A motorbike can be a cheaper, more fun way to get around.
But before you buy your first one, there are a few things to sort out: the right licence, the right bike for your experience, and a budget that covers more than just the bike.
Here's what you need to know.
Last updated November 2026.
You don't need a licence to buy a motorbike, but you do need the right licence to ride it on the road.
Learners and restricted riders: you can only ride a LAMS-approved motorbike.
Three licence stages: learner (from 16), restricted (from 16½) and full (from 18, or 17½ with an approved course).
NZTA licence fees: learner $90.60, restricted $54.20, full $47.40, plus any training provider costs.
2027 licence changes: the removal of the full licence test from January 2027 applies to car licences only. Motorbike riders still need a full licence test or an approved course.
Before buying a used bike, check it isn't stolen or carrying money owing, and that its WOF and registration are current.
Budget for gear, registration and insurance, not just the bike.
No. You can buy and register a motorbike without a motorbike licence.
But to ride it on the road, you need the right class 6 (motorcycle) licence, and on a learner or restricted licence you can only ride a LAMS-approved bike.
So it's worth knowing which licence you'll be on before you choose a bike.
Getting your motorbike licence in New Zealand has three stages. At each one, you get more freedom as you build experience.
Pass a basic handling skills test with an approved provider, then the learner licence theory test. On your learner licence you can only ride a LAMS-approved motorbike, and there are conditions to follow while you're learning.
Once you've held your learner licence for at least 6 months, you can get your restricted licence by passing a practical riding test, or by completing an approved competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) course instead. You still have to ride a LAMS-approved bike.
There are two ways to get your full licence:
Without a course: be 18 or older, have held your restricted licence for at least 18 months, and pass the full licence practical riding test.
With a CBTA course: after holding your restricted licence for 9 months, you can do a CBTA 6F course. Once you've completed it, you can get your full licence from age 17½, as long as you've held your restricted licence for at least 12 months, with no practical test.
With a full licence, you can ride any legal motorbike and carry passengers.
From 25 January 2027, some licence rules change.
You'll only need an eyesight check when you first apply for a licence and when you renew it, rather than at every stage. The removal of the full licence practical test applies to car licences only, so motorbike riders will still need to pass the full licence test or complete an approved course.
Until then, the current rules apply, including an eyesight check at each stage.
For the latest rules, see NZ Transport Agency's guide to getting a motorcycle licence.
|
Licence stage |
NZTA application fee |
|---|---|
|
Learner licence |
$90.60 |
|
Restricted licence |
$54.20 |
|
Full licence |
$47.40 |
|
Total NZTA fees |
$192.20 |
On top of NZTA's fees, you'll pay a training provider for the basic handling skills test, and for any CBTA courses if you go that way.
These vary by provider. ACC's Ride Forever courses can help you build your skills at a low cost.
NZTA fees as at November 2026. Check NZTA for the latest fees.
Standard or naked bikes: an upright riding position. Great for commuting and a common first bike.
Dual-sport and adventure bikes: handle both roads and gravel or off-road tracks.
Dirt bikes: made for off-road riding.
Sports bikes: built for speed. They have a leaned-forward riding position that can be tiring on longer rides.
Touring and cruiser bikes: comfortable for long journeys.
If you're on a learner or restricted licence, check the bike is on NZTA's list of LAMS-approved motorcycles before you buy.
A new bike comes with a warranty and the latest safety features.
A used bike costs less, and many riders start on one while they learn, then upgrade later.
If you buy used, get it checked by a qualified motorcycle mechanic before you hand over any money.
Is it stolen? Check the NZ Police stolen vehicles database.
Is money owing on it? Search the Personal Property Securities Register. If finance is registered against the bike, it needs to be cleared before you buy.
What's its history? A vehicle history report shows odometer history, past owners and plates, and whether it was imported with damage.
Is the WOF and registration current?
Does it run well? Test ride it if you can, look at the service records, and have a mechanic check it.
When you buy a motorbike, both you and the seller need to let NZ Transport Agency know about the change of ownership.
You can do it online.
Before you start riding, consider a Ride Forever course from ACC.
They're designed for riders at every level, and taking one as a refresher is worth it even if you've ridden before.
Budget for good gear too: a helmet that meets the approved standard (required by law), plus a jacket, gloves, boots and protective trousers.
If you'd rather not wait to save up, a motorbike loan can help, from $500 to $50,000 over 3 months to 7 years, with a personalised fixed rate from 9.95% to 29.95% p.a.
In many cases, no deposit is needed. Knowing your budget before you shop can also help you stay on track when you find the right bike.
Try our loan calculator to see what repayments might look like.
We won't let you get in over your head: we'll go through your budget with you to make sure the repayments fit.
Find out more about responsible lending.
No. You can buy and register a motorbike without a motorbike licence, but you need the right class 6 licence to ride it on the road. Learner and restricted riders can only ride LAMS-approved motorbikes.
Yes. On a learner licence you can ride a LAMS-approved motorbike, as long as you follow the learner licence conditions, so make sure any bike you buy is on the LAMS list.
NZTA's application fees are $90.60 for a learner licence, $54.20 for a restricted licence and $47.40 for a full licence: $192.20 in total. Training providers charge separately for the basic handling skills test and any CBTA courses.
You need to hold your restricted licence for at least 18 months and be 18 or older, then pass a practical test. With a CBTA course, you can get your full licence from age 17½ once you've held your restricted licence for at least 12 months.
Partly. From 25 January 2027, eyesight checks will only be needed when you first apply for a licence and when you renew it, for cars and motorbikes. But the removal of the full licence test applies to car licences only, so motorbike riders still need to pass the full test or complete an approved course.
If you're on a learner or restricted licence, it needs to be LAMS-approved. Many beginners choose a standard or naked bike for its comfortable, upright riding position, and a used bike can be a cheaper way to start while you build experience.
Yes. Instant Finance offers motorbike loans from $500 to $50,000 over 3 months to 7 years, with personalised fixed rates from 9.95% to 29.95% p.a. We'll go through your budget with you
