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 Land Transport Agency of NZ, 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
• Routine stop – to demonstrate basic braking and judgment techniques
• Cone weave – to demonstrate balance, steering and speed control on a motorcycle
• 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
• Stopping in a curve – to demonstrate sound procedures for emergency braking in a tight curve
• General control skills – to demonstrate safe and effective motorcycle control at all times throughout the testing process.

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 $79.00. 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 $24.90 and is available from most good book shops, various testing agencies and some motorcycle retailers.

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 $88.20.

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 $115.10. 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.

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 both Melville High School, (Phone: 07 8435917) and Fraser High School, (Phone: 07 8471074). The current cost is $100.00pp plus a 1 hour practical drive that costs $50.00.