The motorcycle restricted licence practical test

• Preparing for the test
• What the test involves
• How the test is structured
• How your riding is assessed
• When you might fail the test
• What happens if you pass the test

Preparing for the test

All learner licence holders have to sit the restricted licence practical test to get their restricted licence.

It's important that you prepare for the test thoroughly. Make use of the checklist in The official New Zealand road code and licence guide for motorcyclists.

What the test involves

The test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. It has been designed to test your riding ability in a range of traffic situations and road conditions.

You'll be required to ride along a pre-set route that takes you through various riding situations (such as town and country roads, hills, intersections, curves and so on).

The testing officer will follow you - either on a motorcycle or in a car - and will observe and evaluate your riding as you go. The testing officer may ask you to wear an earphone, through which they will give you instructions on where to go and what to do.

You'll need to satisfy the testing officer that you can ride safely and skillfully without supervision.

How the test is structured

The test is divided into three 'zones':

1. Warm-up zone
   
   This gives you time to settle into your riding before the testing begins.
2. Observation zones
   
   During 'observation zones' your riding skills and behaviour will be observed closely. In particular, the testing officer will be watching to see whether you do the following:
   • search - you should visually scan the road for hazards throughout the test route. Scan the front, back and sides by turning your head and using mirrors
   • control your speed - you should maintain a speed that is safe for the conditions. You should also accelerate and brake smoothly
   • control your direction - you should steer the motorcycle well, position it correctly on the road and use the correct signals (when necessary).
3. Recording zones
   
   During 'recording zones' the testing officer will stop observing so they can record your riding behaviour.

How your riding is assessed

During the observation zones, the testing officer will closely observe your actions. They will record each action you perform as either 'satisfactory' or 'unstatisfactory'.

To pass the test, you must perform a sufficient number of satisfactory actions in each observation zone.

An action that you perform incorrectly in any particular zone will be marked 'unsatisfactory', even if you have performed that action satisfactorily in other zones.

At the end of the test, the testing officer will:

• tell you whether or not you have passed
• summarise the number of unsatisfactory actions you performed
• review these unsatisfactory actions with you and explain how they reduce your safety - as well as the safety of other road users.

When you might fail the test

You could fail the test if you:

• arrive late for the test
• provide a motorcycle that is not up to warrant of fitness standard
• fail to follow any directions given by the testing officer
• ride recklessly or dangerously
• fail to keep left
• pass when you are unable to see 100 m ahead for the whole time while you're passing
• pass illegally on a no-passing line
• perform too many unsatisfactory actions
• cause a crash
• fail to comply with any traffic law.

What happens if you pass the test

If you pass the practical test, you'll have earned your restricted licence.

The testing officer will ask you to hand over your learner licence and you'll be given a temporary licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your restricted licence in the mail.

You must carry this with you at all times when you're riding.

Restricted licence conditions; moving to a full licence >

< previous

Last updated: 30 September 2005