This page lists any updates to The official New Zealand road code for motorcycling since the last published edition. These changes will usually have been cause by a legislation change.
The current version of The Official New Zealand road code for motorcycling is 2023.
For updates to our other road codes, see the relevant pages:
In June 2023 we released the 2023 version of The official New Zealand road code for motorcycling.
This road code has had a refresh to make it more accessible for learner drivers.
We've removed information that isn't essential to preparing for a learner test, and it's available on our website instead.
We've also updated most of the pictures to make them clearer for learner riders. The pictures have also been updated in the computerised theory test system.
There are no changes to road rules or driving regulations, so learner drivers can still use older versions of the road code to prepare for their test.
Towing and trailer requirements for motorcycles
About competency-based training and assessment (CBTA)
Driving offences and penalties
What you can drive on each class of driver licence
This information is now available in the vehicles section of our website.
Your responsibilities as the registered person
Changed the How much does it cost to get your class 1 driver licence? section:
How much does it cost to get your class 6 motorcycle licence?
|
Application fee |
Amount |
|
Basic handling skills test |
Varies 1 |
|
Learner licence |
$90.60 |
|
Restricted licence |
$54.20 |
|
Full licence |
$47.40 |
1 This fee varies between motorcycle riding instructors.
The application fee is the same whether you sit the practical tests or present a CBTA certificate. It’s free to change, cancel or rebook your test if you need to.
All fees include GST and are non-refundable.
Deleted this text:
Note: this amount doesn’t include fees for re-sitting tests if you fail the first time. If you need to re-sit a test you’ll need to pay another test fee, but you won’t be charged another application fee.
Changing or cancelling your test
You’ll have to pay a further fee if you want to change or cancel your test.
Where there are 2 or more completely working days between the day you change or cancel your test and the date of your appointment, you’ll need to pay a rescheduling fee of $16.40.
This covers the time and costs included when a test is cancelled or rescheduled.
Where there are less than 2 complete working days between the day you change or cancel your test and the date of your appointment, you won’t pay a rescheduling fee but you’ll need to pay another test fee.
You can apply for a refund of the first test fee paid. If the test time is filled by another person. Then the test fee may be partly refunded – a processing fee of $16.40 will be deducted.
How to get your motorcycle licence - update road code content
In the How do I apply for a learner licence section, deleted reference to test fees.
Added this text:
If you fail the test twice on the same day, you’ll need to wait 10 working days before you can sit the test again. This is to give you more time to learn the road rules, and to make sure other people also have a change to take their test.
Added Thai language to the theory test options.
Stage 1 learner licence - updated road code content
In the How do I apply for a restricted licence section, deleted reference to test fees.
Stage 2 restricted licence - updated road code content
In the How do I apply for a full licence section, deleted reference to test fees.
Stage 3 full licence - updated road code content
Added new beach and river variable speed limit signs.
These speed limit signs can be used at beaches or rivers. If pedestrians are present, the speed limit is 30km/h. If there are no pedestrians, the speed limit is 60km/h.
Beach and river variable speed limit signs - updated road code content
Removed the following text:
See pages 58 for more information about carrying loads on a motorcycle.
