Passmasters Guides & Advice
Clear motorcycle advice for every stage of the ride
Practical New Zealand guides covering licensing, BHST, CBTA, LAMS bikes, riding gear, roadcraft, maintenance and skill development.
Start with your current stage
Where are you in your riding journey?
Choose the option that best matches what you are trying to do now.
I’m brand new
Understand learner training, BHST, first lessons and the steps to get legally on the road.
I’m progressing my licence
Learn how Restricted and Full licence pathways work and how CBTA fits into the process.
I’m choosing a bike or gear
Compare LAMS motorcycles, rider fit, protective equipment and hire-bike options.
I want to ride better
Develop control, roadcraft, wet-weather confidence, maintenance knowledge and safer habits.
Browse by topic
Explore the knowledge base
Licensing & Learning
Learner licences, BHST, CBTA and what to expect from training.
Bikes & Gear
LAMS models, first-bike choices, rider fit and protective equipment.
Safety & Roadcraft
Hazards, visibility, wet weather and safer decision-making.
Riding Skills
Slow control, confidence, cornering and skills to practise.
Maintenance & Ownership
Everyday checks, tyres, chains and beginner ownership advice.
Essential reading
Six guides every new rider should know
How to Get Your Motorcycle Learner Licence
The current New Zealand process from BHST through to your learner theory test.
How to Prepare for the Basic Handling Skills Test
Understand the exercises, common challenges and what helps riders feel ready.
Restricted to Full Motorcycle Licence
See how CBTA 6F and the practical-test pathway differ.
Popular LAMS Motorcycles Compared
Think through weight, height, riding position and intended use before buying.
Motorcycle Maintenance Made Easy
Routine checks and simple care that help keep your motorcycle reliable.
Mastering Slow-Speed Motorcycle Control
Build confidence with U-turns, tight spaces and walking-pace manoeuvres.
Turn advice into ability
Reading explains it. Coaching makes it repeatable.
Choose the practical training pathway that matches the topic you are researching.
Start your licence
Beginner coaching, supplied motorcycle and the Basic Handling Skills Test.
Improve your roadcraft
ACC Ride Forever coaching for urban, open-road and advanced riders.
Target a specific skill
Gravel, track, slow skills, maintenance and MotoMed training.
Latest guides
Recent motorcycle advice from Passmasters
This lightweight grid replaces the previous Divi masonry feed so the page height stays stable on every screen.
What Safety Gear Is Recommended for New Motorcyclists?
A practical guide to helmets, jackets, gloves, trousers and boots for new riders.
Motorcycle Maintenance Workshops for Beginners
What a useful beginner workshop should cover and how hands-on training helps.
How to Progress from Restricted to Full
Understand the CBTA 6F and practical-test pathways.
How to Prepare for the Basic Handling Skills Test
Exercises, common challenges and what to practise before test day.
How to Get Your Motorcycle Learner Licence
The current process from BHST through to the theory test.
What Sets a Great Motorcycle Instructor Apart?
How good coaching builds safer habits, confidence and repeatable skills.
Important: licensing rules, fees and programme details can change. Legal and regulatory guides should be checked against current NZTA information before acting.
Still have a question?
Ask an experienced motorcycle instructor
Tell us your licence stage, location and riding goal and the Passmasters team will help identify your best next step.