Riderskills Professional Motorcycle Training - Basic Handling Skills to Advanced Roadcraft for accomplished motorcyclists

Whats Involved	Pre-requisites	Pricing
Course Dates	Book Training and Test	Book Test Only

Basic Handling Skills

The basic handling skills course is the first step in your roadcraft and is designed to fit in with the graduated licensing system to enable the novice rider to develop their skills in a safe environment prior to undertaking the LTNZ Basic handling skills assessment. On successful completion of the assessment the rider is presented with a certificate that can be used as part of the process to gain a learner licence.

This training course is provided as a first step in motorcycling and is aimed at familiarising the rider with the techniques required to start, stop and control a motorcycle. Our experienced instructors will work with you to help you gain confidence with the bike and build on your achievements.

Instruction is given on the following:

Motorcycles and their Controls
Basic safety checks and the use of stands
Wheeling the motorcycle and braking to a stop
Starting and stopping the engine
Riding in a straight line and stopping
Riding slowly
Using the brakes
Changing gear
Riding curves
U-Turns

Course time approx. 2 1/4 hours including test (approx 20 mins)

All riders are welcome to use a bike from the well maintained RiderSkills fleet at no extra charge, or alternatively bring your own motorcycle and we can help you to become familiar with it.

For the more experienced riders amongst you, we can offer a test only session. Should you wish to take this option, please ensure that you have practised the exercises listed below and are proficient with them prior to attending the test.

RiderSkills offer two options:

Option	Cost
Basic Handling Skills Training and Test	$150
Basic Handling Skills Test Only (No training given)	$80

The basic handling skills test

Exercise	What it involves
Slow Riding	You must ride at walking speed through a lane measuring 0.75 metres wide and 18 metres long. It must take at least 10 seconds to complete the exercise and you must not ride outside the lane.
Routine Stop	You must ride at a speed of approximately 20km/h and stop so the motorcycle's front wheel comes to rest within a marked box. You must use both brakes and keep your feet up on the footrests until you have come to a stop.
Cone Weaving (slalom)	You must ride along a slalom course, weaving between cones placed 3.5 metres apart.
Quick Stop	You must ride at a speed of approximately 20km/h and stop as quickly and safely as possible. You must use both brakes and keep your feet up on the footrests until you have come to a stop.
Riding a curve	You must ride up to a curve from a distance of 25 metres at a speed of 20km/h. You must then give a turn signal, adjust your speed and ride around the curve (which is 2.5 metres wide) keeping within the lines all the way.
Stopping in the curve	You must ride up to a curve from a distance of 25 metres at a speed of 20km/h. You must then adjust your speed, enter the curve and come to a stop within the curve. You must use both brakes and keep your feet up on the footrests until you have come to a stop.

Once you have your Basic Handling Skills Certificate, you can then apply for your learner licence at a driver licensing agent.

Applying for a learner licence

You will need to:

fill out an application form at your local driver licensing agent you'll be asked if you want your licence to identify you as an organ donor
produce your full birth certificate, passport or other proof of your identity and age and another ID that shows your current address (for a full list of acceptable forms of ID refer to LTNZ Factsheet 20 - Acceptable ID for driver licensing or call 0800 822 422)
present your Basic Handling Skills Certificate
pay the appropriate fees for the learner licence test and the learner licence application
pass an eyesight screening check
have your photograph taken
provide a signature
pass a written theory test (a comprehensive 35-question written test based on your knowledge of the Road Code, requiring you to get at least 32 questions right to pass the test).

Once you pass the test, you will be given a temporary licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your learner licence in the mail. Your learner licence should arrive within 2-3 weeks.

Course Pre-Requisites

You must be at least 15 years old
You must provide identification and proof of age. See this link for acceptable forms of ID
You must wear suitable clothing to minimise risk of injury and protect you from adverse weather conditions. In particular, footwear should be fully enclosed. Shorts or skirts are not acceptable on the course. Helmets will be provided.