Passmasters help centre
Motorcycle training questions, answered clearly
Find practical answers about learner training, BHST, CBTA assessments, Ride Forever, course bookings, motorcycle hire and what to expect on the day.
Motorcycle licensing
Learner, Restricted and Full licence questions
How do I get a motorcycle learner licence in New Zealand?
You must be at least 16, pass a Basic Handling Skills Test with an approved instructor, then apply through a driver licensing agent and pass the motorcycle theory test. Passing the BHST gives you the certificate needed for the application; it is not the learner licence itself.
What is the Basic Handling Skills Test?
The BHST checks that you can control a motorcycle safely in a closed training area before riding on public roads. It covers basic movement, turning, low-speed control, braking and emergency-response exercises.
Can a complete beginner book learner training?
Yes. The two-hour learner session is intended for complete beginners. Shorter sessions suit riders who already understand clutch, throttle and gear operation.
Am I guaranteed to pass the BHST?
No. Your instructor must be satisfied that you can complete the required exercises safely and consistently. Additional coaching may be recommended when more practice is needed.
What is CBTA?
CBTA means Competency Based Training and Assessment. Passmasters offers the 6R assessment for progressing from Learner to Restricted and the 6F assessment for progressing from Restricted to Full. These are practical on-road assessments, not Ride Forever courses.
How soon can I apply for my Restricted licence?
You must be at least 16½ and hold a current motorcycle learner licence. You can complete CBTA 6R without waiting six months, or use the separate practical-test pathway after holding the learner licence for at least six months.
When can I complete CBTA Full?
You can complete CBTA 6F after holding your Restricted motorcycle licence for at least nine months. Using the CBTA pathway, you can apply for the Full licence once you are at least 17½ and have held Restricted for at least 12 months.
Does Ride Forever give me my Restricted or Full licence?
No. Ride Forever is coaching that improves your road skills and can help prepare you for CBTA. You still need to complete the appropriate CBTA assessment or practical-test pathway and apply through a licensing agent.
Choosing a course
Which training is right for me?
Which learner session should I choose?
Choose one hour when you already operate a geared motorcycle confidently, 1.5 hours when you are rusty or moving from a scooter, and two hours when you are a complete beginner.
What is the difference between Scooter Skills, Motorbike Skills and Bronze?
Scooter Skills and Motorbike Skills are four-hour urban courses. Bronze is a full-day course that includes urban and open-road coaching and is suited to learner, Restricted and returning riders who can already ride at open-road speeds.
What is the difference between Bronze, Silver and Gold?
Bronze develops core roadcraft, Silver focuses on stronger open-road skills and Full-licence preparation, and Gold provides advanced coaching for experienced Full licence riders.
Can I start at Silver without doing Bronze?
Yes, when your licence, riding experience and open-road confidence suit Silver. Bronze is a better starting point for less experienced or returning riders.
Is a CBTA booking a training session?
No. It is an assessment. Book Ride Forever or bespoke preparation first when you want coaching and feedback before the assessment.
What specialist training does Passmasters offer?
Specialist options include Gravel and Adventure, Track Coaching, Slow Skills, Motorcycle Maintenance and MotoMed rider-response training.
Can Passmasters provide one-to-one coaching?
Yes. Bespoke coaching can focus on confidence, cornering, braking, slow control, road positioning, returning to riding or CBTA preparation.
How often can I attend Ride Forever?
The official programme allows a maximum of two on-road coaching courses per year, with no more than one Gold course in a year.
Bookings and locations
Dates, venues and changing plans
Where can I see available dates?
Use the Course Calendar to choose a course type, or browse the complete Upcoming Events list.
Where does Passmasters run courses?
Courses are scheduled across Auckland, Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupō, Rotorua, Wellington and selected surrounding regions. Not every course is available at every location.
Do you have a walk-in office?
No. Passmasters is a mobile rider-training business. Your booking confirmation provides the specific training venue and arrival details.
Can I suggest another date?
Some live Arlo event pages include a “suggest another date” option. You can also contact the team with your preferred course and region.
How do I change or cancel a booking?
Contact Passmasters as early as possible with your booking name, course and date. Any transfer or cancellation is subject to the booking terms that applied when you registered.
Can I book for someone else?
Yes, but the registration needs the attendee’s correct details, licence stage and contact information so course requirements can be checked.
Are course prices inclusive of GST?
Live Passmasters event listings show the current course price and state whether GST is included. Always check the final booking page before payment.
What happens after I book?
You will receive booking information with the course date, venue and any preparation requirements. Check your junk folder and contact the team if confirmation does not arrive.
Motorcycles and equipment
Bike hire, LAMS and riding gear
Do I need to own a motorcycle for learner training?
No. A suitable training motorcycle is included with Passmasters learner and BHST sessions. A helmet and gloves are also available, with helmets up to size 2XL.
Can I hire a bike for CBTA or Ride Forever?
Hire is available for selected CBTA assessments and Bronze or Silver courses at selected locations. Bike hire must be confirmed separately and is not automatically reserved with the course.
Can I rent a motorcycle without doing a Passmasters course?
No. The hire fleet is only available alongside eligible Passmasters training or assessment bookings.
What is a LAMS motorcycle?
LAMS stands for Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme. Learner and Restricted riders must use a motorcycle on the approved list and must not ride a bike that has been modified outside its LAMS approval.
Can I use my own motorcycle?
Yes, when it is appropriate for the course, legal for your licence and roadworthy. Road courses require current registration, warrant of fitness and functioning safety equipment.
What should I wear to learner training?
Wear long trousers and sturdy enclosed footwear. A helmet and gloves can be supplied. A long-sleeved top or protective jacket is strongly recommended.
What gear do I need for on-road training?
Wear an approved helmet, motorcycle jacket, gloves, long protective trousers and sturdy over-ankle boots. Track training has additional gear requirements.
Does Passmasters choose the hire bike for me?
You can request a model, but the team will consider your height, experience, course, location and fleet availability before confirming the most suitable bike.
On the day
What to expect when you arrive
How early should I arrive?
Arrive early enough to find the venue, prepare your bike and complete any briefing without delaying the course. Follow the timing in your booking confirmation.
What should I bring?
Bring your current driver licence where applicable, appropriate riding gear, water and anything listed in the event instructions. For road courses, arrive with a full tank of fuel.
What if the weather is poor?
Motorcycle training can continue in varied weather, but safety comes first. Passmasters will contact attendees if conditions require a change. Do not assume a course is cancelled unless advised.
What if my motorcycle is not roadworthy?
An unsafe or illegal motorcycle may prevent you from taking part in an on-road course or assessment. Check tyres, brakes, lights, indicators, mirrors, fluids and drive components beforehand.
Will the instructor ride with us?
For on-road coaching and CBTA, the instructor or assessor generally follows on another motorcycle and communicates according to the course or assessment procedure.
What if I am nervous?
That is normal. Tell the instructor at the start so they understand what is making you uncomfortable and can explain the session clearly.
What happens if I do not pass an assessment?
You will receive feedback on the areas that need improvement. You can book coaching and return for another assessment when ready.
Will I receive a certificate?
BHST and successful CBTA assessments issue the relevant certificate. Ride Forever completion is recorded through the programme. Specialist-course certificates depend on the specific course.
Still not sure what to book?
Tell us your current licence, location, riding experience and goal. The team will point you toward the most suitable option.
Ready to take the next step?
Choose your course and available date
Compare learner, CBTA, Ride Forever and specialist training options in one place.