Restricted Motorcycle Licence - Changes From October 1st

There are a number of changes to the driver licencing system coming into effect on the 1st of October 2012. While some of these have been clearly communicated to the public some have not. There are 2 key changes that will impact novice motorcycle riders they are:

LAMS approved bikes for learner's and restricted licence holders

This is the most effectively communicated change to the licencing scheme. Instead of relying on a cc restriction motorcyclists will now be restricted to bikes with a power-to-weight ratio of less than 150kw per tonne. If the bike is over 250cc it must be LAMS approved and unmodified. If the bike is under 250cc it must not be one of the bikes on the LAMS banned bikes list.

Changes to the Learner licence process

Currently a learner licence can be obtained by sitting a very simple Basic Handling Skills course and passing a theory test at a licencing agent. From the 1st of October the Basic Handling Skills course will include additional elements such as a hazard perception component and the theory test will include more motorcycle specific questions.

Changes to the Restricted licence phase

This is the change that people are least aware of.  Until now riders who were over 25 years old only had to spend 6 months on their restricted licence. After the first of October this will no longer be the case. All riders will have to spend 18 months on their restricted licence. While this can be reduced through competency based training assessments no specific details are currently supplied.

While many will view this change as unfair it is an understandable move when you look at the crash statistics. In order to justify keeping the age split there would need to be a similar split in the crash statisitics (with young people being injured more often). This does not appear to be borne out by the statistics. Instead the greatest number of deaths are now in the 40+ age bracket. While there are a number of potential issues with these stats (discussed in an upcoming post) if you want to focus on reducing the absolute number of road deaths this seems to be an acceptable approach.

Progressing through the licence stages

Progression from a learner licence to a full licence will also move towards CBTA rather than licence tests. While tests will remain as an available option it is unclear how long both avenues will remain open.

Presentation of a stage one CBTA certificate by a learner licence holder applying for a restricted licence will:

• waive the need to complete the learner licence six month minimum time period

• waive the need to sit and pass a practical test at the agent

• waive the need to pay the restricted practical test fee.

Presentation of a stage two CBTA certificate by a restricted licence holder applying for a full licence will:

• reduce the minimum age from 18 years to 17 ½ years

• reduce the restricted licence minimum time period from 18 to 12 months

• waive the need to sit and pass a practical test at the agent

• waive the need to pay the full practical test fee.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/driver-licensing-amendment-2011-qa.html
http://nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/cbta.html
http://nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/time.html

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/152693-18-months-on-your-Restricted-no-matter-your-age-and-Basic-handling-on-November-1st/page2