I am a newbie
There's a lot to take in when you set out to become a rider. Find out where to start with coaching and licensing.
New to riding? Ride Forever has got this
Welcome to Ride Forever. As a new rider there's a fair bit of information available to help you. Ride Forever will support you at every step of your riding journey.
During this exciting time you will find you have lots of questions, you can:
Contact us or visit our Ride Forever Facebook page.
So you want to get your motorbike licence?
If the whole process of learning to ride and going through the licensing process seems daunting, you’ve come to the right place. At Ride Forever, we specialise in getting new riders through their licence journey in easy stages. We'll make this adventure easier than you thought.
Getting your motorcycle licence in New Zealand is a three-step process. This approach helps you build the skills and experience to ride safely on our roads.
You have to be 16 years and older to get a learner licence. Before you can get your learner licence you must pass a riding test.
First you must pass your BHST
An approved motorcycle riding instructor conducts the basic handling skills test (BHST). This test makes sure that you have the necessary skills to ride safely on the road when you have your learner licence.
About the basic handling skills test (BHST)
What you need for the BHST
- There is an option to complete a ‘Learn to Ride’ course with the BHST provider before taking the test, talk to your provider about what is best for you.
- Make sure you are wearing the right clothes – no skin showing and strong shoes or boots (preferred).
- The BHST instructor will give you a helmet, gloves, and the bike to use.
We recommend you take a $20 Urban course after completing BHST, to make sure you are ready to take what you learned to the streets.
Video – basic handling skills test (BHST)
The video below explains all of the tasks on the BHST, so you can make sure you are ready.
Watch the BHST video
Watch detailed information about the BHST in animated format.
Next boost your knowledge of the road code
The next step is to boost your knowledge of the motorcycle road code to pass the theory test.
Learn to be a safe and responsible rider with the official New Zealand road code for motorcycling. It has all the information you need to get your motorcycle learner licence.
Road code theory test questions
In a theory test you'll be asked two types of questions:
- specialist questions for the type of licence you're applying for
- general questions.
To help you learn the road rules, the NZ Transport Agency|Waka Kotahi has a section that includes most of the test questions you may be asked.
You can use these questions to test yourself, or have a friend or family member test you.
Specialist motorcycle questions
There are specialist questions for motorcycle drivers.You can use these questions to test yourself, or have a friend or family member test you.
Test yourself with specialist motorcycle questions
General questions
These questions are general all vehicle questions.
Improving your skills with coaching
Ride Forever can help you through every stage of becoming a new rider.
Take advantage of subsidised Ride Forever on-road coaching to improve your riding skills and knowledge. It's the only nationally available rider coaching in New Zealand. Delivered by experts and available from just $20.
Each of our courses delivers important skills on its own.
Urban course for newbies
The Urban course is for you if you:
- are new to riding
- unsure about taking your new skill to the road
- need to build confidence on your bike
- want to boost your early skills.
Already have some experience riding a bike?
Do you already have some experience riding a bike? Off road, or on a farm maybe?
If you have some experience the Bronze course may suit you better.
Have a look at the course providers in your region and book your first course.