What is involved in a basic handling skills test, resources to help you pass one, and where to go to sit a test.

Before applying for a motorcycle learner licence you must pass a basic handling skills test. This test ensures that you have the necessary skills to ride safely on the road once you obtain your learner licence.

Four stages in the test

The basic handling skills test consists of four stages:

  • basic turn and stop
  • figure of eight and park
  • linking figures of eight
  • increased speed and emergency stop

Each stage has various tasks

Each stage is broken down into varying combinations of the following tasks:

  • move off
  • straight ride
  • corner
  • stop
  • park

Each task has assessment items

In completing the tasks above you will be assessed against the relevant assessment items below:

  • looking in the correct direction
  • signalling correctly
  • making head checks before changing position
  • lateral position of motorcycle
  • control of motorcycle
  • using appropriate speed
  • parking observation
  • parking movement.

Talk to your test provider about your training

It is recommended that you discuss with your selected provider any training and practice you may have undertaken. This will help you to determine if you are ready to sit the test, or if you require additional training and practice (your provider will be able to help you with this).

More information about the skills required for a basic handling skills test

Test criteria

Watch detailed information about the test in animated format:

Download the basic handling skills test in written format [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Download Factsheet 28: Learning to ride – getting your motorcycle licence [PDF, 301 KB]

Many basic handling skills providers also offer other safe riding courses. 

Motorcycle basic handling skills providers

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Motorcycle basic handling skills providers / Waikato

Callan Ries
Passmasters Riding Training

Waikato

| Phone: 09 947 9409 | Mobile: 021 047 8426
Email: info@passmasters.nz
Website: www.passmasters.nz

Chris Smith

Waikato & Auckland

| Phone: 09 947 9409 | Mobile: 021 023 66503
Email: chris@passmasters.nz

Colin Manion
King Country Driver Training

43 Bell Road
Manunui
Taumarunui 3994

| Phone: 07 896 6607 | Mobile: 027 295 9704
Email: c.manion@xtra.co.nz

Conrad Fourie

8 Walter Rodgers Road
Pokeno

| Mobile: 022 495 5403
Email: conrad.fourie72@gmail.com

Denise Harris

Whitianga

| Mobile: 021 177 6494

Denise Harris, Scott Harris
Choice Driver Training

Whitianga

| Mobile: 021 177 6494
Email: denscott@hotmail.co.uk
Website: choicedrivertraining.co.nz
Alternative phone 021 150 4439

Dugal Matheson
DM Rider Training Ltd

Waikato/Bay of Plenty/Auckland

| Mobile: 021 284 2224
Email: dmridertraining@outlook.com

Ian Davison

Pukekohe

| Mobile: 021 916 653
Email: ian.a.davison@gmail.com

Joshua Norquay
PassMasters/Biker Buddy

Hamilton/Waikato

| Mobile: 021 184 3979
Email: bikerbuddy.josh@gmail.com
Website: www.bikerbuddy.co.nz

Malcolm Outterside

Whitianga/Thames

| Mobile: 027 2870024
Email: eastcoast.automotive@xtra.co.nz

Mark Revill-Johnson
Revs Motorcycle Training Centre

Paeroa

| Freephone: 0800 687 387
Email: bookings@revs.co.nz
Website: www.revs.co.nz

Oscar Ketchlove

Waikato

Email: oscar@rideacademy.co.nz
Website: www.rideacademy.co.nz

Phillip Powell
Drivetime

15 Noble Street
Waiuku

| Mobile: 022 653 2701
Email: phillip@drivetime.co.nz
Website: www.drivetime.co.nz
Auckland/Northland/Hamilton

Pro Rider
David Bishara

Taupo

| Mobile: 027 2624717
Email: office@prorider.co.nz
Website: www.prorider.co.nz

Pro Rider
Howard Mansell

Hamilton

| Mobile: 027 2624717
Email: office@prorider.co.nz
Website: www.prorider.co.nz

Pro Rider
Jared Greenwood

Hamilton/Waikato/Auckland

| Mobile: 027 2624717
Email: office@prorider.co.nz
Website: www/prorider.co.nz

Pro Rider
Karel Pavich

Hamilton

| Mobile: 027 2624717
Email: office@prorider.co.nz
Website: www.prorider.co.nz

Pro Rider
Keith Fletcher

Waikato

| Mobile: 027 262 4717
Email: office@prorider.co.nz
Website: www.prorider.co.nz

Pro Rider
Kevin Kinghan

Waikato

| Mobile: 027 2624717
Email: office@prorider.co.nz
Website: www.prorider.co.nz

Pro Rider
Scott Miller

Waikato

| Mobile: 027 2624717
Email: office@prorider.co.nz
Website: www.prorider.co.nz

Steven Gane

Te Awamutu

| Mobile: 027 412 5000

Wayne Holden
Holden Driver Training

Waikato

| Freephone: 0800 855 7521 | Mobile: 027 444 5816
Email: holdendrivertraining@hotmail.com
Website: www.holdendrivertraining.co.nz