Ready to upgrade from your learner’s licence? Streamline your journey towards your restricted motorcycle licence in NZ with OMT, the South Island’s trusted motorcycle training provider.

We offer ACC-subsidised courses and professional assessments across Canterbury, Otago, West Coast, and Southland to fast-track your journey to riding freedom.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR RESTRICTED BIKE LICENCE IN NZ

Get professional training to ensure you ace your motorcycle restricted licence test—locations available in Christchurch and throughout the South Island.

YOUR NEXT STEP: FROM LEARNER’S TO RESTRICTED

Passed your motorcycle learner’s test? Awesome!

Now it’s time to think about your restricted licence, the last stop before being ready to undertake your full motorcycle licence test. Under the CBTA assessment system operated by Ornsby Motorcycle Training, there is NO MINIMUM time restriction for applying for your restricted licence—the only restriction is you must be at least 16½ years of age. You do NOT need to hold your learner’s licence for a minimum period.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CBTA 6R ASSESSMENT

However, you must pass the Competency-Based Training & Assessment (CBTA 6R/Restricted) to get your restricted licence. We recommend undertaking some intermediate rider training to help you work towards your restricted bike licence in NZ and improve your general riding skills. You can do this in one of two ways (or both if you wish):

  1. Undertake the ACC subsidised Ride Forever Bronze Course
  2. Undertake one-on-one training with one of our instructors

Both courses are designed to take you to the next level so you can pass your Competency-Based Training & Assessment (CBTA 6R/Restricted). And there is some good news—if you choose the Ride Forever Bronze Course, ACC will help out heavily by subsidising the cost!

If you choose, we can simply take you through the CBTA 6R (Restricted) assessment, though we strongly recommend training before undertaking this assessment.

Not sure which course is right for you? Contact us today for honest advice on how to get your restricted motorcycle licence and which pathway is best for you based on your ability and needs.

HOW TO GET YOUR RESTRICTED MOTORCYCLE LICENCE: OUR COURSES

Ride Forever Bronze Course >

TIME: Full day (8 hours)

COST/AVAILABLE LOCATIONS: $20 — Christchurch, Rangiora, West Coast, Wanaka, & Invercargill

The Ride Forever Bronze course is aimed at entry-level, novice, and newly licensed riders and specifically focuses on the competencies and tasks required for riders to sit the CBTA Restricted Licence assessment.

The course is predominantly urban-based, with a small open road component and a strong focus on defensive riding and reinforcing basic bike control. It’s a good place to start, so you can graduate through the Ride Forever Programme, build on skills in a structured way, and work towards your NZ restricted motorcycle licence.

SUITABLE FOR:

  • This course is suitable for entry level / novice and newly licensed riders preparing for the CBTA Restricted Licence assessment.
  • You must have a motorcycle Learner Licence (minimum) to attend this course.
  • Riders who are comfortable riding with traffic flow and keeping pace with a group

New to riding? We recommend booking a one-on-one session first to build your confidence. We can even start from your home if you haven’t had any prior road-based experience.

YOU GET:

  • A full day group lesson (maximum six riders) with one of our NZTA certified riding instructors.

TOPICS COVERED:

  • Group riding protocols and safety—if you have never ridden in a group we will prepare you for this
  • Motorcycle control:
    • Positioning / how you sit on a motorcycle / head movement
    • Speed management / riding through the throttle
    • Progression
    • Stability / balance / smoothness
  • Road positioning: using the road and being seen
  • Safe and effective braking technique
  • Maintaining progress in traffic flow (keeping up with traffic, accelerating, overtaking)
  • Gear selection, braking and stopping
  • Hazard detection
  • Cornering

SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT THIS COURSE:

  • Hire an Ornsby Motorcycle in Christchurch from $140. You arrange the bike hire during the booking/checkout process.
Check Available Dates & Book Course

No Bike? No Problem.

At the time of booking your course, you can also book one of our fantastic late-model LAMs approved hire bikes.

ONE-ON-ONE SESSION + CBTA 6R ASSESSMENT >

TIME: 1.5 hours (training only) OR 3 hours (including the CBTA 6R Assessment)

COST/AVAILABLE LOCATIONS: $225 (training only) OR $435 (including the CBTA 6R Assessment) — Christchurch, Rangiora, West Coast, Wanaka, & Invercargill

Perfect for anyone with a learner’s licence who wants to get more from their riding, this one-on-one session helps improve skills, gain confidence, and fast-track your way to your restricted motorcycle licence in NZ. You can choose between a separate 1.5-hour training or a combined booking including the CBTA Restricted Assessment immediately after.

Ideal for someone who has previously completed the Ride Forever Bronze course with OMT but wants to ensure they’ve nailed all the competencies before the assessment. It’s also ideal for a confident rider who thinks they have the skills but wants an instructor to offer some feedback directly before their assessment to ensure they’re on track and riding at their best.

YOU GET:

  • A one-on-one lesson with one of our professional riding instructors held at Ornsby HQ in Christchurch or from your home*.
  • You can also book this in combination with the CBTA Restricted Assessment.

SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT THIS COURSE:

  • Hire an Ornsby Motorcycle in Christchurch from $110. You can arrange the bike hire during the booking/checkout process for a combined session under the CHRISTCHURCH BIKE HIRE section of the booking page.
  • If you are new to riding and would like an instructor to help you build confidence on your local familiar roads, you can book this one-on-one training session from your home, which is listed in the service options under CHRISTCHURCH on the booking page.

Please read the Special Notes (below)

Check Available Dates & Book Course

No Bike? No Problem.

At the time of booking your course, you can also book one of our fantastic late-model LAMs approved hire bikes.
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CBTA Assessment (CBTA 6R / RESTRICTED) ONLY >

TIME: 1.5 hours

COST/AVAILABLE LOCATIONS: $210.00 – Christchurch, Rangiora, West Coast, Wanaka, & Invercargill

This is the CBTA 6R (Restricted) assessment only. This option DOES NOT include a riding tuition component.

YOU GET:

  • Briefing, preparation, and the assessment for your Competency-Based Training & Assessment motorcycle restricted licence test.
  • If you achieve a pass result upon completion, you will receive a CBTA certificate, which you can then present to an NZTA Licensing Agent who will issue your restricted licence.

SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT THIS ASSESSMENT:

  • Hire an Ornsby Motorcycle in Christchurch from $110 for one-on-one bookings. You arrange the bike hire during the booking/checkout process.
Check Available Dates & Book Course

No Bike? No Problem.

At the time of booking your course, you can also book one of our fantastic late-model LAMs approved hire bikes.

Comparing the Pathways Towards Your Restricted Licence

Session Time Cost Who’s It For What’s Included Outcome
Ride Forever Bronze Course Full day (8 hours) $20 Entry-level or newly licensed riders preparing for the CBTA Assessment. Group lesson with a certified instructor, covering control techniques, safety protocols, and hazard management. Prepares riders with skills & competencies needed to get their restricted bike licence in NZ.
1-on-1 Session + CBTA 6R 1.5 hours OR 3 hours including CBTA 6R $225 (training only)
$435 (including CBTA)		 Riders holding a Learner’s Licence who want tailored lessons for extra confidence. A one-on-one lesson with an instructor (from home or on the road)—can be booked in combination with CBTA. Provides personalised feedback, addresses weaknesses, and leads directly towards the CBTA Assessment.
CBTA 6R Assessment Only 1.5 hours $210 Riders who are ready to tackle their assessment without further instruction. Briefing & preparation for the CBTA 6R, followed by the assessment itself. If you pass, you receive a CBTA certificate to present to NZTA for your licence.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens if I don’t pass my motorcycle restricted licence test?
Don’t stress—your assessor will give detailed feedback on areas for improvement. You can book focused training sessions to target weak points, then re-attempt your motorcycle restricted licence test when you’re ready.

How soon after getting my restricted licence can I progress to a full motorcycle licence?
For motorcycle licensing in New Zealand, you must hold your restricted licence for at least 12 months before applying for your full licence. However, you can sit the CBTA 6F assessment after just 9 months to be ready when eligible.

What are the rules for NZ restricted motorcycle licence holders?
The rules are simple—you can ride solo between 5am and 10pm on LAMS-approved motorcycles. No passengers, no towing vehicles, and you can remove your L-plates. Night riding between 10pm and 5am remains prohibited until you’re fully licensed.
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BOOK TODAY AND GET YOUR MOTORBIKE RESTRICTED LICENCE

Ready to progress from your learners to a restricted licence? With courses available across the South Island, we make it simple. Check out the breakdown of the cost for motorcycle licences, or contact us for advice on how to get your restricted motorcycle licence today.

Book Now
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SPECIAL NOTES—RIDE FOREVER BRONZE COURSE:

  • ALL RIDERS are required to wear suitable protective gear (minimum: helmet / motorcycle specific jacket / boots) — instructors may refuse training to riders who are not properly attired.
  • If you are riding your own bike, your bike is required to have both a current Warrant of Fitness and be Road Registered. Instructors WILL refuse training to riders who turn up to course on a motorcycle without a current WOF and/or Registration.
  • ALL RIDERS must bring their current Drivers Licence. Instructors WILL refuse training to riders who turn up to course without a current Drivers Licence.
  • Any rider attending a course currently on their Learner Licence is required by Law to have an L-Plate fitted to their motorcycle. Instructors WILL refuse training to riders who turn up with a current Learners Licence without an affixed L-Plate on their motorcycle.
  • To attend any of this course you must be confident enough to ride amongst traffic. If you are not feeling confident enough for this, a one-on-one session will be better suited to you.
  • For the Ride Forever Bronze course morning tea and coffee is provided. Lunch will be taken during the on-road group ride at a cafe at your cost.
  • Ride Forever Courses are not weather dependent. Rain or sun—we’re riding. If it is wet, please bring your wet weather gear. We do not offer refunds to riders who do not ‘show on the day’.
  • If you can not attend a booked course or assessment—let us know 24 hours in advance and we will reschedule you at no cost.

SPECIAL NOTES—ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS & CBTA ASSESSMENT:

  • Passing your CBTA is not guaranteed—some riders may require further training and / or re-assessment.
  • ALL RIDERS are required to wear sturdy footwear and long pants—instructors may refuse training to riders who are not properly attired. DO NOT turn up in shorts and / or jandals.
  • *Where our instructors come to you — for NON-URBAN LOCATIONS — travel time will be deducted from the lesson time.
  • If you can not attend a booked course or assessment — let us know 24 hours in advance and we will reschedule you at no cost. We do not offer refunds to riders who do not ‘show on the day’.
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