New Zealand · Theory testHow do you get a motorbike licence in NZ?
In November 2026, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) set out these steps. A competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) course with an approved provider can take the place of a practical test:
| Licence | How you get it |
|---|---|
| Learner (6L), from 16 | Basic handling skills test, then the theory test |
| Restricted (6R), from 16½ | A CBTA 6R course, or 6 months on your learner licence and a 60‑minute practical test |
| Full (6), from 17½ | A CBTA 6F course, with 12 months on your restricted licence |
| Full (6), from 18 | 18 months on your restricted licence and a practical test |
You apply for each licence at a driver licensing agent, with the application form, evidence of your identity, and your photo and signature.
From 25 January 2027, NZTA’s changes page says, you won’t need an eyesight check to get a motorcycle restricted or full licence.
The restricted licence (6R)
On a restricted licence you can ride on your own between 5am and 10pm. You can’t carry passengers, on the bike or in a sidecar, or tow another vehicle, and you ride only a motorcycle approved under the learner approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS).
The restricted practical test is with a testing officer. You can book it online, but you apply in person at an agent.
The full licence (class 6)
With a CBTA 6F course, you get your full licence sooner and don’t sit a practical test. You need 9 months on your restricted licence before you can do the course.
Without the course, the full licence practical test is 30 minutes with a testing officer.
On a full licence you can ride at any time, on any motorcycle, and carry passengers.
What does a motorbike licence cost in NZ?
You pay an application fee for each licence, and there are no separate test fees. In November 2026, NZTA listed these:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner licence (6L) | $90.60 |
| Restricted licence (6R) | $54.20 |
| Full licence (class 6) | $47.40 |
The fee is the same if you do an approved course instead of the test.
Carrying a passenger on a full licence
NZTA suggests waiting until you’re an experienced rider. By law, your bike needs footrests for your passenger, and your passenger needs an approved helmet. You also need a seat big enough for you both without crowding.
With a passenger on, ride slower on corners, curves and bumps, start slowing down earlier, and leave a bigger following distance and more side space. Warn your passenger before you move off, stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over a bump.
Sources: NZTA and 6 more. Checked November 2026.
- NZTA: Motorcycle learner licence (class 6L) ↗
- NZTA: Motorcycle restricted licence (class 6R) ↗
- NZTA: Motorcycle full licence (class 6) ↗
- NZTA: Licence fees ↗
- NZTA: Test fees ↗
- NZTA: Driver licence classes, what you can drive ↗
- NZTA: Changes to getting a car licence (from 25 January 2027) ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.