What’s the youngest age at which you can apply for a motorcycle learner licence?
16 years old You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a motorcycle learner licence (class 6L). Before you apply, you also need to pass the basic handling skills test.
What must you pass before you can apply for a motorcycle learner licence?
A basic handling skills test Before you can apply for a learner licence, you must pass a basic handling skills test, conducted by an approved motorcycle riding instructor. You show its certificate when you apply.
How many stages does the basic handling skills test have?
Four The basic handling skills test has four stages: basic turn and stop, figure of eight and park, linking figures of eight, and increased speed and emergency stop. Each stage combines tasks such as moving off, cornering, stopping and parking.
You don’t have a learner licence yet. Where can you practise for the basic handling skills test?
On private land or at a training school Before the test you can practise basic handling on your own private property or at a motorcycle training school. You can’t ride on a road, because you don’t hold a learner licence yet.
On a motorcycle learner licence, between which hours must you not ride?
10pm and 5am A learner licence condition is that you must not ride between 10pm and 5am. Riding outside your licence conditions can bring severe penalties.
Can you carry a passenger while you’re on a motorcycle learner licence?
No, not even in a sidecar Learners must not carry any passengers on a motorcycle or moped, or in a sidecar. Restricted riders can’t either; passengers come with the full licence.
Which of these is LAMS approved whatever its model, unless it’s on the LAMS-prohibited list?
Any 250cc motorcycle All motorcycles of 250cc and under are LAMS approved, except those on the LAMS-prohibited list. Bigger bikes count only if they’re on the approved list, made before 1960 at 660cc or under, or an approved electric motorcycle.
A motorcycle was made in 1958. Up to what engine capacity is it LAMS approved?
660cc All motorcycles made before 1960 with an engine capacity of 660cc and under are LAMS approved. A 1958 bike up to 660cc qualifies.
A bike on NZTA’s LAMS list has been modified to raise its power-to-weight ratio. Is it LAMS approved?
No, even though it’s on the list Any motorcycle modified in a way that increases its power-to-weight ratio isn’t LAMS approved, whether or not it appears on the list. Learner and restricted riders are responsible for making sure their bike is LAMS approved.
Who does the law require to wear an approved safety helmet on a motorcycle?
The rider and any pillion passenger The law requires every rider and pillion passenger to wear an approved safety helmet, securely fastened on the head. A full face helmet gives even more protection.
How can you tell that a motorcycle helmet is an approved safety helmet?
It carries an approved standard sticker An approved safety helmet has a sticker on it showing that it meets an approved safety standard. The road code lists the standards that are accepted.
What does the road code say is the best way to clean a motorcycle helmet?
Soap and water Soap and water is the best way to clean a helmet. Never use petrol, methylated spirits or any other solvent.
When does the road code say you should never wear a dark or tinted visor or goggles?
At night Never wear dark or tinted visors, goggles or glasses at night. Eye protection must also be clean, free of scratches and give you a clear view to either side.
Which footwear does the road code suggest for riding?
Boots that cover your ankles Wear boots that cover your ankles, made of leather or a strong synthetic material. Don’t ride in running shoes, jandals or bare feet, and avoid shoes with rings or laces that could catch.
Where does the road code say a riding jacket should have armour?
Elbows, shoulders and back Jackets should have armour for the elbows, shoulders and back. Jackets and pants should be leather, or wind and waterproof fabrics that withstand abrasion, with a reasonably tight fit.
You’re 19 and riding a motorcycle. What’s your alcohol limit?
A zero alcohol limit There’s a zero alcohol limit if you’re under 20. Even a level under 150 micrograms per litre of breath could mean a fine and 50 demerit points.
You’re 25. Above what breath alcohol level must you not ride?
250 micrograms per litre At 20 or over, you must not ride with more than 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, or more than 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. Between 251 and 400 micrograms you could be fined and given 50 demerit points; above that, you could be disqualified.
Your doctor has prescribed you a medicine. What does the road code say to do before you ride?
Ask your doctor if it may affect your riding You must not ride if you’ve taken any drug that may affect your riding ability, so ask your doctor about prescribed drugs. There are legal limits for certain drugs, including some prescription medicines.
Which of these does the law require on your bike before you carry a passenger?
Footrests for the passenger Footrests for your passenger are required by law, and your passenger must wear an approved helmet. You also need a seat large enough for you both without crowding.
How should your riding change when you carry a passenger?
Slow down earlier and leave more room With a passenger, ride slower on corners, curves and bumps, begin to slow down earlier, and allow a greater following distance and more side space. Look for larger gaps in traffic too.