As the South Island’s trusted motorbike training team, we’ve noticed that many riders find themselves confused about motorbike licence prices at each licensing stage.
If you’re ready to start working towards your motorcycle licence in Southland, Otago, Canterbury, the West Coast, and across the South Island, you’ll need a clear understanding of the fees, from learning to ride to full motorcycle licensing. Learn the cost for a motorcycle licence below, or contact us to book a training course.
In New Zealand, getting your motorcycle licence is a three-stage process: Learner (Class 6L), Restricted (Class 6R), and Full (Class 6). Each stage has its own costs, so let’s break motorbike test costs down so you can confidently plan your motorcycling journey.
The motorbike learner’s test is a two-step process. The first step is the NZTA Basic Handling Skills Test (with OMT), followed by the theory test, which is completed at a licensing agency (AA or VTNZ).
When evaluating the cost of a motorcycle licence, you should note that there are two options for booking the Basic Handling Skills Test (BHST):
Complete beginners generally take one or two Learn to Ride courses ($250) before sitting the BHST.
Through the CBTA process offered by OMT, if you are over 16 and a half years old, there is no minimum period that you need to spend on your Learner License (6L). The standard VTNZ process requires you to be on your learner license for at least 6 months before booking a license test.
Once you have passed your CBTA 6R Assessment with OMT, you will receive a certificate that you simply need to present at a Licensing Agency (AA/VTNZ). Pay the application fee, and you’re good to go!
While your restricted motorbike licence costs a total of $249.20, we stress the importance of practice and prep training to maximise your chances of success. Attending an ACC-subsidised Ride Forever Bronze course is the best and most affordable preparation for your CBTA Restricted (6R) Licence Assessment. With the subsidy, this 8-hour course costs just $20 (booking fee).
To keep the motorbike licence price low, we also offer a package deal for your CBTA test and 1.5 hours of training prep for $435. This will help identify and address any weak points in your riding before the assessment. Hire bikes are available for Ride Forever courses, training, and assessments, starting from $110.
Finally—the last stage of your licensing journey! Once you’ve been riding on your Restricted License for 12 months through the CBTA process provided by OMT, you can shoot for your Full Licence.
Through the CBTA licensing process, you can actually sit your CBTA Full (6F) assessment after being on your Restricted Licence for 9 months, giving you a 3-month window to get it ticked off. It’s important to note, however, that you cannot produce your certificate at a licensing agency to advance to your Full license until after the 12-month anniversary of your Restricted Licence.
Through VTNZ, you need to have been on your Restricted License for a minimum of 18 months before booking a license test.
Let’s explore full bike license costs:
Like your Restricted license journey, an ACC-subsidised Ride Forever Silver course is your best training option to improve your shot at passing your CBTA Full (6F) License Assessment the first time.
If you haven’t previously completed a Ride Forever course or CBTA Restricted Assessment, you may be better suited to a Ride Forever Bronze course. We also offer an in-depth CBTA Assessment and a 1.5-hour training package for $385. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, call our office for a chat.
The cost of a motorbike licence is an investment in your future riding freedom—you can hit the road without restriction, opening up the full motorcycling experience.
Motorbike licence prices vary when converting an international licence, depending on your country of origin.
For Exempt Countries (Australia, UK, USA, etc.):
For Non-Exempt Countries:
