Confirmation of your identity and licence status

Before the assessment, the assessor will need to confirm your identity (your photo driver licence will provide clear proof of identity).

If you’re not able to produce a photo driver licence (ie you hold a temporary paper driver licence), you’ll also need to provide alternative photographic identification (ie a passport).

The assessor will also check that your driver licence is current and that you’re complying with any special licence conditions.

Carrying your driver licence

You must carry your driver licence with you at all times when riding. If you don’t have your licence with you, the assessment can’t go ahead.

Are you fit to be assessed?

The assessment won’t go ahead if you show clear signs of having taken alcohol or drugs, or you’re not fully in control of your normal faculties.

Carrying out a pre-ride safety check

The pre-ride safety check is a basic check of your motorcycle to ensure that it’s safe and legally compliant.

The assessor will ask you to check the items listed below. As you check each item you’ll also need to provide a brief description of what you’re looking for:

  • any obvious damage that could be considered dangerous
  • chain tension (not too loose or too tight)
  • tyres (inflated, legal tread depth, no sidewall cracks)
  • wheels (undamaged)
  • rear vision mirror (fitted and undamaged)
  • indicators (operational and lenses intact)
  • brake lights (operational and lenses intact)
  • headlamp or daylight running lamps (operational)
  • horn (operational)
  • licence label (current)
  • warrant of fitness (current)
  • L plate (fitted to rear) - only applicable to the learner stage (Class 6R CBTA).

If any of these fail the pre-ride check, the assessment won’t start until non-compliant items have been fixed.

What you’ll need to wear - rider protective equipment

During any training or assessment you must wear the following protective equipment:

  • a long-sleeved, front-fastening jacket
  • long pants
  • suitable gloves
  • sturdy, covered footwear, and
  • a motorcycle helmet of an approved standard that’s securely fastened on your head.

Motorcycle helmets and other recommended safety gear(external link) 

You can also visit the Motocap website. Motocap is a safety rating scheme that aims to empower motorcyclists to choose gear that provides them with the best protection and comfort for their ride.

www.motocap.com.au(external link) 

If you’re not wearing the equipment listed above, your training/assessment will be postponed until you’re wearing the appropriate protective equipment.

The assessor will also ask you to wear a Hi-Viz vest during any training or assessment (either your own or one supplied by the assessor).

The right motorcycle to use

Under the learner approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS), the learner and restricted stage CBTA courses can only be carried out if the motorcycle you’re using is LAMS-approved. 

List of LAMS-approved motorcycles

If you have a written exemption from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency allowing you to ride a LAMS-prohibited motorcycle, you’ll need to bring the written exemption with you and give it to the examiner.

In addition to being LAMS-approved, any motorcycle used in CBTA courses must be capable of maintaining open road speeds into head winds and on hills.

Motorcycles with automatic transmission can only be used for the assessment in situations where you provide your own motorcycle. In any situation where the assessor supplies the motorcycle to be used for the assessment, they won’t have automatic transmission. Automatic transmission includes any motorcycle which doesn’t have a manually operated clutch, regardless of whether or not the gears can be manually selected and changed.

CBTA courses may not be undertaken on:

  • a three-wheeled motorcycle that is not registered as a motorcycle
  • a motorcycle that is not LAMS compliant
  • a moped
  • an all-terrain vehicle
  • a motorcycle displaying a trade plate
  • any motorcycle not capable of maintaining open road speeds.

Use of headlamp or daylight running lamps

If your motorcycle was manufactured on or after 1 January 1980, you’ll need to use your headlamp or daytime running lamps (if fitted) when undergoing on-road training or assessment.

Learner plate

If you’re undertaking the learner stage (Class 6R CBTA) you’ll need to display an L plate on the rear of the motorcycle. If an L plate isn’t displayed you won’t be able to undertake training or the assessment.

Trade plates

A motorcycle displaying trade plates is not allowed to be used for CBTA training or the assessment.

If trade plates are displayed on the bike, you won’t be able to undertake training or the assessment.

Communication equipment

Before the assessment starts, the assessor will provide and fit you with communication equipment, which will allow them to communicate with you during the assessment. This is so the assessor can give you instructions to guide you around the assessment route.

Pre-ride instructions

Before the assessment starts, the assessor will give you the following instructions:

  • ‘During the test I’ll give you directions through the communication equipment. If you lose contact with me, pull over to the side of the road where it‘s safe and wait for me to catch up with you.’
  • ‘Instructions for turning or stopping will be given when needed, otherwise continue to follow the road.’
  • ‘You must observe all speed limits. Ride to the conditions and where it is safe, you are expected to travel within 5 km/h of the posted speed limit, but not over the speed limit. This includes any temporary speed limits. If you exceed the speed limit at any time during the assessment, it may result in the assessment being terminated.’
  • ‘Once we start the assessment I will calibrate our speedometers by asking you to confirm your speed. I will provide you with specific instructions on how to do this at the time.’
  • ‘Decisions such as overtaking, gap selection, positioning and speed control are yours to make at all times.’
  • ‘During the ride I will also be checking your observation skills. To help me, can you please make distinct head movements when scanning or using the mirrors?’
  • ‘During the ride I might ask you to pull over and find a safe place to stop. This will allow me to update the score sheet.’
  • ‘Do you have any questions?’
  • ‘When you are ready you can move off.’