frequently asked questions

No, you don’t need your own bike. We have a full fleet of learner-approved motorcycles available for hire. All training bikes are LAMS-approved and suitable for complete beginners.

Don’t worry—that’s completely normal. Our instructors are patient and experienced with new riders. If you need extra time, we’ll work with you to build your confidence and skills at your own pace.

It depends on your riding experience and when you complete the steps. With Ride Forever training, you can progress faster. On average:

• Learner to Restricted: ~6 months

• Restricted to Full: ~12 months
  Our team can help you plan the best route to full licencing.

These are Ride Forever training levels:

• Bronze = ideal for beginners and learners

• Silver = for Restricted licence holders improving road skills

• Gold = for Full licence holders building advanced techniques
  Not sure which course is right for you? Contact us, and we’ll help.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved top or jacket, and sturdy shoes that cover your ankles. We can supply helmets, gloves, and safety gear if you don’t have your own.

1. Pass the Basic Handling Skills Test (BHST)

2. Sit the learner licence theory test at VTNZ or AA

3. Complete Ride Forever training for Restricted and Full licences
   We’ll support you at every stage with the right course and guidance.

BHST stands for Basic Handling Skills. 

The BHST (Basic Handling Skills Test) is a practical motorcycle test required in New Zealand for people who want to get their motorcycle learner licence. It assesses your ability to control a motorcycle safely in a controlled, off-road environment before you’re allowed to ride on public roads.

🔧 Purpose of the BHST

The BHST ensures you have the fundamental skills to safely handle a motorcycle before progressing to ride in traffic. It’s mandatory before you can apply for your Class 6 learner licence (for motorcycles).

📋 What the BHST Involves

The test is conducted in a safe, closed area (like a car park or motorcycle training range) and usually takes around 1 hour.

It consists of four main stages:

1. Basic Motorcycle Control Skills

• Mounting/dismounting the bike

• Starting/stopping the engine

• Using the stand properly

• Pushing and walking the bike

2. Riding in a Straight Line and Basic Turns

• Controlled take-off

• Smooth stopping

• Riding in a straight line

• Making controlled left and right turns

3. Changing Speeds and Turning

• Riding through curves

• Gradual acceleration and deceleration

• Gear changes (if on manual)

4. Advanced Control Exercises

• Controlled stop from 30km/h

• U-turns

• Emergency braking

• Figure-8 or weaving

You must demonstrate good control, correct use of indicators, head checks (shoulder checks), and safe riding posture.

🛡️ What You Need to Bring

• Your current driver licence or ID

• An LAMS-approved motorcycle or scooter (can be provided by some testing providers)

• Safety gear, including:

  • Approved motorcycle helmet

  • Gloves

  • Jacket and pants (preferably armored)

  • Covered footwear (ankle protection)

✅ After Passing the BHST

You’ll receive a certificate of competency, which allows you to apply for your Class 6 learner licence at a licensing agent (e.g., VTNZ, AA, or NZTA partner). You must pass the learner theory test as well to be issued the learner licence.

❌ If You Don’t Pass

You can resit the BHST as many times as needed (at cost). Feedback is usually given so you can improve before trying again.

CBTA in New Zealand stands for Competency-Based Training and Assessment. It’s an alternative pathway to progress through the motorcycle licensing stages—from Learner (Class 6L) to Restricted (6R) and then to a Full Motorcycle Licence (6F)—without needing to sit the traditional practical tests at a testing centre.

Instead of a pass/fail test, CBTA uses a practical riding assessment carried out by a qualified CBTA assessor to evaluate your real-world riding skills.

🏍️ CBTA Overview (Motorcycle)

There are two CBTA courses:

1. CBTA 6R – From Learner to Restricted

• Can be taken after passing your Basic Handling Skills Test and theory test (and holding a learner licence).

• Focuses on core riding skills: lane positioning, hazard awareness, speed control, cornering, intersections, and general roadcraft.

• If passed, you can skip the Restricted licence practical test at a testing centre.

2. CBTA 6F – From Restricted to Full Licence

• Can be taken after holding a restricted licence for 9 months (instead of waiting the full 18 months via the traditional route).

• Assesses more advanced riding skills, including overtaking, group riding behaviour, complex traffic situations, and highway riding.

• If passed, you do not need to take the full practical test.

✅ Benefits of CBTA

• Shortens the licensing journey:

  • Restricted: Skip the test if you do CBTA 6R.

  • Full: Get your licence 9 months earlier than the standard path.

• More practical and realistic: Assessed in real traffic, not just a testing route.

• Better learning experience: Focuses on improving your skills, not just passing a test.

• Often higher pass rates because you’re trained before being assessed.

🧾 How It Works

1. Book with a CBTA Provider – Usually a motorcycle riding school or instructor.

2. Do a Training Ride (optional but recommended) – Helps you prepare and get feedback.

3. Do the CBTA Assessment Ride – An assessor follows you on the road and scores your performance.

4. Get a CBTA Certificate – If successful, take this to a licensing agent (AA, VTNZ, etc.) to upgrade your licence.

🎒 What You’ll Need

• Your current motorcycle licence

• A LAMS-approved motorcycle

• Full protective gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots)

• A roadworthy bike (with valid rego and WOF)

📍 Where to Do CBTA

• CBTA is available through approved providers—most cities and towns have options.

• Check NZTA’s website or local motorcycle training schools.

💡 Tip:

Even experienced riders often benefit from the CBTA feedback and coaching. It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about becoming a safer, smoother, and more confident rider.

Preparation for the motorcycle theory test can be done through the official NZ Transport Agency’s resources, which include a road code manual for motorcyclists. Additionally, Passmasters Rider Training offers specific courses to help you understand and memorize the necessary road rules.

Yes, in New Zealand, motorcycle licenses are categorized into classes based on the bike’s engine size and power-to-weight ratio. LAMS approved motorcycles are intended for classes 6L and 6R. Class 6L is for learner riders, Class 6R for restricted, and Class 6F for a full license. Class 6F allows you to ride bikes with higher power outputs.

After obtaining your learner license, you must hold it for a minimum of six months before you can apply for a restricted license, during which you must pass a practical riding test. Following another 18 months (or 12 months with an approved training course), you can then take another test to qualify for a full license.

To obtain a motorcycle license in New Zealand, you must be at least 16 years old. You’ll start with a learner license by passing a basic handling skills test and a theory test covering road rules. After holding the learner license for six months, you can progress to a restricted license and, eventually, a full license.

Young riders, starting at age 16, can apply for a learner license. Restrictions on engine size and power-to-weight also apply until progressing to a full license, ensuring a safer learning curve.

These ACC subsidised courses offer incredible value to help upskill motorcyclists.

• Bronze course is intended for learner license holders
• Silver course is intended for restricted license holders
• Gold course is intended for full license holders

Ride Forever

ACC spends over 30 million dollars every year rehabilitating motorcyclists. The Ride Forever initiative has proven to reduce this cost to ACC significantly. Every course is subsidised by ACC which is why the courses usually only cost between $20-$50. That’s alot of value for not alot of cost! 

Licensing and bespoke training

Our licensing fees are some of the lowest in the industry however, these are not subsidised by ACC so they are set higher to help cover our trainers/staff.

• All riders are eligible to take up to 2 funded Ride Forever courses per year. (You can only do one Gold course per year).
• Courses must be at least 3 months apart.

We recommend either https://bits4bikes.co.nz/ or https://shopmrmoto.co.nz/

Always spend as much as you can afford on quality protective gear and do not skimp on your helmet!

In New Zealand, yes—you can buy a LAMS-approved motorcycle and later de-restrict or modify it to full power, but there are important conditions and legal responsibilities to consider.

✅ When is it legal to de-restrict a LAMS bike?

You must hold a Full Class 6 motorcycle licence (full motorcycle licence) before you can legally ride a de-restricted or non-LAMS bike, including one that used to be LAMS-approved.

So:

• 🔒 Learner/Restricted Riders: Not allowed to ride de-restricted or full-power bikes.

• 🔓 Full Licence Holders: Allowed, but only if the modification is properly certified and legal.

⚙️ Modifying or De-restricting the Bike

Many LAMS-approved bikes (e.g. Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400) are either:

• Naturally low-powered and cannot be made into full-power bikes.

• Throttle- or ECU-restricted versions of more powerful models (e.g. Kawasaki Ninja 650L, Yamaha MT-07LA, Triumph Trident 660).

If you want to increase power or remove a restriction, you need to:

1. Consult a certified motorcycle mechanic or tuner.

2. If the bike’s original full-power version is available, you may be able to:

   • Swap ECU or restrictor plates

   • Tune the bike back to full factory spec

3. Re-certify the bike with New Zeland Transport Agency (NZTA) if necessary, especially if:

   • Power-to-weight ratio changes significantly

   • You alter emissions or safety systems

   • It affects the original LAMS certification

📝 Updating Registration and Records

Once the bike is modified:

• You may need a Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certification.

• The change must be reflected in the registration database (motorcycle is no longer LAMS-approved).

• Your insurance may need to be updated to reflect the increased performance.

⚠️ Risks of Riding a Modified LAMS Bike Illegally

If you’re caught riding a de-restricted LAMS bike on a learner or restricted licence, you’re in breach of licence conditions, which may result in:

• Fines

• Demerit points

• Licence suspension

• Voided insurance in an accident

💡 Pro Tip:

If your end goal is a high-performance bike, you can:

• Buy a full-power version outright once on your full licence

• Or buy a LAMS bike with full-power potential, then upgrade it after you’re fully licensed

💰 Estimated Costs of Re-certification (LVV) for a Motorcycle

⚙️ What Does the LVV Certifier Check?

• That the power-to-weight ratio is within safe limits

• All parts fitted are secure, road legal, and safe (brakes, throttle, emissions)

• Modifications are professionally done (no dodgy wiring, poor welding, etc.)

• The bike is fit for purpose (e.g., safe geometry, suspension)

🧾 Process Summary

1. Modify or de-restrict the motorcycle (mechanic or specialist).

2. Book with a local LVV Certifier (find one here).

3. Certifier inspects the bike.

4. If approved, they issue an LVV Certification Plate (goes on the frame).

5. Update details with NZTA (via Waka Kotahi agent).

6. New WOF and rego update if required.

🔎 Example: De-restricting a KTM RC 390

• ECU swap: ~$400

• Dyno tune: ~$500 (optional but recommended)

• LVV cert: ~$450

• Total: ~$1,350 NZD

⚠️ Important Tips:

• Always check with the certifier first before modifying—it could save you hundreds.

• Not all modifications need LVV cert—but engine power and structural mods do.

• If you’re unsure if your mod needs certifying, you can check the LVVTA threshold document: https://www.lvvta.org.nz/documents.html