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Getting your motorcycle licence

You must be at least 16 years old before you can apply for a motorcycle licence in New Zealand.

What you can ride with a motorcycle licence

With a motorcycle (class 6) licence you can ride:

• motorcycles
• mopeds
• all terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Check whether this is the right licence for your ride.

How you get a motorcycle licence

There are three stages to getting your licence. At each stage you gain a new licence with fewer restrictions and more responsibilities:

Stage 1: learner licence
Stage 2: restricted licence
Stage 3: full licence.

Before you get on the road…

It’s illegal to ride without a current licence – there are severe penalties for doing so. This means you have to get a learner licence before you start riding on the road. You also have to pass an approved basic handling skills test.

Motorcycle basic handling skills test

The very first thing you need to do to get a motorcycle learner licence is gain a basic handling skills certificate. This shows that you’ve mastered the basic skills that will keep you safe on the road while you’re working towards your licence.

What is involved in a basic handling skills test?

To pass a basic handling skills test you have to show you can:

• ride at a walking pace
• perform routine and quick stops
• negotiate a cone slalom course
• signal and ride a curve
• stop within a curve.

for basic handling skills test we offer training as well as the test. extra charges will apply

Stage 1: Getting your learner licence

You must be at least 16 years old before you can apply for your learner licence.

You have to pass a road rules theory test to earn this licence.

While on a learner licence:

• You must not ride a motorcycle of more than 250cc.
• Your motorcycle must display a learner (L) plate - rear only.
• You must not carry a passenger.
• You must not ride between 10pm and 5am.
• You must not tow another vehicle.
• You face severe penalties if you ride outside the licence conditions.

See details on the process for getting your motorcycle learner licence and the conditions that will apply to you.

Stage 2: Getting a restricted licence

To apply for your restricted licence, you must:

• be at least 16½ years old, and
• have held your learner licence for at least six months.

To progress to this step, you’ll have to pass a practical test of your driving skills.

While on a restricted licence:

• You must not ride a motorcycle of more than 250cc.
• You must not ride between 10pm and 5am.
• You must not carry passengers.
• You must not tow another vehicle.

See details on the process for getting your motorcycle restricted licence and the conditions that will apply to you as a novice rider.

Stage 3: Getting a full licence

You must be at least 18 years of age before you can apply for your full licence. If you have completed an approved advanced driving skills course, this is reduced to 17½.

If you are under 25 years of age, you can apply after you’ve held your restricted licence for:

• at least 18 months; or
• at least 12 months if you have completed an approved advanced driving skills course.

Note: you must have held your restricted licence for at least six months before completing this course

If you are 25 years of age or older, you can apply after you have held your restricted licence for:

• at least six months, or
• at least three months if you have completed an approved advanced driving skill course.

Contact Us about approved courses that can reduce the time you have to stay on a restricted licence.

To progress to a full licence you have to pass a practical test to demonstrate that you:

• have basic riding skills
• can recognise and respond to a range of common road hazards
• can ride in higher speed zones.

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