Now that you have your Motorcycle Restricted Licence, you can begin preparing for the final stage of the process – getting your Motorcycle Full Licence. Check out what you need to do to get your licence.
What you need to know about getting your Full licence
- The minimum age is 18, unless you’ve completed a Competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) 6F course. If this is the case, you can get your full licence once you turn 17½.
- You must hold your restricted licence for a minimum time.
– If you have completed a CBTA 6F course, you must have held your restricted licence for at least 12 months before you can get your full licence.
– If you have not completed a course, then you must have held your restricted licence for at least 18 months.
Find out more about the conditions of getting your full motorcycle licence at nzta.govt.nz
Pre test checklist:
Six must do’s before you arrive for your Full motorcycle test
- Have you completed all requirements of the test application process?
- Completed your application form (DL1)?
- Sat an eye exam or provided a relevant certificate?
- Paid for your test? - Do you have your Restricted Licence on you for the test?
This should be your photographic licence. If you’re on a temporary licence, you’ll need to bring your current New Zealand passport or two other approved forms of identification. Check out our FAQs for more detail on what’s an acceptable form of identification. - Have you checked your vehicle has:
- A current Warrant of Fitness (WoF)?
- A current rego (vehicle licence)? - Have you developed your skills?
Make sure you have spent enough time riding in a range of different situations before your test so that you feel confident and capable on the day. - Have you double checked when and where your test is taking place?
Make sure that you know how to get to your test location and how long it takes to get there. It’s a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test. If your test is the first of the day, check what time your test location opens as you may not be able to enter it until your test time. - Have you checked your fuel?
Make sure that the motorcycle you’re doing your test on has enough fuel to get to your test location, complete the test and then get back home.
There are two options for getting your Full Motorcycle Licence
- Option 1: Complete a Competency Based Training Assessment (CBTA). You can do the assessment after you have held your restricted for 12 months.
When you’ve completed the assessment, bring your 6F CBTA certificate into one of our VTNZ Driver Licensing branches and apply for a Full Motorcycle Licence. You won’t need to sit a practical test.
- Option 2: Practice riding for at least 18 months before applying for a Motorcyclist Full Licence and sitting a practical test.
Prepare for option two in three easy steps:
A. Practising for your test
Before applying for your Motorcyclist Full Licence, the most important thing to do is to practice, practice, practice! The more practice you get, the more confident you will feel on your test day.
When practising on your Restricted Motorcycle Licence, keep in mind the rules for when and how you can ride. You must:
- Only ride between 5am and 10pm
- Only ride a LAMS-approved motorcycle
- Not carry passengers, either on the motorcycle or in a sidecar
- Not tow another vehicle
B. Complete your application
You can book your test online, over the phone or in person, but you need to come in the complete the rest of your application.
You can book:
- At one of our Driver Licensing branches or any other NZTA-approved driver licensing agents
- Online at NZ Transport Agency’s website
- Or over the phone at 0800 822 422
Our in-branch application process:
- Fill out the application form (if you haven’t already)
- Complete an eyesight screening check or present your eyesight certificate
- Have your photo taken and sign your autograph for your licence
- Book a time to do your practical test (if you haven’t done so already)
- Pay for your test (if you haven’t done so prior) – Check out the current costs
What to bring with you:
- Your photographic Restricted Licence. If you’re on a temporary licence, you’ll need to bring your current New Zealand passport or two other approved forms of identification as well
- A medical certificate (if required)
- The filled out application form (DL1) – you can apply online ahead of time
- Any prescription glasses or contact lenses you currently wear (if applicable)
C. Sit your test
The Full Licence practical test should take around half an hour, which includes checking your motorcycle and giving you feedback at the end. The test will involve you demonstrating safe and competent driving in a variety of different situations in a busy environment.
Bringing along a support person
Just like in the Restricted Licence test, you may bring a support person with you as long as they meet the requirements. If you are feeling very anxious and you think this will help you relax then we encourage you to do so. Remember that your support person must not distract you or your testing officer, or you will have to re-sit the test.
Re-sitting your test
Don’t worry if you don’t pass on the first go – you can always try again. Your testing officer will explain why you weren’t successful and what you should work on before re-sitting your practical driving test. You will still be able to practice on your Restricted Licence.
When you’re ready to re-sit your test you will need to make another booking and pay the additional test fee.
What happens when I pass?
Be proud of yourself! It’s the testing officer’s favourite part of the day to say ‘you passed!’ and to hand you your temporary licence. Your photographic licence will be sent to you in the mail. You will have full freedom to drive your motorcycle whenever you like, wherever you like!
Any further questions?
- Check our frequently asked questions to see if your question has been answered.
- Visit the NZ Transport Agency or call their Driver Licensing helpline on 0800 822 422.
Visit one of our 80+ branches nationwide
We'll have you road ready in no time.