Motorbike license requirements in New Zealand (NZ) follow these steps:
Learner Motorbike License
You must be at least 16 years of age before you can apply for your motorbike license in New Zealand.
You will be required complete a motorbike theory test, as well as a practical test, before you can obtain your motorbike license.
Basic Handling Test / Practical Test
This test must be completed before you can apply for a motorbike license. There are several different providers of the basic handling skills test, all of whom will provide you with a certificate of completion once you have cost. You will then be required to provide certificate of completion when you are applying for your learner motorbike license. There are many locations available throughout New Zealand. Further details of the available providers can be found in the resources section at the bottom of this page.
Applying For The License
At this point you must have already completed the basic handling test, where you will have been provided a certificate of completion.
You can apply for the license at any NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) agent. These include some branches off the Automobile Association (AA), Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) and Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ).
At the agencies he will be required to complete an application form, provide your certificate of completion from the basic skills test, provide proof of your identity, pass an eyesight test and then pay all of the associated learner motorbike test costs. Further information about the motorbike test costs can be found further down this page.
Motorbike Theory Test
All questions in the motorbike theory test based on the New Zealand road code. Further information about this motorbike theory test can be found in the link in the resources section at the bottom of this page.
Restricted Motorbike License
Once you are 16 1/2 years of age and have also held your learner motorbike license for at least six months you will then be eligible to apply for your restricted license.
You’ll need to make a booking for your restricted license where you’ll be required to pass the restricted motorbike license practical riding test.
After passing the restricted motorbike license practical riding test you will then also be required to pay all applicable motorbike license costs at which point you will then be provided with your restricted motorbike license.
Please see further down this page for both the motorbike test costs as well as some of the restrictions that will still apply to you once you have your restricted license.
Full License / Unrestricted License
Under 25
If you are under 25 years of age you will need to be at least 18 years old and have held your restrictive motorbike license for at least 18 months before UI to plot your full unrestricted by the license. However, if you pass an advanced riding course and have your certificate of completion you will then only need to be 17.5 years old. In addition you will have only needed to have held your restrictive motorbike license for 12 months. Before you can attempt the advanced rider course you must have held your restricted motorbike license for at least six months.
Over 25
If you are over the age of 25 then you must’ve held your restricted license for six months before you can apply for your full unrestricted license. However, if you have completed an approved advanced rider course, and have a certificate of completion from them, you will only need to have held your restricted license for a period of three months.
Requirements
There is yet another practical test that you will be required to pass in order obtain your full unrestricted motorbike license, which you will need to book in advance. Some of these motorbike test costs are outlined further down this page.
Once you pass this practical test, you’ll then need to pass an eyesight test as well as provide proper identification and pay all associated fees at which point you’ll then be provided with your full unrestricted motorbike license.
Motorbike License Costs
Motorbike license costs for New Zealand include:
- Learner Motorbike License Test (see below) – $45.70
- Learner License Application Fee – $48.20
- Restricted Motorbike License Test – $86.60
- Restricted License Application Fee – $48.20
- Full Unrestricted Motorbike License Test – $59.90
- Full Unrestricted Application Fee – $49.60
If you don’t pass any of the tests, you will be required to repay the test costs before attempting again. However, you will not be required to pay the application fees again.
Basic Handling Skills Tests – Practical motorbike test costs vary between all different providers. It is recommended that you contact the providers directly in order to find out their current fees.
Note: Both license and motorbike test costs can vary frequently. It is recommended that you check out the links in our resources section at the bottom of this page to make sure that you have the most up to date pricing.
Other Limitations
These are some of the restrictions which apply if you are riding on a restricted motorbike license in New Zealand:
- Learners and Restricted license holders must not ride a motorbike greater than 250cc.
- Learners and Restricted license holders must always display an (L) learner plate.
- Learners and Restricted license holders must not ride between the hours of 10PM and 5AM.
- Learners and Restricted license holders are unable to carry any pillion passenger, or tow a trailer.
Feedback
Have you recently obtained your motorbike license in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or anywhere else in New Zealand? Tell us about your experiences with obtaining a motorbike license in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
We would love to hear from you.
Resources
New Zealand Transport Agency
Fees and Other Application Information
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/28/learning-to-ride.html
Practical Skills Test
www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/ motorcycles/skills-test.html
Motorbike Theory Test
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/motorcycle-road-code/theory-test-questions/
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