About the practical riding tests

What are the practical riding tests?

As part of getting your motorcycle licence you must pass three practical riding tests. The tests are:

For the restricted and full licence tests you will be followed by a driver testing officer, who will observe your riding and assess whether it is good enough to progress to the next level of licence.

This section gives you more information about the restricted and full practical riding tests, which will help you be fully prepared when you sit them.

Why have practical riding tests?

To make our roads safe, it is essential that everyone who drives or rides on them has the skills they need to be safe and responsible. It's not enough to just know all the road rules; you also need to be able to follow them when you're out on the road, and you need to have the skills to handle a motorcycle properly.

That's exactly what the practical riding tests assess and why they are such an important part of the licence testing process. They make sure you have mastered the basic riding skills. They also test how well you drive in a variety of situations, such as on the open road, around town or at a busy intersection.

Booking practical riding tests via phone or internet

You can book the following riding tests over the phone or internet:

  • restricted licence tests (car and motorcycle)
  • full licence tests (car, motorcycle and heavy vehicles).

In addition, you can book an on-road safety test for older drivers by phone (but not via the internet).

You need to book all other tests in person at a driver licensing agent.

To book over the phone or internet, you will need:

  • your current driver licence
  • a valid credit card to pay the fee.

You will need to arrive at your test location 30 minutes before your test, or visit a driver licensing agent prior to your test, to:

  • have your application form processed
  • have your identification checked (bring your driver licence and evidence of your address).

Depending on the type of test you are having, the driver licensing agent may also:

  • take your photograph
  • collect your signature
  • check your eyesight (unless you provide an eyesight certificate)
  • check any other relevant certificates, such as a medical certificate or advanced driving skills certificate.

If you don't pass the eyesight requirements, or provide an eyesight certificate prior to your test time, you won't be able to sit the practical riding test and the test fee will not be refunded. Some people choose to provide an eyesight certificate instead of having the eyesight check.

Booking by phone

To book by phone, call 0800 822 422. Your call will go to the NZTA's driver licensing contact centre, who will book a test for you in your local area.

When you book, you'll be told all the details for your test. You will also be posted a confirmation slip. (However, you should note down the details of your test in case the confirmation slip doesn't arrive in time.)

Your test booking is valid even if your confirmation slip hasn’t arrived. If you miss your test, or if you are late and your test is cancelled you’ll have to rebook another test time and pay another fee.

The phone booking service is available from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (except statutory holidays).

Booking via the internet

To book over the internet:

  • go to the NZTA's transaction centre
  • click on ‘Practical driver licence test bookings'
  • follow the step-by-step instructions.

Make sure you read the information carefully.

When you've booked online, a confirmation slip will be emailed to you. It's a good idea to print this out and keep it until your test. The online booking service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

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Last updated: 2 April 2012