Get your Licence

Mopeds

If you are riding a moped? which is a legal term in NZ for a 50cc motorcycle or scooter that has a max. engine power output of 2kw or less and is not capable of more than 50km/hr then guess what? You only need a car licence to ride. So, if you are looking at a Lifan Metro or a Lifan Smart 50, these are termed as mopeds and you don't need a motorcycle licence to use them. The great thing is, they have cheaper registration costs and don't require WOF's (although they must be kept up to the WOF standards, ie: light, indicators, tyres etc) also you can use mopeds in the bus lanes, but don't go on the motorway on one!

Motorcycles

If your bike or scooter is bigger than 50cc, more powerful than 2kw or is capable of speeds over 50km/hr then you need a motorcycle licence.
Stage O Basic Handling Skills Test. Before you apply for a learner motorcycle licence you must pass a "basic handling skills test" first. This is a reasonably straightforward exercise of riding around cones etc under the guidance of an approved motorcycle-riding instructor.

Stage 1 Learner Licence

Once you have the Basic Handling Certificate you can apply for the learner licence at any licensing agency like the local AA or VINZ or On Road NZ.
You will need:
- The basic handling certificate
- To be over 15 years of age
- To fill out the application form and pay the fee
- Two solid forms of ID (one with your address)
They will take your photo and check your eyesight and then you can sit the scratchy test. 25 questions are general road code questions and 10 are specific to motorcyclists. You can purchase the 5 possible test sheets of 10 questions and the road code to swat up prior to applying for your licence from the same licensing agencies.
Once you have your learner licence you are legally allowed to ride on the road with the following conditions:
- No more than a 250cc engine capacity is allowed
- 70km/hr is your open road speed limit
- You can not ride between 10pm and 5am
- No passengers
- You Must have a "L" plate fitted to the rear.

Stage 2 Restricted Licence

You can stay on a learner licence for as long as you desire or once you've held your learner licence for six months you can book a time to sit your practical riding test. This test cannot be performed on a "moped" so you need a motorcycle or scooter of no more than 250cc.
The test is basically to see how well you handle your machine on the road in the various traffic situations. Once you have obtained the restricted licence, some conditions still apply (but you can throw out the "L" plate!).

Stage 3 Full Licence

Aged 25 and over - Once you have held your restricted licence for six months you can book a time to perform the practical riding test. This time is reduced to 3 months if you successfully complete an approved course.
Aged under 25 - The length of time is 18 months on a restricted licence. This can be reduced to 12 months if you complete an approved course. Once you have your full licence you can ride any capacity machine at any time of day or night, you can also carry passengers.

REMEMBER:

- Always carry your licence
- Don't drink and ride
- Always wear safety gear
- Ride responsibly
- RIDE TO BE SEEN