Getting A Motorcycle Licence

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 15, 8 September 1987, Page 10 (Supplement)

Getting A Motorcycle Licence

To get a motorcycle licence applicants must be at least 1 5 years old. Before applicants are permitted to ride on the road a basic skills test must be passed, to show that they can handle the motorcycle safely and competently enough to be allowed on the road at all. As well they must pass a simple theory test based on the booklet "You and your first bike". This can be done at a motorcycle training school. The applicant will then apply at a driver licensing office for the Learner's Licence which begins the first stage of a three stage process of obtaining a full motorcycle licence. To get the Learner Licence, learners must pass a written and oral theory test based on the Road Code and pass an eyesight test. Stage One Learner's Licence The following conditions apply when riding a motorcycle on a learner's licence: ★ The licence must be carried at all times when riding a motorcycle and must be produced when asked for by an enforcement officer. ★ A motorcycle over 250cc must not be ridden. ★ No pillion passengers may be carried. ★ An "L" plate must be attached to the rear number plate. ★ No night riding unless absolutely necessary and none at all between the hours of 10.00pm and 5.00am. ★ Riders must not drink any alcohol and ride (in practice this means a blood alcohol level not exceeding 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood). ★ A speed restriction of 70 km/hr on the open road. (Riders are recommended to stay within 50 km/hr areas

whenever possible.) The Learner's Licence will be held for six months before applicants can sit a practical riding test. This can be reduced by up to three months if a certificate of competency from a recognised riding instructor is produced. Stage Two Restricted Licence Applicants must pass a practical riding test before a Restricted Licence is issued. Having passed the tests, the applicant will still be subject to the Learner Licence conditions, until the new licence

arrives through the post. All motorcyclists, regardless of their age, must go through Stage Two. The rules for riding on a restricted licence are the same as for Stage Orie. A Restricted Licence will be held for 18 months before a iull motorcycle licence is issued. This can be reduced by up to nine months if a certificate of competency is produced to show that an advanced riding course at an approved motorcycle riding school is completed or a Defensive Driving Course has been passed.

Stage Three Full Licence After the qualifying period on a Restricted Licence applicants can apply to the local driver licensing office for a full motorcycle rider's licence. This will be posted to the motorcycle rider and until it arrives the conditions of Stage Two will still apply. If a learner or restricted licence holder breaks any of the conditions, the time period in the licence could be extended by up to six months.