Getting your motorcycle learner licence

If you want to get a motorcycle learner licence, you'll need to follow the processes and conditions set out below.

Basic handling skills test

Before you can apply for your learner licence, you must pass a basic handling skills test from an approved motorcycle instructor.

Ask your local motorcycle dealer or a Land Transport New Zealand driver licensing agent for the address of a motorcycle instructor in your area.

Here's what you'll do:

Slow riding - You must ride at walking speed through a lane 0.75 metres wide and 18 metres long.
Routine stop - You must ride at a speed of approximately 20 km/h and, when given a signal from the examiner, stop so the motorcycle's front wheel comes to rest within a marked square.
Cone weaving (slalom) - You must ride along a slalom course, weaving between cones placed 3.5 metres apart.
Quick stop - You must ride at a speed of approximately 20 km/h and, on a signal from the examiner, stop as quickly and safely as possible.
Riding a curve - You must ride up to a curve from a distance of 25 metres at a speed of 20 km/h. You must then give a turn signal, adjust your speed and ride around the curve (which is 1.2 metres wide), keeping within the lines all the way.
Stopping in the curve - You must ride up to a curve from a distance of 25 metres at a speed of 20 km/h. You must then adjust your speed, enter the curve and come to a stop within the curve.

If you successfully pass the test, you'll be given a Basic handling skills certificate. You can then apply for your learner licence.

You'll need to go to a driver licensing agent and do the following:

Fill out an application form. (You'll be asked if you want your licence to identify you as an organ donor.)
Show identification and evidence of your address. (See Factsheet 20 Identification for driver licensing for a full list of acceptable forms of ID.)
Present your Basic handling skills certificate.
Pay the fees for the learner licence application and learner licence test.
Pass an eyesight screening check (or present an eyesight certificate)
Have your photograph taken.
Provide your signature on an electronic pad.
Pass a written theory test. (This is a comprehensive, 35-question test based on your knowledge of the Road code. See Factsheet 28 for more information.)

When you've passed the test you'll be given a temporary licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your learner licence in the mail.

Your learner licence should arrive within two to three weeks.

If you hold a learner motorcycle licence, you must adhere to the following conditions:

You must carry your learner licence at all times when you're riding.
You must have an 'L' plate attached to the rear of your motorcycle.
You must not ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity greater than 250 cc.
You must not go faster than 70 km/h on the open road.
You must not ride between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am.
You must not carry a pillion passenger.
You should not drink any alcohol before driving.
- If you're under 20, your legal alcohol limit is 30 mg/100 ml of blood. This is effectively a zero limit - consuming one drink will mean a rider can be charged with drink driving.
- If you're over 20, the legal alcohol limit is 80 mg/100 ml of blood. Your riding, however, may be affected well before you reach the legal alcohol limit.

All riders on a motorcycle learner licence must have an 'L' plate attached to the rear of their motorcycle.

You can get an 'L' plate from a driver licensing agent. It's also acceptable to make one yourself, to the dimensions shown.

The 'L' plate must be clearly visible to all other road users. It must not restrict your front or rear vision.

The fee for the basic handling skills test is $41.00. (Note: This is the fee charged by testing officers. The fees charged by motorcycle riding instructors will vary.)
The fee for the theory test is $39.70.
The fee for the issue of your learner licence is $39.30.

No matter what age you are, you must hold your learner licence for a minimum of six months before you apply for a restricted licence.

Page updated: 23 August 2007