New Zealand · Theory test

The motorcycle learners test for a class 6L licence in NZ

You sit it on a computer at a driver licensing agent, and you need 32 of its 35 multi-choice questions right to get your learner licence (class 6L). The motorcycle learners test mixes general road code questions with specialist ones for riders. Everything it asks is in the official New Zealand road code, which NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) publishes for motorcyclists.

  • 35Multi-choice questions
  • 32Right answers you need to pass
  • On a computerAt a driver licensing agent

Key facts

At a glance

Who runs it
NZTA, through driver licensing agents
Before you apply
Pass the basic handling skills test (BHST)
Youngest age
16
Booking
In person, at the agent where you apply

How it works

How the motorcycle learners test works

Theory test · 32 to pass
32 to pass
To pass you need 32 of 35 right.
  1. You apply for your learner licence, pay and book a test time at the agent, then sit the test there.
  2. An interpreter must belong to one of the two interpreter bodies NZTA names and show their ID card. Otherwise, they must be over 18 and have a passport or New Zealand driver licence. With an interpreter, the test is closely supervised.
  3. Pass, and the agent gives you a temporary learner licence so you can start practising your riding. Your photo licence comes by post.

Topics

What’s on the test

The first four topics come from NZTA’s motorcycle licence pages. The last four come from two chapters of the Official Motorcycle Road Code: wearing the right gear, and alcohol and drug limits.

01

Learner licence rules

The learner licence (class 6L) is the first of three motorcycle licences, and its conditions apply every time you ride.

Key points (4)
  • You can apply from 16, once you’ve passed the basic handling skills test.
  • Learners must not ride between 10pm and 5am, carry any passengers or tow another vehicle.
  • A learner (L) plate must be on the rear of your motorcycle or moped whenever you ride.
  • From 16½ you can apply for a restricted licence, through a competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) course or after 6 months and a practical test.
02

Basic handling skills test

Before a learner licence, you pass a basic handling skills test (BHST) with an approved motorcycle riding instructor.

Key points (4)
  • The four stages are basic turn and stop, figure of eight and park, linking figures of eight, and increased speed and emergency stop.
  • Each stage combines moving off, riding straight, cornering, stopping and parking.
  • The assessment items include looking in the correct direction, signalling, head checks before changing position, and control of the motorcycle.
  • Before the test, you can practise on your own private property or at a motorcycle training school, but not on a road.
03

Learner approved motorcycles

Learner and restricted riders must ride a motorcycle approved under the learner approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS).

Key points (4)
  • Motorcycles of 250cc and under are LAMS approved, except those on the LAMS-prohibited list.
  • Motorcycles made before 1960 are approved up to 660cc, and so are listed models between 251cc and 660cc in standard form.
  • A motorcycle powered wholly by electricity counts when NZTA has approved it.
  • A change that raises a bike’s power-to-weight ratio takes it out of LAMS, even if its model is on the list.
04

Carrying a passenger

Passengers come with the full licence, and both the bike and the passenger need the right equipment.

Key points (4)
  • Learner and restricted riders must not carry passengers, on the bike or in a sidecar.
  • The law requires footrests for your passenger, and your passenger must wear an approved helmet.
  • Your passenger keeps both feet on the footrests at all times, even when you’re stopped.
  • With a passenger, ride slower on corners, begin to slow down earlier and allow a greater following distance.
05

Helmets

The law requires every rider and pillion passenger to wear an approved safety helmet, securely fastened.

Key points (4)
  • An approved helmet has a sticker showing it meets an approved safety standard.
  • It should fit snugly and be fastened when you ride. A loose helmet is almost as bad as none at all.
  • Replace a helmet that’s cracked or has loose padding, frayed straps or exposed metal, and never buy a second-hand one.
  • Clean it with soap and water. Never use petrol, methylated spirits or any other solvent.
06

Eye protection and clothing

Clear eye protection helps you see, and protective clothing protects you in a crash and keeps you warm and dry.

Key points (4)
  • Wear a face-shield, visor or goggles that are clean, free of scratches and made of material that won’t shatter.
  • Never wear dark or tinted visors, goggles or glasses at night.
  • Jackets should have armour for the elbows, shoulders and back, and boots should cover your ankles.
  • Bright colours and a reflective vest help you be seen.
07

Alcohol limits

Riders under 20 have a zero alcohol limit, and riders aged 20 or over have a legal limit.

Key points (4)
  • Under 20 the limit is zero. Even under 150 micrograms per litre of breath, you could be fined and given 50 demerit points.
  • At 20 or over, you must not ride with more than 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.
  • Between 251 and 400 micrograms per litre of breath, you could be fined and given 50 demerit points. Above that, you could be disqualified and fined or imprisoned.
  • The road code’s advice: if you drink at all, don’t ride.
08

Drugs and police tests

You must not ride after taking any drug that may affect your riding, and police can stop and test you at any time.

Key points (4)
  • Ask your doctor about prescribed drugs and whether they may affect your riding.
  • There are legal limits for certain drugs, including some prescription medicines and illegal drugs.
  • Police tests include breath tests, blood tests, oral fluid drug tests and a compulsory impairment test.
  • If you fail a test, you may be forbidden to ride and required to have a blood test.

Free practice test

20 practice questions on motorcycle rules

These 20 questions come from those two road code chapters and from NZTA’s pages on the learner licence, the handling test and LAMS. Get 19 of 20 right to pass, a little stricter than the real 32 of 35.

Question 1 of 20

What’s the youngest age at which you can apply for a motorcycle learner licence?

20 practice questions we wrote from the Official Motorcycle Road Code and NZTA’s licence pages.

Test day

What to have with you when you apply

  • A filled-in application form
  • Evidence of your identity
  • Your basic handling skills test certificate
  • The learner licence application fee

Before you go

  1. Book your handling test early with an approved motorcycle riding instructor, as you can’t apply without its certificate.
  2. Be ready to show that your eyesight meets the required standard.
  3. If you’ll use an interpreter, book in person and tell the agent.
Read the learner licence pageNZTA’s class 6L page lists what you need to apply, the theory test and the learner conditions.

Study options

Where to study

Read the road code for motorcyclists, online or in print, and test yourself on NZTA’s Drive website.

OptionPriceFree to useLinks
Official and free
Official New Zealand road code for motorcyclistsOfficial road code (NZTA)The road code NZTA writes for riders, with chapters such as wearing the right gear, and alcohol and drug limits.
Read online, or buy it in printIts chapters on NZTA’s website
DriveOfficial learning website (NZTA)NZTA’s own learning website. Its theory test page sends you here to test what you know.
FreeReal theory test questions, games and quizzes
In person
Approved basic handling skills test providersHandling test and rider trainingNZTA lists approved providers by region, from Northland to Southland. It says many of them also offer other safe riding courses.
Not published by NZTANone listed by NZTA
Ride ForeverOn-road coaching (ACC)NZTA points learners to ACC’s Ride Forever website for practice, and suggests a refresher course with its on-road coaching each year once you’re fully licensed. Its courses run from Bronze through Silver to Gold.
From $20 a courseNone stated beyond 2026

Prices and ratings checked November 2026.

Explore

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FAQ

Common questions

How many questions are on the motorcycle learners test?

35, and you need at least 32 right to pass. The heavy vehicle test asks for 33.

Is the motorcycle learners test different from the car one?

The format and the pass mark are the same as the car test. What differs is the specialist questions, which are for the motorcycle class.

Can I sit the test in another language?

Yes. Besides English, it’s offered in Arabic, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Fijian, Filipino, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Māori, Punjabi, Samoan, Thai and Tongan. You can bring an interpreter too.

What if I don’t pass?

Book another theory test at the agent, with form DL22. There’s no fee to change, cancel or rebook a motorcycle test. Fail twice on the same day, though, and you wait 10 working days before you can sit it again.

Is there help if I find reading hard?

You may be able to use a reader, who reads the test to you in English. You can also apply for extra time, or to have the test given orally.

All 20 practice questions with answersA printable list of the practice test above
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

Sources: NZTA · NZTA, Motorcycle Road Code and 4 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.