About the practical riding tests
The full licence practical riding test
What is the full licence practical test?
The full licence practical test is the test that restricted licence holders must pass to graduate to a full licence. It is designed to test whether the skills of the motorcyclist are at a level where they can safely ride without the conditions of the restricted licence.
The test is conducted on a motorcycle provided by you.
The full licence practical test will take about 30 minutes. This time allows for vehicle checks before the test, the test itself and time for the testing officer to give you feedback on your performance after the test.
During the test you will be expected to demonstrate safe riding practices in a wide range of situations.
When can I apply to sit the full licence practical test?
You can apply for a full licence after you've had your restricted licence for at least:
- 18 months if you're under 25 years old
- 12 months if you're under 25 years old and have completed an approved advanced skills course (which must be undertaken not less than six months after receiving your restricted licence)
- six months if you're 25 or older
- three months if you're 25 or older and have completed an approved advanced skills course.
How should I prepare for the full licence practical test?
Test applicants will be expected to be able to apply appropriate hazard and detection responses to all assessable tasks without explanation of what is required by the testing officer.
You should practise describing hazards aloud until you can confidently and clearly describe the hazards you are looking at and what you are doing in response to them.
You will be asked to perform a number of tasks and to observe and remember the hazards you see as you perform each task.
Some examples of hazards are:
- other vehicles
- children playing on the footpath
- pedestrians
- animals not on a leash
- cyclists.
You will be marked on how well you performed the task, plus how well your descriptions of the hazards match those noted by the testing officer.
All of the tasks will take place in busy, built-up areas. This means you will be riding in and around towns or suburban areas.
You can find out more about the practical driving test by visiting our website at Changes to the driver licence tests.
What could cause me to fail the test?
You will fail the test (with the test being terminated) if you:
- ride recklessly, dangerously or inconsiderately
- are involved in a crash for which you are wholly or partly responsible
- are unable to carry out the instructions given by the testing officer because of lack of riding ability
- exceed the speed limit
- fail to comply with give way rules or Give Way signs
- fail to comply with traffic signals or Stop signs.
What happens at the end of the test?
At the end of the test, the testing officer will tell you whether or not you have passed the test. They will also go over any errors you made and give you advice on what you can do to correct these errors in future.
If you pass the test, you will have earned your full licence. The testing officer will keep your restricted licence and you will be given a temporary full licence. This is valid for 21 days and must be carried with you when you drive. Your full photo driver licence will be mailed to you. (If you don't receive your new licence within the 21-day period, then you should call the NZTA's driver licensing contact centre on 0800 822 422.)
If you fail the test, the testing officer will return your restricted licence to you.
Last updated: 6 March 2012