New Zealand Motorcycle Learner Licence Theory Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: When riding on New Zealand's loose-surface rural roads, how should you adjust your steering inputs?

Use sharp, decisive inputs to maintain control
Use slow, smooth, minimal steering inputs (Correct answer)
Lean the bike aggressively into corners as normal
Use only the front brake for directional control

Correct answer: Use slow, smooth, minimal steering inputs

Smooth and gradual inputs avoid unsettling the tyres on low-grip gravel or dirt surfaces where traction is unpredictable.

Question 2: An ambulance with flashing lights is approaching from behind on a two-lane road. Where should you move?

Into the oncoming lane
Onto the footpath
To the centre line
To the left side of the road and stop if safe (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To the left side of the road and stop if safe

NZ rules require you to move left and stop if necessary to let emergency vehicles pass.

Question 3: During your pre-ride check, you notice the drive chain has excessive slack, hanging down much more than usual. What is the most significant and immediate risk this poses?

It will cause the engine to consume more fuel.
The motorcycle will make a loud rattling noise while riding.
The chain could come off the sprockets, locking the rear wheel. (Correct answer)
It will cause the tyres to wear out unevenly.

Correct answer: The chain could come off the sprockets, locking the rear wheel.

An excessively loose chain is at high risk of derailing from the sprockets. If this happens while riding, it can jam between the engine and the frame or wrap around the front sprocket, causing the rear wheel to lock up suddenly and leading to a complete loss of control.

Question 4: What should a rider check on their gloves before a long ride in cold weather?

That the gloves are at least 10 years old for break-in comfort
That the gloves are insulated, windproof, and allow full dexterity on the controls (Correct answer)
That the gloves have no padding to allow better feel
That the gloves are a fashionable colour

Correct answer: That the gloves are insulated, windproof, and allow full dexterity on the controls

Cold-weather gloves must keep hands warm and dry while still allowing the rider to operate brakes, throttle, and clutch with full control.

Question 5: While riding, you approach a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a picture of a bicycle on it. What does this sign indicate?

A compulsory cycle lane that motorcycles must use.
A warning that cyclists may be on the road ahead. (Correct answer)
A designated parking area for bicycles and motorcycles.
An area where motorcycles are prohibited.

Correct answer: A warning that cyclists may be on the road ahead.

In New Zealand, yellow diamond-shaped signs are warning signs. This specific sign warns motorists, including motorcyclists, to be aware of the potential presence of cyclists on the road ahead.

Question 6: What does 'threshold braking' mean in a motorcycle emergency stop?

Applying maximum brake force just below the point of wheel lock-up (Correct answer)
Using the rear brake exclusively
Braking only up to the threshold of comfort
Releasing the brake just before stopping

Correct answer: Applying maximum brake force just below the point of wheel lock-up

Threshold braking achieves the shortest stopping distance by maximising deceleration without locking the wheels.

Question 7: What is the minimum age to apply for a New Zealand motorcycle learner licence?

16 years (Correct answer)
17 years
18 years
15 years

Correct answer: 16 years

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a motorcycle learner licence in New Zealand.

Question 8: On a cold New Zealand morning, which road surface area is most likely to be icy and should be avoided?

The raised centre crown of the road
The middle of a busy road
Freshly painted road markings
Shaded areas under trees or bridges (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Shaded areas under trees or bridges

Shaded areas under trees and bridges freeze first and thaw last because sunlight cannot reach them to melt ice.

Question 9: A rider is wearing sturdy boots that cover the ankles, a full-face helmet, and a leather jacket with armour. Which essential piece of PPE is missing for the best possible protection?

A passenger backrest.
A tinted visor for sun glare.
A high-visibility vest.
Protective gloves and abrasion-resistant pants. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Protective gloves and abrasion-resistant pants.

While the rider is well-protected, full protection involves covering the entire body. Protective gloves are vital for hand protection and grip, and abrasion-resistant pants are necessary to protect the legs. A full set of gear includes a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, and boots.

Question 10: During a long straight on a rural highway, you feel fatigued while riding. What is the safest action?

Turn on your radio to stay stimulated
Open your visor to let cold air in and continue riding
Pull over safely and take a rest break (Correct answer)
Increase speed to reach your destination sooner

Correct answer: Pull over safely and take a rest break

Fatigue severely impairs reaction time and judgment; pulling over and resting is the only safe solution.

Question 11: What does the 'SMIDSY' acronym describe in motorcycle safety contexts?

A type of hazard perception training exercise
A speed measurement technique
A licence endorsement test module
'Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You' — a common driver excuse after a crash with a motorcyclist (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You' — a common driver excuse after a crash with a motorcyclist

SMIDSY describes the frequent failure of drivers to notice motorcyclists, emphasising the need for riders to make themselves conspicuous.

Question 12: You are riding through an intersection when the traffic light turns amber. Under New Zealand road rules, what should you generally do?

Continue at the same speed as amber means caution only
Sound your horn and proceed slowly
Stop before the stop line if it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
Speed up to clear the intersection before the light turns red

Correct answer: Stop before the stop line if it is safe to do so

An amber light means stop if you can do so safely — accelerating through is dangerous and can result in a collision with crossing traffic.

Question 13: When riding in heavy rain in New Zealand, which tyre area provides the best grip on a wet road?

The tyre sidewalls
The outer edges of the tyre (Correct answer)
All areas equally
The centre of the tyre

Correct answer: The outer edges of the tyre

In wet conditions, the outer edges of the tyre retain better grip because the centre grooves channel water away, so leaning slightly helps maintain contact.

Question 14: Strong side-winds are most dangerous for a motorcyclist when:

Braking gently on a straight road
Riding through a tunnel
Emerging from behind a large truck or building (Correct answer)
Climbing a steep hill

Correct answer: Emerging from behind a large truck or building

When the shelter of a truck or building suddenly ends, a strong gust can push the bike sideways unexpectedly, requiring immediate counter-steering adjustment.

Question 15: 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) (Correct answer)
That you always start a ride with the reserve tap open
That the fuel tap is in the off position for safety
That the fuel tank cap is left slightly loose to prevent vacuum lock

Correct answer: That you have sufficient fuel and the fuel tap is set to the correct position (on/reserve)

Before riding, confirm you have enough fuel for your planned journey and the fuel tap is set to 'on' (or 'reserve' only if 'on' is depleted).

Question 16: What is the purpose of 'trail braking' in advanced motorcycle riding?

Carrying some brake pressure into the corner entry to control speed and aid turning (Correct answer)
Trailing the foot brake lever while counter-steering
Using only engine braking through bends
Dragging the rear brake for long distances to slow gradually

Correct answer: Carrying some brake pressure into the corner entry to control speed and aid turning

Trail braking involves gradually releasing the front brake as you lean into a corner, helping control entry speed and steering precision.

Question 17: A motorcyclist wants to turn right from a two-lane road. Where should they position their bike before turning?

In the right lane or as close to the centre line as safely possible (Correct answer)
In the left lane close to the kerb
In the centre of the road regardless of lane markings
On the left shoulder to allow traffic to pass

Correct answer: In the right lane or as close to the centre line as safely possible

Before turning right, position your motorbike in the right-hand lane or close to the centre line to signal your intention clearly and make the turn safely.

Question 18: Which of the following is a primary requirement for a motorcycle to be on the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) list in New Zealand?

It must be manufactured after the year 2000.
The engine capacity must be exactly 250cc.
The motorcycle must be brand new and unmodified.
It must have a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 150 kW per tonne. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It must have a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 150 kW per tonne.

The core principle of the LAMS is to ensure motorcycles are appropriate for novice riders by limiting their performance. This is achieved by setting a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 150 kW per tonne, along with an upper engine capacity limit of 660cc.

Question 19: What is the effect of excessive speed when entering a corner?

Ground clearance improves
The rider may run wide and leave the lane or road (Correct answer)
Engine braking increases automatically
The bike steers more precisely

Correct answer: The rider may run wide and leave the lane or road

Entering a corner too fast reduces the rider's ability to maintain their intended line, often causing the bike to run wide.

Question 20: When packing luggage into motorcycle panniers, what is the most important principle to follow?

Load the rear pannier heavier than the front
Place all heavy items on one side for easy access
Distribute weight as evenly as possible on both sides (Correct answer)
Fill the right pannier first to balance the exhaust weight

Correct answer: Distribute weight as evenly as possible on both sides

Even weight distribution between both panniers keeps the motorcycle balanced and prevents handling problems.

Question 21: How does a back protector benefit a motorcycle rider?

It is required by law in New Zealand
It provides warmth in cold weather
It absorbs and distributes impact energy to the spine during a crash (Correct answer)
It improves riding posture on long trips

Correct answer: It absorbs and distributes impact energy to the spine during a crash

A back protector absorbs and spreads impact forces, reducing the risk of spinal injury in a crash.

Question 22: After parking on a slope, what is the primary reason for leaving the motorbike in gear?

To help prevent the bike from rolling if the stand slips (Correct answer)
To lock the ignition barrel
To prevent the battery from draining
To make the engine easier to start later

Correct answer: To help prevent the bike from rolling if the stand slips

Leaving the bike in first gear adds engine compression resistance, helping to prevent unintended rolling.

Question 23: You are riding downhill on a steep New Zealand road and your front brake feels spongy. What does this likely indicate?

The tyre pressure is too high
Air in the brake fluid or overheated brake fluid causing brake fade (Correct answer)
The front suspension is compressed from the downhill angle
The brake pads are brand new and need bedding in

Correct answer: Air in the brake fluid or overheated brake fluid causing brake fade

A spongy brake lever usually indicates air in the hydraulic line or overheated (vapourised) brake fluid, both of which severely reduce braking effectiveness.

Question 24: You are riding at night and a vehicle approaches with high-beam headlights. What should you do?

Also switch to high beam to warn the other driver
Slow down, look toward the left edge of the road, and avoid looking directly at the lights (Correct answer)
Accelerate to pass the vehicle quickly
Stop and wait for the vehicle to pass

Correct answer: Slow down, look toward the left edge of the road, and avoid looking directly at the lights

Looking toward the road's left edge prevents temporary blindness and allows you to track the road while the oncoming lights pass.

Question 25: Under the New Zealand Approved Motorcycle Scheme (AMS), what must a learner rider complete before riding on public roads?

A Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) course with a licensed trainer (Correct answer)
A 6-month supervised period with a full licence holder
A medical fitness examination at a hospital
A written theory test only

Correct answer: A Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) course with a licensed trainer

Learner riders must complete a CBTA course with a licensed AMS trainer before riding on public roads.

Question 26: How many questions are on the New Zealand learner theory test, and how many must be answered correctly to pass?

30 questions, 25 correct
35 questions, 32 correct (Correct answer)
50 questions, 45 correct
40 questions, 35 correct

Correct answer: 35 questions, 32 correct

The learner theory test has 35 questions and you need at least 32 correct to pass.

Question 27: How does carrying a pillion passenger affect motorcycle handling?

Tyre grip increases due to added weight
Braking distances increase and suspension compresses, altering geometry (Correct answer)
Engine braking becomes more effective
The bike steers more sharply due to less weight on the front wheel

Correct answer: Braking distances increase and suspension compresses, altering geometry

Extra weight from a pillion compresses the rear suspension, shifts the bike's balance, and significantly increases stopping distances.

Question 28: It has just started raining after a long dry spell, making the road surface greasy. What is the primary and most immediate hazard in this situation?

Oil, dust, and grime on the road mixing with the water to create an exceptionally slippery film. (Correct answer)
Your visor will fog up instantly, obscuring your vision.
The risk of aquaplaning is at its highest.
Water getting into the engine's air intake.

Correct answer: Oil, dust, and grime on the road mixing with the water to create an exceptionally slippery film.

The first 15-30 minutes of rain after a dry period are often the most dangerous. This is because the rainwater mixes with the accumulated oil, rubber dust, and dirt on the road surface, creating a slick, greasy film that dramatically reduces tyre grip. After a while, the rain will wash this film away, and traction will slightly improve, although it will still be less than in the dry.

Question 29: What is 'countersteering' used for when riding at speeds above about 20 km/h?

Correcting a tank slapper wobble
Straightening the bike after a corner
Activating engine braking
Initiating turns by briefly pushing on the inside handlebar (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Initiating turns by briefly pushing on the inside handlebar

Pushing forward on the inside handlebar causes the bike to lean and steer in that direction, which is the most effective way to initiate turns at higher speeds.

Question 30: When riding at night in New Zealand, you notice an oncoming vehicle with very bright headlights. What should you do?

Stop at the side of the road until the vehicle passes
Look toward the left edge of your lane and use it as a guide (Correct answer)
Stare directly at the headlights to judge the vehicle's position
Flash your headlights repeatedly to signal the driver to dim them

Correct answer: Look toward the left edge of your lane and use it as a guide

Looking toward the left edge of the road prevents temporary blindness from glare while still allowing you to maintain your lane position.

Question 31: What is the safest way to check if your chain tension is correct?

Measure the amount of slack at the midpoint of the chain's lower run (Correct answer)
Ensure the chain is completely taut with no slack
Spin the rear wheel and listen for rattling
Check that the chain does not move side to side at all

Correct answer: Measure the amount of slack at the midpoint of the chain's lower run

Chain slack should be measured at the midpoint of the lower run, and the correct amount is specified in your owner's manual — typically 25–35mm for most bikes.

Question 32: Which type of jacket material offers the best abrasion resistance for motorcycle riders?

Nylon windbreaker
Leather or armoured textile (Correct answer)
Cotton denim
Polyester fleece

Correct answer: Leather or armoured textile

Leather and CE-rated armoured textile jackets provide the highest abrasion resistance and impact protection for motorcyclists.

Question 33: You are riding in heavy rain and your visor is fogging up from inside. What is the safest immediate action?

Open the visor slightly or use an anti-fog insert to clear vision (Correct answer)
Remove your helmet to wipe the visor and continue riding
Stop riding immediately until the fog clears on its own
Increase speed to generate heat inside the helmet

Correct answer: Open the visor slightly or use an anti-fog insert to clear vision

Opening the visor slightly increases airflow and reduces interior fog, or using an anti-fog insert prevents fogging altogether.

Question 34: Why is it particularly important to check bungee cords and straps securing a load at regular intervals on a long journey?

Straps and cords expand with heat and may loosen over time
Load weight decreases on long trips, requiring strap readjustment
Regulations require inspection every 30 minutes
Vibration and wind can gradually loosen securing equipment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vibration and wind can gradually loosen securing equipment

Continuous road vibration and wind forces can work straps and bungee cords loose over distance, so periodic checks are essential to keep the load secure.

Question 35: How does carrying a pillion passenger typically affect a motorcycle's braking distance?

It increases braking distance due to greater combined weight (Correct answer)
It only affects braking on wet roads
It decreases braking distance due to added traction
It has no effect on braking distance

Correct answer: It increases braking distance due to greater combined weight

Greater combined weight increases momentum, meaning the motorcycle requires more distance to come to a complete stop.

New Zealand Motorcycle Learner Licence Theory Test

The NZTA Class 6 motorcycle learner licence theory test assesses knowledge of road rules, safe riding practices, and motorcycle-specific road code required to obtain a learner motorcycle licence in New Zealand.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

91%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

nzta.govt.nz — Fees, time limit, eligibility, score validity, exam format, passing score, retake policy, test delivery · verified Oct 2026