Test you must hold a 6R (Restricted Motorcycle) for a minimum of 9 months before sitting the Full Licence Test. (This does not apply to Conversions.)
One of the great benefits of completing a CBTA2 Assessment Ride is it shaves off 6 months waiting time to your Full Licence.
There is no theory or classroom involved in the CBTA, it consists only of:
A pre-ride safety check of your Motorcycle (conducted together)
A pre-ride briefing
Training Session (if purchased - added option called CBTA2+)
The test ride - (Onroad assessment approx 30mins for CBTA2)
Then a debrief / issuing of certificate if successful or training plan
Once you have successfully completed the CBTA2 (Restricted - Full) the Instructor will issue you with a certificate that you present to your local NZTA agency.
Applying for a Full Motorcycle Licence - (Class 6)
To obtain your Full licence you must:
- Held your Restricted for minimum of 12 months (CBT only)
- Pay the appropriate fees for the full licence application
- Present a CBTA2 cert
- Pass an eyesight screening check
- Have your photograph taken
- And provide a signature
On successfully completing the full licence application you will be given a temporary licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your full licence in the mail. Your new full Class 6 (Motorcycle) 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!
Note: 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).