Basic Handling Skills Test

To ensure that learner riders have the basic riding skills, prior to sitting the Learner Licence Theory Test, motorcycle Licence applicants must pass a practical “Basic Handling Skills Test”. Motorcycle instructors, approved by the NZ Transport Agency, usually administer these tests.

There are six practical “off-road” tests administered, usually on a sealed area. These are also outlined in the current NZ Motorcycle Road Code and consist of the following:

• Slow ride – to demonstrate basic balance and control - ride between parallel painted lines in 10 seconds or more
• Routine stop – to demonstrate basic braking and judgment techniques - from 20kph, stop the front wheel within the painted box
• Cone weave – to demonstrate balance, steering and speed control on a motorcycle - ride through a slalom course without missing or hitting a cone
• Quick Stop - demonstrate correct stopping techniques using front and rear brakes and stop within 3 metres from 20kph
• Riding the curve – to demonstrate the ability to ride through a reasonably tight curve smoothly, using  good judgment, cornering lines, speed control and riding in either direction - approach at 20kph, signal and negotiate the curve safely looking through the corner and riding within the painted lines
• Stopping in a curve – to demonstrate sound procedures for emergency braking in a tight curve - approach at 20kph and be able to stop safely between the painted lines
• General control skills – to demonstrate safe and effective motorcycle control at all times throughout the testing process - without stalling and acording to the testers instructions

The BHST must be conducted in the order outlined on the assessors score sheet.

Note: The applicant must successfully complete each item to the minimum standards stated by the assessor prior to a BHST Certificate being issued.

Basic Handling Skills Test Layout

Comprises 35 "scratchy" test questions. A minimum pass mark of 32 correct to pass. The current cost of the Learner Licence theory Test is $91.90. You will need to obtain a copy of a current Motorcycle Road Code prior to undertaking the theory test as all questions in the Test are based on this book. The current cost of the Motorcycle Road Code is $24.99 and is available from most good book shops, various testing agencies and some motorcycle retailers. Learner Licence Tests are conducted at either the AA or VTNZ Testing offices.

The Basic Handling Skills Test is scored using a “negative points system”. If the rider accrues more than 4 demerit points throughout the whole test process, the rider has not met the standard!

Note: Although you can ride on the road by yourself as a Learner, there are a number of restrictions that apply as outlined in the Motorcycle Road Code.

You can sit this test after six months as a Learner rider. The test involves a 20 to 25 minute practical road ride with a testing officer following you. The current cost of this test is $105.80. You can either book onine or at any AA or VTNZ Testing officebut you can only do the practical testat an AA Testing office or an approved agency.

Note: A number of conditions apply to the Restricted Level as outlined in the Motorcycle Road Code.

You can sit this test after 18 months if you are under 25 or 6 months if over 25 years. The Full Licence test comprises three parts: i.e. Part one (Confirmation Drive), Part Two (Hazard Identification within a 50 - 60 kph area) and Part Three (Hazard Identification and Responses riding in 50 to 100 kph area). A key component is demonstrating the ability to recognise potential hazards, knowing what to do and how to reduce the risk. A minimum pass mark of 80% is required. The current cost is $133.20. We suggest you obtain a copy of the NZ Transport Agency Fact Sheet no 59, free from any driver licensing agency or download from www.nzta.govt.nz.

You can either book onine or at any AA or VTNZ Testing officebut you can only do the practical testat an AA Testing office or an approved agency.

Note: Graduating from the Defensive Driving Course as a Restricted Driver can reduce your time by up to 6 months or 3 months depending on your age.

Note: If under 25 years then you must have at least 6 months on your Restricted Licence before undertaking the Defensive Driving Course. We run these Courses as a night class at Fraser High School, (Phone: 07 8471074). The current cost is $175.00 including the practical in-car assessment.

Note: The above tests are completed at either approved AA agencies, VTNZ or VINZ depots.