Information about the learner approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS) for learner and restricted motorcycle licence holders.
LAMS identifies a range of motorcycles appropriate for learner and restricted class 6 licence holders, based on their level of experience. The scheme determines appropriate motorcycles based on the overall performance capability of the motorcycle.
The LAMS rating system is an initiative of the road safety strategy Safer Journeys.
See the full list of LAMS-approved motorcycles
LAMS-approved motorcycles include:
The following list of motorcycles with engine capacities between 251cc and 660cc – these motorcycles must be in standard form as produced by the manufacturer. They cannot be modified in any way to increase the power-to-weight ratio.
Note: the following list currently displays the more current models available in the New Zealand market. It will be updated as other models, both old and new, are approved by the NZ Transport Agency. Please ensure you pay close attention to the degree of specification in the list – for example, a Suzuki GSX650FU model is specified in the list, therefore it is a LAMS-approved motorcycle. A Suzuki GSX650F is not on the list and is therefore not LAMS-approved.
Some motorcycles with engine capacities of 250cc and under are prohibited for use by learner and restricted riders.
See the full list of LAMS-prohibited motorcycles
Learner or restricted licence holders are responsible for ensuring their motorcycle is LAMS-approved.
Any motorcycle modified in a way that increases its power-to-weight ratio is not LAMS-approved, regardless of whether it appears on the LAMS-approved list.
These modifications are intended to allow the motorcycle owner to personalise their motorcycle without lifting its performance above the maximum for a LAMs approved bike and without changing the classification of the motorcycle (lifting it over 250cc).
Note: Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certification may be required for some modifications.
Note 2: It is likely a condition of your insurance policy to advise your insurer of any modifications that have been made to your motorcycle.
The modifications below are intended to allow the user to customise/personalise their motorcycle without increasing the power to weight ratio. Some modifications will have a minor effect on power and others a minor effect on weight. However, these are not considered to be significant.
Note: Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certification may be required for some modifications.
Note 2: It is likely a condition of your insurance policy to advise your insurer of any modifications that have been made to your motorcycle.
Any other modification intended to increase engine power or significantly reduce motorcycle weight.
If there is a motorcycle you believe should be on the LAMS-approved list and it fits the primary criteria of being between 251cc and 660cc, and less than 150 kilowatts per tonne, you will need to submit a formal application to the Transport Agency for consideration. Vehicle specifications for the motorcycle should be gathered from your motorcycle manufacturer.
Download the application form to have a motorcycle added to the LAMS-approved list [PDF, 81 KB]
If there is a motorcycle with an engine capacity of less than 250cc that you believe should be on the LAMS-prohibited list, you will need to submit a formal application to the Transport Agency for consideration.
Download the application form to have a motorcycle added to the LAMS-prohibited list [PDF, 92 KB]
Requests received prior to the 20th of each month will be considered for addition to the LAMS lists, and if approved, will be published on the first working day of the following month.
Download Factsheet 28: Learning to ride – getting your motorcycle licence [PDF, 301 KB]
