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Getting your Motorcycle Licence

Find out about the stages to getting your motorcycle licence – Learner, Restricted and Full. To become a fully-licensed driver, you need to complete all stages.

 

 

 

The first stage in getting your Motorcycle Licence is to get your Learner Licence. This involves an approved Basic Handling Skills Test (BHST) followed by a theory test based on the Official New Zealand Road Code for motorcyclists. Check out our tips to prepare for your test.

 

 

 

What you need to know about your learner motorcycle licence
  • You must be at least 16 years old to sit your Learner Licence test.
  • You must not ride between 10pm and 5am.
  • You must not carry any passengers on your motorcycle or moped or in any sidecar.
  • You must not tow another vehicle.
  • You must always have a learner (L) plate attached to the rear of your motorcycle or moped.
  • You must only ride a LAMS approved motorcycle.
  • You must have your Learner Licence for 6 months before applying for your restricted

 

 

Find out more about Learner Motorcycle Licence conditions at nzta.govt.nz

Pre test checklist

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    Have you brought your current New Zealand Passport or two other approved forms of identification to confirm your identity and age? Check out our FAQs for more detail on what is an acceptable form of identification.

     

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    Have you completed the DL1 application for issue or renewal of driver licence form? If you’re planning to fill one out at your local VTNZ branch you’ll need to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test. If your test is the first of the day, check what time your branch opens.

     

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    Have you brought in any prescription glasses or contact lenses you currently wear for your eye test and licence photo?

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    Have you paid for your Learner Licence test? Our branches accept cash, EFTPOS and all major credit cards. Please note, there is a 2% surcharge for all credit card payments.

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    Have you studied? Make sure you know your road code for motorcyclists before taking the test. Check out roadcodepractice.co.nz to complete online mock tests that are similar to the test you will sit on the day.

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    Have you double checked when and where your test is? Make sure 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 until your test time.

Prepare for your Learner Licence tests in five easy steps:

What happens when I pass?

That’s great – that’s the first part done! You will be issued with your temporary licence and your photographic licence will be posted in the mail.

 

Make sure to pick up an L plate – they’re available in branch for only $5.99. You’re required to have a L plate visible on the rear of your motorcycle or moped at all times while riding on a Learner Licence.

 

 

Re-sitting your test

Don’t worry if you don’t pass on the first go – you can always try again. If you get more than three questions wrong or miss your appointment time, you will be required to re-sit your test.

 

You should be able to re-book and sit your test on the same day if you like. If you need some more time to study, you can book for a later date.

 

 

What's next?

You have six months on your Learner Licence to practise and become a confident rider in preparation for your restricted licence test (Unless you are over 16 ½ in which case you may be able to progress straight to your Restricted Licence). The motorcycle you practise on must be LAMS-approved.

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.

Ready for your Test?

Find a VTNZ Driving Testing Branch near you