New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. On a New Zealand rural road, you notice the road surface changes from asphalt to unsealed gravel. What should you do? → Reduce speed before the surface change and ride smoothly
2. What effect does under-inflated rear tyre pressure have on motorcycle handling? → Makes the bike feel sluggish and increases the risk of tyre failure
3. What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black curve symbol indicate for motorcyclists? → Sharp curve ahead
4. Are you allowed to text (read, write or send an SMS) while driving? → No
5. How does extra combined weight affect a motorcycle's ability to handle emergency evasive manoeuvres? → It makes the bike harder to manoeuvre quickly due to increased inertia
6. After riding through prolonged heavy rain in New Zealand, which mechanical check is most important before your next journey? → Inspect the chain lubrication and brake effectiveness
7. What do you call the area of road you drive on? → Lane
8. In New Zealand, is a U-turn permitted at an intersection where there is a NO U-TURN sign? → No, it is prohibited by the sign
9. Strong side-winds are most dangerous for a motorcyclist when: → Emerging from behind a large truck or building
10. What should you check about your fuel supply before starting a ride? → That you have sufficient fuel and the fuel tap is set to the correct position (on/reserve)
11. What is the greatest danger motorcyclists face at intersections according to NZ road safety research? → Other drivers failing to see them
12. What does a flashing red traffic light mean for a motorcyclist in New Zealand? → Treat as a stop sign — stop and go only when safe
13. A broken yellow line painted close to the edge of the road means you may stop or park your vehicle there at any time. → False
14. What does a worn tyre tread wear indicator bar flush with the surrounding tread surface mean? → The tyre has reached the minimum legal tread depth and must be replaced
15. How does a back protector benefit a motorcycle rider? → It absorbs and distributes impact energy to the spine during a crash
16. At an uncontrolled intersection in New Zealand (no signs or signals), who has the right of way? → The vehicle on your right
17. A vehicle pulls out from a driveway as you approach at 60 km/h. Which combination is most effective? → Apply progressive braking while covering the horn, be ready to swerve if needed
18. In New Zealand, if you feel your motorcycle becoming difficult to control due to strong wind gusts, what is the safest action? → Reduce speed, increase following distance, and maintain a firm but relaxed grip
19. What does a circular red sign with a white horizontal bar across the middle mean in New Zealand? → No entry for all vehicles
20. If a new rider on a restricted licence in New Zealand wishes to carry a pillion passenger, what must they do first? → Hold a full motorcycle licence — restricted licence holders cannot carry passengers
21. Which clothing characteristic is most critical for a New Zealand motorcyclist riding in cold and wet conditions? → Waterproof outer layer with thermal insulation
22. Which of the following loads is NOT acceptable to carry on a New Zealand motorcycle? → A load that obscures the rear number plate
23. What is the safest way to ride through a long sweeping bend? → Accelerate progressively from a safe entry speed as you straighten
24. When inspecting your motorcycle's sprockets as part of a pre-ride check, what is a sign of dangerous wear? → Hooked, shark-fin shaped, or missing teeth on the sprocket
25. You are approaching a curve in fog at night in New Zealand. What is the safest technique? → Slow down before the curve and use low beams
26. What is the safest approach when overtaking a vehicle on a New Zealand road on a motorcycle? → Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, accelerate firmly, and complete the pass swiftly
27. If anybody is hurt in a crash, the driver must tell a police officer as soon as possible but within how many hours? → Within 24 hours
28. Two vehicles approach an intersection from opposite directions — one going straight, one turning right. Who gives way in New Zealand? → The vehicle turning right gives way
29. What communication method should a rider agree on with their passenger BEFORE setting off? → A simple tap or squeeze signal system
30. A rider is considering using a second-hand helmet from an online marketplace. What is the main risk? → It may have hidden internal damage from a previous crash