For the 2017 to 2019 levy period, we’ve received your feedback on: We're only proposing a decrease for non-petrol motorcycles to balance the proposed decrease in petrol levy. This means both petrol and non-petrol motorcyclists will benefit from lower levies in some way. Your motorcycle levy is part of the Motor Vehicle levy and helps cover the cost of accidents on public roads involving motorcycles. You pay for your levies the same way as other motor vehicle owners, through: For non-petrol vehicles, eg diesel, your whole levy is paid through your rego. The licensing (rego) fee for motorcycles also includes a $25 Motorcycle Safety levy. This funds motorcycle road safety initiatives. Keeping motorcyclists safe on our roads The levies you pay aren’t based on who’s at fault in an accident. No-fault means that no matter what you were doing or whether your actions or someone else’s caused the injury – you’ll be covered by ACC. In 2010/2011 we looked at the number of claims, severity of injuries and the cost of treatment and ongoing support for motorcyclists involved in accidents.

We then changed the motorcycle levy to help reflect this data and the relative risk of injuries involving motorcycles compared to injuries involving other vehicles. Levies are now spread more fairly across all vehicle owners, but motorcycle accidents are still largely subsidised by other motorists. The amount of motorcycle levies we collect doesn’t cover the full cost of motorcycle injuries – including those that need lifelong support. Based on past data, we estimate it will cost $131 million to cover these injuries for 2017 to 2018. shark raw motorcycle helmet reviewMotorcycle levies cover $28 million of this cost, less than 22%, and the other $103 million is covered by other motorists.motorcycle clothing shops poole If motorcyclists paid the entire cost to cover their injuries, the motorcycle levy part of your rego – excluding the motorcycle safety levy – would look something like this:motorcycle helmets central coast nsw

Levy based on actual cost of claims Motorcycles 600cc or less Instead of charging motorcyclists such a high cost, we’re proposing to keep the levy the same. This means we can continue to collect the same amount in levies without asking other vehicle owners or motorcyclists to pay more. Motorcycling brings a higher level of risk per kilometre travelled compared with other modes of transport. The cost of motorcycle accidents is extremely high because of the severity of most injuries:splendid motorcycle jacket Data from past claims shows a strong link between the engine size of a motorcycle and the cost of injury. metal mulisha motorcycle helmetsThis is why we levy motorcycles by engine size.motorcycle gel pad insert

The percentage of costs to cover injuries (relative to a car) are much higher the larger and more powerful the engine. Estimated claims cost relative to cars for 2017 to 2019 We know the motorcycle fleet has changed a lot over the past few years. We get lots of feedback on safety and how levies could better reflect this – so we’re keen to revisit these conversations and hear about any other ideas you might have. Many people asked about the data we collect and how we use it to set levies. motorcycle swap meet columbus ohioWe currently only use ACC data to set levies, but we’re working with Police and the Transport Agency to combine our data to make one source of truth. This will help us build a complete picture of motorcycle accidents and will be available to the public – you’ll be able to access the data for your own analysis or as a tool for safety initiatives.

These changes take into account our proposals to decrease the petrol levy and to keep the Motorcycle Safety levy (paid as part of your rego) at $25. This means both petrol and non-petrol motorcyclists will benefit from lower levies in some way for the 2017 to 2019 levy period. Lower levies at the petrol pump We’re proposing to keep the amount paid through your rego the same for petrol-driven motorcycles. Excluding the motorcycle safety levy. As we’re also proposing to decrease the petrol levy, we want to balance this for non-petrol driven motorcycles by decreasing the amount they pay through their rego. Proposed levy for 2017 to 2019 Lower levies at the petrol pumpKeeping motorcyclists safe on our roadsYou have to get your learner licence before turning a wheel on the road, and the minimum age is 16. Before you apply for your learner licence you have to pass a Basic Handling Skills (BHS) test. There’s a list of places where you can book to train and take your BHS test on the NZTA website.

Pass your BHS and you apply for a learner licence by taking a theory test. With your BHS and theory test passed you’ll get a learner licence, entitling you ride a machine that fits the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS). There are various restrictions on what you can do as a learner licence holder. You have to display ‘L’ Plates, you cannot take a pillion, you can only ride between 5 am and 10 pm and you can’t tow another vehicle. For more information visit NZTA. Okay, so you’re 16½ (or more) and have held your learner licence for at least 6 months. You can now take a practical test to get a restricted licence, which will let you ditch the ‘L’ Plates (but the rest of the restrictions still apply). This stage recognises the skills you have gained and provides a stepping stone to your full licence. You need to be at least 18 and have held your restricted licence for 18 months or more before you can apply for your full licence. You might be able to get it sooner, with an exemption, by taking an approved advanced course.

Getting your full licence involves another practical test, some of which will take place in higher speed zones than the restricted test. Get the full picture at the NZTA website. From 1 March 2014 there'll be competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) which means you'll have another option when choosing how to get your motorcycle licence.  You'll be able to reduce the amount of time it takes you to get your restricted or full licence, while ensuring you have the skills and knowledge you need to ride on New Zealand roads. So from 1 March you'll be able to choose between the existing driver licence testing and the new competency-based training and assessment courses, or a combination of the two, to gain your restricted and/or full motorcycle licence. The new photo licences generally expire after 10 years. (Different criteria apply if you are older). You should be sent a renewal pack close to the date. But if your licence has been lost or damaged, or you’re moving abroad, you may need to renew it beforehand.