About the practical riding tests
The restricted licence practical test
What is the restricted licence practical test?
The restricted licence practical test is the test that learner licence holders must pass to graduate to a restricted licence. It is designed to assess whether the skills of the motorcyclist are at a level where they can safely ride under fewer conditions. (See About driver licences for the conditions of a restricted licence.)
The test is conducted on a motorcycle provided by you.
The restricted licence practical test will take about 60 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.
When can I apply to sit the restricted licence practical test?
You can apply for a restricted licence when you have held your learner licence for at least six months.
You should also:
- have had lots of riding practice (we recommend that you have at least 120 hours of riding experience)
- be a skilled and confident rider.
How should I prepare for the restricted licence practical test?
Because of the dangers involved in gaining the experience necessary to pass the restricted licence test, it is strongly recommended that you get instruction from a skilled and experienced rider, and practice riding in a variety of situations and on different types of roads.
You should also make sure that you know all the road rules in the Road code and can apply them in everyday situations.
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 restricted licence. This means you will have to follow fewer conditions when you ride. (See About driver licences for the conditions of a restricted licence.)
If you pass the test, the testing officer will keep your learner licence and give you a temporary restricted licence. This is valid for 21 days and must be carried with you when you ride. Your restricted photo driver licence will be mailed to you. (If you don't receive your new photo driver licence within that 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 learner licence to you.
Last updated: 6 March 2012