Ask an expert

Can my 19 year old son who has a learners car icence ride a Yamaha tricity 155 with L plates. Can we insure him fully comprehensive?

Hi there,
You will need a motorcycle license to ride anything larger than a 50cc scooter. Information can be found here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/getting-a-licence/licences-by-vehicle-type/what-you-can-drive/
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/vehicle-classes-and-standards/vehicle-classes/
You will need to talk to AA Insurance for prices. https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/

The answer above is incorrect. The Yamaha Tricity is a NZTA class LE2 vehicle and can be ridden on a car licence. I waited until my son achieved his Restricted licence and ensured that he had good balance and awareness by having some time in a safe carpark before letting him loose on the roads. AMI have him covered under my comprehensive insurance but with a higher excess.

Hi there,
According to the NZTA information a class LE vehicle falls under the motorcycle class (for entry certification) and the NZTA also say that you need a motor cycle licenses to ride one. However you are correct, if an LE is registered as a car not a motorcycle (the owner has a choice) then can be used on a car license. This information is buried in a different section of NZTA VIRM: https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/entry-certification/intro/i-and-c-process/id-vehicle-class