The New Zealand driver licensing system makes sure that everyone driving or riding on our roads has the skills and knowledge needed to be a safe road user. The safer drivers and riders are, the safer our roads will be.
A licence to drive or ride a motor vehicle is only given to people who pass the driver licence tests and show understanding of the rights and safety of others.
Photo driver licences help identify drivers. The police can check that people on learner and restricted licences are following the conditions of their licence and they also help catch unlicensed and disqualified drivers.
Important!You must always have your driver licence with you when riding. You must by law show your driver licence to an enforcement officer when asked. |
The front of your licence has your photo and other personal details.
The back of your licence shows the vehicles you’re allowed to drive and any conditions that may apply
If your licence is issued with conditions on it, you must follow them when you ride, otherwise you could get a ticket, demerit points and a fine.
Common conditions include always wearing correcting lenses, such as glasses, when driving, only driving automatic vehicles, or only driving specially adapted vehicles. A condition can apply to all or some of the classes and endorsements you hold.
Note: learner and restricted licence conditions aren’t on your licence.
There are 6 classes of driver licence in Aotearoa New Zealand. Each class covers different types and weights of vehicle because the skills you need to ride a motorcycle are different from the skills you need to drive a car or heavy vehicle.
To ride a motorcycle you’ll need a class 6 licence.
New Zealand driver licence classes: what you can drive
Note:You can ride a moped on a class 1 licence but not a motorcycle. |
Class 6 learner or restricted licence holders can ride:
Class 6 full licence holders can also ride:
Learner approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS)LAMS-approved means a motorcycle approved as part of the learner approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS). |
Class 1 covers cars and other light vehicles.
Classes 2 to 5 cover trucks and other heavy vehicles.
