Driving School NZ: : Getting your motorcycle licence

Getting your motorcycle licence

You must be at least 15 years old before you can apply for a motorcycle licence in New Zealand.

How does motorcycle licensing work?

New Zealand has a graduated driver licensing system. This means you get your licence in three stages. (These stages apply regardless of your age when you first apply for a licence.)

The stages are:

Stage 1 - Learner licence
Stage 2 - Restricted licence
Stage 3 - Full licence.

As you graduate from one stage to the next, you're given a new licence with different requirements and more responsibilities. Your riding and road safety skills should progressively improve as you move through the system.

Note that normal road rules apply at all stages.

How much do motorcycle licences cost?

	Fee
Basic handling skills test	$60.00*
Learner licence application fee	$39.30
Learner licence test	$39.70
Restricted licence application fee	$39.30
Restricted licence test	$48.90
Full licence application fee	$44.30
Full licence test	$70.80
Total	$343.30

* This is the fee charged by testing officers. The fees charged by motorcycle riding instructors will vary.

All fees include GST and are non-refundable.

Penalties you may incur

Penalty for not carrying your licence

You must carry your licence with you at all times when you're riding. If you're found riding without your licence, you could be ticketed and face an infringement fee of $55.

Penalties for not keeping to your licence conditions

It's important that new riders develop driving skills in a safe environment - safe for themselves and others. Consequently, you'll face fines and demerit points if you break the conditions of your restricted and learner licences. (These measures are designed to encourage new riders to abide by the rules at all times.)

If you break the conditions of your learner or restricted licence, you'll face: