The restricted licence practical riding test

What is the restricted licence practical riding test?

The restricted licence practical riding test is the test that learner licence holders must pass (unless choosing the CBTA option) to graduate to a restricted class 6 motorcycle licence. It's designed to assess whether the skills of the motorcyclist are at a level where they can safely ride under certain conditions.

Conditions of a restricted licence

The test is conducted on a LAMS-approved motorcycle provided by you. 

List of LAMS-approved motorcycles

The restricted licence practical test will take about 60 minutes. This time allows for vehicle checks before the test, the test itself and time for the testing officer to give you feedback on your performance after the test.

When can I apply to sit the restricted licence practical test?

You can apply to sit the restricted licence practical riding test when you've held your learner licence for at least six months.

You should also:

  • have had lots of riding practice (we recommend that you have at least 120 hours of riding experience)
  • be a skilled and confident rider.

How should I prepare for the restricted licence practical test?

Because of the dangers involved in gaining the experience necessary to pass the restricted licence test, it is strongly recommended that you get instruction from a skilled and experienced rider, and practise riding in a variety of situations and on different types of roads.

You should also make sure that you know all the road rules in the Road code and can apply them in everyday situations.

What does the restricted licence practical test involve?

The test involves riding in 50km/h speed zones as well as higher speed zones (up to 100km/h).

You will need to be able to safely and successfully execute a variety of manoeuvres and tasks such as merging, changing lanes and indicating.

For example, if changing lanes, you are expected to both indicate and check your blind spot. If turning into a multi-lane road, you are expected to turn into the appropriate lane.

You will also be required to identify hazards and respond appropriately to them.

A hazard can be anything that is moving or which might move, for example children playing on the footpath or vehicles approaching from any direction.

What could cause me to immediately fail the test?

You will fail the test (with the test being terminated) if you:

  • are involved in a crash for which you are wholly or partly responsible
  • the testing officer provides any verbal or physical assistance during the test
  • are unable to carry out the instructions given by the testing officer because of lack of riding ability
  • exceed the speed limit
  • fail to give way
  • fail to comply with traffic signals or Stop signs
  • stop in a dangerous position
  • take any other dangerous action that results in immediate danger to road users or property.

What happens at the end of the test?

At the end of part 3, the testing officer will tell you whether or not you have passed the test. They will also go over any errors you made so you can practise them.

If you pass the test, you will have earned your restricted licence. This means you will have to follow fewer conditions when you ride. 

Conditions of a restricted licence

The testing officer will keep your learner licence and give you a temporary restricted licence (unless you have not yet completed the application process at a driver licensing agent). This is valid for 21 days and must be carried with you when you ride. Your restricted photo driver licence will be mailed to you. If you don’t receive your new photo driver licence within that 10 working days, then you should call us on 0800 822 422.

If you fail the test, the testing officer will return your learner licence to you.

If you are unhappy with the test result or testing officer there are steps you can take. 

How do I dispute the result of my test?