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NZ Motorcycle Learner Theory Test Practice 2026

In New Zealand you need a basic handling skills test and a theory test before you get a class 6 learner motorcycle licence. The theory test has 35 questions and you need 32 right. This practice covers learner and restricted conditions, LAMS, helmets and gear, safe lane positions, key road rules and NZ road signs.

  • Motorcycle
  • New Zealand
  • 110 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The Motorcycle learner licence theory test (class 6) has 35 questions. Pass mark: 32 of 35. It is run by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), through driver licensing agents. Minimum age: 16. Practise here for free with 110 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the NZ Motorcycle Learner Licence Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    What is the minimum age to apply for a motorcycle learner licence in New Zealand?
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    Answer: B. 16

    You must be at least 16 to apply for a motorcycle learner licence.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    What must you pass before you can sit the motorcycle learner licence theory test?
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    Answer: B. A basic handling skills (BHS) test

    You need a basic handling skills test certificate before you apply for your motorcycle learner licence.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Who carries out the basic handling skills test?
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    Answer: C. An approved motorcycle riding instructor

    An approved motorcycle instructor runs the basic handling skills test.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Before you get your learner licence, where may you practise riding?
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    Answer: C. On private property or at a training school

    You cannot ride on a road until you hold a learner licence, so practise off-road or at a training school.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    How many questions are in the motorcycle learner licence theory test?
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    Answer: A. 35

    The theory test is a computer test with 35 multiple-choice questions.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    How many correct answers do you need to pass the motorcycle learner theory test?
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    Answer: C. 32

    You must get at least 32 of the 35 questions right.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    You fail the theory test twice on the same day. What happens?
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    Answer: C. You must wait 10 working days before you sit it again

    After two fails on the same day there is a stand-down of 10 working days.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    You pass the theory test. What do you receive on the day?
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    Answer: B. A temporary learner licence valid for 21 days

    You get a temporary licence for 21 days, and your photo licence is posted to you.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    How long is a motorcycle learner licence valid for?
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    Answer: A. 10 years

    A learner licence lasts 10 years. If it runs out before you get your restricted licence, you must renew it to keep riding.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    How many hours of practice does NZTA suggest before the restricted practical test?
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    Answer: A. At least 120 hours

    NZTA recommends at least 120 hours of riding practice before you sit the practical test.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Where must a learner rider display the L plate?
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    Answer: B. On the back of the motorcycle, where it is clearly visible

    A learner rider must show an L plate on the back of the motorcycle, moped or ATV.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    What does a learner L plate look like?
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    Answer: D. A black letter L on a yellow background

    The L plate is a black L on a yellow background and must be at least the official size.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Which motorcycle may a learner or restricted rider ride?
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    Answer: C. A LAMS-approved motorcycle

    Learner and restricted riders must ride an approved motorcycle under the learner approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS). They may also ride a moped or ATV.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    What does LAMS stand for?
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    Answer: C. Learner approved motorcycle scheme

    LAMS is the learner approved motorcycle scheme, a list of motorcycles suitable for new riders.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    As a learner rider, during which hours must you NOT ride?
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    Answer: A. Between 10 pm and 5 am

    Learner and restricted riders must not ride between 10 pm and 5 am.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Your friend asks for a ride on the back of your motorcycle. You hold a learner licence. What is the rule?
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    Answer: D. You must not carry a passenger

    Learner riders must not carry another person on the motorcycle or in a sidecar.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    May a learner rider use their motorcycle to tow a small trailer?
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    Answer: C. No, learner riders must not tow

    Learner and restricted riders must not use the motorcycle to tow another vehicle.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    You hold a restricted motorcycle licence. Which of these may you do?
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    Answer: B. Ride a LAMS-approved motorcycle alone at 3 pm

    Restricted riders may ride alone on a LAMS-approved motorcycle outside 10 pm to 5 am, with no passenger and no towing.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    What is the passenger rule for a restricted motorcycle licence?
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    Answer: A. No passengers at any time

    A restricted rider must not carry a passenger.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    What is the minimum age to get a restricted motorcycle licence?
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    Answer: D. 16 and a half

    You must be at least 16½ to get a restricted motorcycle licence.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    If you take the practical test route, how long must you hold your learner licence before the restricted test?
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    Answer: B. At least 6 months

    You must hold your learner licence for at least 6 months, unless you use the CBTA route.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    What is CBTA for motorcycle licences?
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    Answer: D. An assessment by an approved assessor that can replace the practical test

    Competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) lets an approved assessor assess you, and the certificate is used instead of a practical test.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    You are 20. Under the practical test route, how long must you hold your restricted motorcycle licence before the full test?
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    Answer: D. At least 18 months

    On the practical test route you must hold your restricted licence for at least 18 months and be at least 18 before the full licence test.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Under the practical test route, what is the minimum age for a full motorcycle licence?
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    Answer: C. 18

    You must be at least 18 to sit the full motorcycle licence practical test.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Which motorcycles may a full class 6 licence holder ride?
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    Answer: D. Any legal and registered motorcycle

    Once you hold a full licence, the LAMS limit no longer applies.

What to know before the test

  • You must be at least 16 and pass a basic handling skills (BHS) test with an approved instructor before you apply for a motorcycle learner licence.
  • The theory test is a computer test with 35 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 32 correct to pass.
  • If you fail the theory test twice on the same day, you must wait 10 working days before you sit it again.
  • Learner and restricted riders must ride a LAMS-approved motorcycle, must not ride between 10 pm and 5 am, must not carry a passenger and must not tow.
  • Learner riders must show an L plate (a black L on yellow) on the back of the motorcycle.
  • For the restricted licence you must be at least 16½ and have held your learner licence for 6 months, unless you use a CBTA certificate.
  • Every rider and pillion passenger must wear an approved safety helmet, securely fastened.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the NZ motorcycle learner theory test?

There are 35 multiple-choice questions on road rules and safe riding. You must answer at least 32 correctly.

Do I need to pass anything before the theory test?

Yes. You need a basic handling skills (BHS) test certificate from an approved motorcycle instructor before you apply for your learner licence.

Is there a time limit on the theory test?

We could not find an official time limit on the NZTA pages we checked, so our mock exam is not timed. Ask your driver licensing agent if you are unsure.

Can I carry a passenger on a learner or restricted motorcycle licence?

No. Learner and restricted riders must not carry a passenger at any time, and must not ride between 10 pm and 5 am.

What motorcycle can I ride as a learner?

A LAMS-approved motorcycle (learner approved motorcycle scheme), a moped or an ATV. Full licence holders may ride any legal, registered motorcycle.

Does the motorcycle theory test include road signs?

The test covers road rules and safe riding from the motorcycle Road Code, and road signs are part of the road rules. Our mock exam mixes motorcycle questions with NZ road sign questions.

Sources

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