Basic Handling Skills & getting your Motorcycle Licence

Before applying for your motorcycle Learner licence you must pass a Basic Handling Skills (BHS) test. This test ensures that you have the necessary skills to start riding safely on the road once you get your Learner licence.

You can find more detailed information about the BHS test on Waka Kotahi’s website.

Once you’ve passed your BHS test, you’ll be given a certificate that allows you to apply for your motorcycle Learner licence, you’ll need to sit your theory test through a licensing agent e.g. AA / VTNZ.

After 6 months on your Learner licence, you can apply for your Restricted licence.  You can reduce this time by passing a CBTA Assessment (CBTA-6R) if you’re over 16.5 years old.

After 18 months on your Restricted licence, you can apply for your Full licence. You can reduce this time to 12 months by passing a CBTA Assessment (CBTA-6F).

Options Available

All training is done 1-on-1. When looking at training options, be honest about your level of skill and how quickly you learn. Some people pick things up quickly, others take longer. If you think you’d prefer a longer session or would need to split your training into multiple sessions then get in touch to discuss options.

$250 Package

No Experience / Limited Experience (BHS)

Brand new rider - No previous experience or limited exposure to motorcycles or for those in the “some experience” category that just want a bit extra time.

Includes up to 2 hours training and 30 mins for admin and BHS test.

Note - you must at least be able to confidently ride a bicycle.

 

$100 BHS Test Only

BHS Test Only

For re-sits or for those who are confident in passing first time e.g. if you’ve practiced the test criteria at home or elsewhere on a road-legal motorcycle. Not recommended unless you’ve done proper training beforehand.

Includes up to 30 mins for admin and the BHS test (allows ~5mins to get familiar with the test bike.)

$150 Package

Some Experience (BHS)

For those with reasonable experience riding motorcycles with a manual transmission e.g. dirt bikes. Or for those with reasonable on-road experience with a scooter. You’re expected to already be able to ride reasonably well in low speed conditions and have good throttle, clutch (dirt bikers) and brake control.

Includes up to 1 hour training and 30 mins for admin and BHS test.

 

$100/hr Training

Personalised Training

For those wanting to add some extra time to their BHS training or those wanting a BHS-style refresher session/practice e.g. if you’ve waited a month or so from doing your BHS to getting your own bike and want to go over a few things before getting on the road on your own.

The Basic Handling Skills test is a TEST. You can fail it and there’s no guarantee of a pass. I’ll do everything I can to make sure that you’re prepared and skilled enough to pass, but if you don’t, it’s not the end of the world.

Things to know / FAQ’s

How to book and pay

Use the Contact form to get in touch. I’ll get back to you to discuss dates, times and location.

When we’ve confirmed a date/time, you’ll get an email with bank account / payment details. Once your payment is received your time slot will be booked. Cash isn’t accepted on the day.

Please note, BHS training and testing is done on Sundays behind Office Products Depot in Onekawa, Napier.

Learner motorcycle for Basic Handling Skills test - Yamaha YS125

What’s provided for the BHS training

The motorcycle - a sweet little Yamaha YS125! Also a helmet, gloves and a hi-vis vest. Various helmet sizes are available but if you’ve got a massive noggin then let me know beforehand so I can make sure I’ve got one to fit. You can bring your own gloves or motorcycle helmet if you’ve got them.

All BHS training is done 1-on-1 in Onekawa, Napier.

What you’ll need to bring for BHS training

  • Identification - Photo ID such as a Driver’s Licence, Passport, School Photo ID or 18+ / Kiwi Access card.

  • Long sleeve jacket.

  • Sturdy, closed toed shoes (no jandals, crocs etc.)

  • Long pants e.g. jeans (no shorts, skirts or dresses.)

  • Waterproof clothing if it’s raining on the day.

Please note - if you turn up in inappropriate clothing (e.g. shorts / jandals) you’ll be charged for the time slot but won’t be allowed to train or be tested. This is both a Waka Kotahi requirement for testing and a focus on your safety.

What’s involved in the BHS training?

Basic Handling Skills training is all about new riders taking their first step in motorcycling. It’s aimed at getting you familiar with motorcycle basics like the controls and how to use them, as well as how to ride the motorcycle safely before practicing on the actual Basic Handling Skills test area.

Some of the things covered:

  • Motorcycle controls (clutch, gears, throttle, brakes, indicators, side stand, ignition etc.)

  • Basic safety checks.

  • Accelerating, riding in a straight line and stopping.

  • Riding curves - from a stop, while moving, left/right and figures of eight.

  • Head checks and blind spots.

  • Use of clutch and gears.

Timing and cancellations

Please be on time. Your time slot will be agreed to during your booking. If you arrive late then you’ll have less time for your training/testing and there may not be enough time to complete it all.

If you can’t attend a booked session - let me know 48 hours in advance to reschedule. No refunds/rescheduling to riders who do not show on the day as it’s too late to get someone to take your spot.

What if you fail the BHS test or aren’t ready to do it after the training time?

It’s not the end of the world. Everyone is different and everyone learns at different speeds. If you fail the test you’ll get feedback on what went wrong and we can work on that with you in a future session. After your training if you’re not ready for the test then I’ll tell you, and your remaining time will be used to continue your training. We’ll look to tee up another time with you for further training/testing.

What if it’s raining?

If it’s raining then bring wet weather gear! Sessions take place rain or shine. However, if it’s extreme conditions where safety may be an issue you’ll be contacted to advise and look to reschedule.

Anything else?

Have fun! You’re going to be learning something new, so get excited.

If you’ve got any other questions then get in touch.