New Zealand Motorbike Driving Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a primary requirement for a motorcycle to be on the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) list in New Zealand?
- The engine capacity must be exactly 250cc.
- It must have a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 150 kW per tonne. (Correct answer)
- The motorcycle must be brand new and unmodified.
- It must be manufactured after the year 2000.
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 2: A learner rider is considering buying a 400cc motorcycle from a private seller who claims it is 'LAMS-approved'. What is the most reliable way for the rider to verify this?
- If it is under 660cc, it is automatically approved.
- Ask the seller to provide the original purchase receipt.
- Check if the specific make and model is on the official NZTA LAMS-approved list. (Correct answer)
- Take the motorcycle for a test ride to gauge its power.
Correct answer: Check if the specific make and model is on the official NZTA LAMS-approved list.
For motorcycles with engine capacities between 251cc and 660cc, they are only LAMS-approved if they are explicitly named on the official list published by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). Relying on the seller's word or engine size alone is not sufficient.
Question 3: Under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS), what is the status of a motorcycle with a 200cc engine?
- It is always prohibited for learner riders.
- It must be on the specific LAMS-approved list to be ridden.
- It is automatically LAMS-approved unless it is on the specific LAMS-prohibited list. (Correct answer)
- It can only be ridden after being inspected by a mechanic.
Correct answer: It is automatically LAMS-approved unless it is on the specific LAMS-prohibited list.
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 250cc and under are generally considered LAMS-approved by default. However, there is a specific 'prohibited' list for certain high-performance small-capacity models that are excluded.
Question 4: A restricted licence holder purchases a LAMS-approved 650cc motorcycle. They decide to install a full aftermarket exhaust system and remap the ECU to increase its horsepower. What is the legal status of the motorcycle for this rider?
- The motorcycle remains LAMS-approved as long as the engine capacity is unchanged.
- The motorcycle is no longer LAMS-approved because the power-to-weight ratio has been increased. (Correct answer)
- The modifications are legal as long as they are certified by a mechanic.
- The motorcycle is only prohibited for learner riders, but still acceptable for restricted riders.
Correct answer: The motorcycle is no longer LAMS-approved because the power-to-weight ratio has been increased.
Any modification to a LAMS-approved motorcycle that increases its power-to-weight ratio makes it non-compliant for a learner or restricted licence holder. The rider is responsible for ensuring their bike remains compliant.
Question 5: Which of the following licence holders are required to ride a LAMS-compliant motorcycle?
- Learner licence holders only.
- Full licence holders who are under 25 years old.
- Both learner and restricted licence holders. (Correct answer)
- Only riders of motorcycles over 250cc.
Correct answer: Both learner and restricted licence holders.
The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) applies to all riders who hold either a learner or a restricted Class 6 motorcycle licence. Once a rider obtains their full licence, they are no longer restricted to LAMS-approved motorcycles.
Question 6: A rider on their learner licence is looking for a LAMS-approved motorcycle. They find a motorcycle manufactured in 1958 with a 600cc engine. Is this motorcycle LAMS-approved?
- No, because the engine capacity is over 250cc and it's not on the approved list.
- Yes, all motorcycles manufactured prior to 1960 with an engine capacity of 660cc or less are LAMS-approved. (Correct answer)
- No, any motorcycle over 500cc is automatically not LAMS-approved.
- Only if it has been certified as having a power-to-weight ratio of less than 150kW per tonne.
Correct answer: Yes, all motorcycles manufactured prior to 1960 with an engine capacity of 660cc or less are LAMS-approved.
NZTA rules specify that all motorcycles manufactured before 1960 with an engine capacity of 660cc and under are LAMS-approved, creating a special category for vintage bikes.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a primary requirement for a motorcycle to be on the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) list in New Zealand?