License restriction exemption FAQ

[Gremlin]

Ok, so after a couple of threads... (just a few) I have decided to create the FAQ as promised. What I need are any questions that I have not covered off. Feedback is welcome. Please keep in mind this is a draft, and I still need to cover off things like 500cc instead of 250cc or open cc exemption.

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What is an Exemption? Do they exist?
Yes, exemptions do exist. An exemption is authorised by the LTSA, and exempts you from a specific restriction on your license, or, changes the restriction to something more flexible. ie, if you need to ride after 10pm on a restricted, you may be allowed to ride until 11.30pm.

How do I get one?
You have to apply to the LTSA for the exemption. They are considered on a case-by-case basis, with no set rules. All applications are sent down to Chrischurch for consideration.

What can I get an exemption for?
You may apply for an exemption on any restriction on your learners or restricted license. This includes the cc limit of 250cc, hours you may ride, being able to carry pillions, etc.

How long does this process take?
You should receive a reply within 3 weeks, and it can be as fast as a week.

I hold a learner's motorcycle license, can I get one?
It is unlikely to be successful, but exemptions can be granted in exceptional cases. Your chance of success is much greater for restrictions on your restricted license, as you should have been riding longer.

Where do I get the application form?
You need to fill in form DL4, and this may be obtained from any AA centre, and there may be other places as well, such as places that are able to process driver licensing.

How much does an application cost?
An application costs $22.20, and there is no guarantee of success, and no refund is given if you are unsuccessful in your application.

Do I have to meet certain criteria to get an exemption?
There are no specific guidelines that you have to meet, eg, be over 6' tall. Each case is considered individually, on its own merits.

What happens if I am unsuccessful?
You will receive a letter informing you that your application has been declined. All your current restrictions will remain in place.

What happens if I am successful?
You will receive a letter informing you of your success. This letter must be kept, as it outlines which rules and subsections you are exempt from, or what conditions have been changed. Another letter will arrive, with a new plastic license. Written on the back under Conditions will be something like "as per letter rider carries". This letter MUST be kept on you at all times. If you are stopped by the police without it, you have no proof you have different restrictions, and can be fined for any breaches of normal license conditions. It is highly recommended to have some copies made, signed by a JP, and use the copies, while keeping the original in a safe place.

What sort of bike can I get with a capacity exemption?
This depends from case to case. If you are a learner, your restriction is more harsh, and will most likely require you to specify a bike, and your exemption will then be tailored to suit. Besides specific bikes (see the related question), they can raise the cc restrict, to a higher cc limit, or remove the limit. In these cases, you are free to ride any bike as long as it meets the cc limit you have.

They are also wary of certain names of bikes, so if you have to list a bike, don't be surprised if bikes such as a ZX aren't allowed. Interestingly enough, it would seem the ZX may be more known than the GSXR. Ultimately, they are judging safety, so don't try to give them the idea you want to go faster.

What if they want to know what bike I will have?
This most likely means you're a learner. You have applied for an exemption, they have granted it, but have not sent it. They will contact you, asking for the bike. At this point, it is best to have a shortlist (or make one) of what bikes you would like. They will deny/approve each bike individually. Once they approve a model of bike they will send your exemption for that bike. It is specifically for that model, and nothing else.

What should I do when I get my exemption?
Make some photocopies of it, get a JP to verify the copies, store the original in a safe place, and make sure you have a copy on you at all times. You could put one in each jacket, maybe on the bike (remember, if you ride anything else, you will need a copy) or anywhere else you fancy. Over time (water assists) the paper falls to bits.

Extra Tips

Read the front of the form, it tells you the process LTSA goes through, in deciding whether you should be allowed an exemption. It states you must be NO LESS SAFE without this restriction, or an altered one.
Provide as much proof or evidence as possible, to support any claims you might make. This could include photos of yourself on bikes, to prove your size, or a letter from your employer, saying that your work only finishes at 11pm, and you have no alternative transport.

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Please keep this thread firmly on topic. This is only for purposes of creating the FAQ.

[Back Fire]

attention whore! :lol:

[mark247]

I had only had my learners for just over two months when i appied and was accepted to ride my 400cc motorcycle. So i dont think the fact you are on your learners makes much of a difference.

[*caution*]

My first post here so big HI to everyone,

Been sifting through the KB forums for a while and found some good info on this topic thanks, thought i'd add my experience for others info, hope this is the appropriate location:

I was granted an exemption to ride my SV650S on a learners, the exemption was purely based on my height (196cm) and it was pretty straight forward, sent in the form, week later a very nice lady called lesley rang me and said I just need to email some photos of me on a 250 to prove I really am a giant, and the details and number plate of the bike i want to ride, so i took some photos on my mates CBR250RR, sent them in and got the letter back a week later, note that i can only ride this bike, I have had 8 years of cage driving with 2 tickets, (115km/h & 61km/h), reasonably clean compared to some i figure, not sure how much of a factor this was but she did say if i get any tickets (cage or bike) my exemption will be reconsidered.

Hope this is useful for someone considering a similar application.

[Tank]

My first post here so big HI to everyone,

a very nice lady called lesley rang me and said I just need to email some photos of me on a 250 to prove I really am a giant, and the details and number plate of the bike i want to ride.

Anyone know how this will work if you need to test ride a couple of bikes to make sure you get the right one for you?

Chris

P.S Really helpful FAQ BTW

[Bullitt]

About 2002 I had an exemption on my restricted as I finished work at 10pm. The exemption allowed me to travel the shortest route from my work to home up till 12pm.

The other thing thats not mentioned above is my exemption expired on the first day I could go for my Full. (which then got messy cause they changed the restricted time from 9 to 12 months and I had a defined date for my exemption, but thats another story)

[Mole_C]

Anyone know how this will work if you need to test ride a couple of bikes to make sure you get the right one for you?

Chris

P.S Really helpful FAQ BTW

Yup, after i sent in application they asked me for details of the bike. I then wrote another letter saying i didn't know what bike, needed to test ride, couldn't afford both or to sell 250 without having an exemption. Asked for a cc limit instead.

Was then granted anything up to 700cc which i managed to talk up to 800cc as i wanted a 750 :2thumbsup Ended up with a 650 anyway but hey.

So yea, ask them nicely and they might let you.

[blue eyed savage]

thanks for the FAQ i had know idear you could get a biger bike on you restricted if u get an exemption. i got a keeway 250 and want to do more tripes home (christchurch to newplymouth) so a 250 is ringing its ass out all the way home and i go to gas up every 150k so im thinking a 400zxr would be nice, i will apply in a week or to and let u know how it goes

[Gremlin]

Thought of a few more questions to add in... MT, feel free to add them where you see fit.

>> edit: these have been moved to the original post

If anyone has a general question about exemptions, please ask, and I'll (or someone else) will do their best to answer. Please try to keep to general questions, otherwise specifics will end up making the FAQ too long.

[Conquiztador]

Could you make a short list (or a long one) of things NOT to do if you want an exemption??

Thanks for the time put in to this!!!

[Gremlin]

Could you make a short list (or a long one) of things NOT to do if you want an exemption??
mmm I never wanted to turn the FAQ into a cheat sheet, as I don't want the exemption abused, which would ruin it for a lot of people that have a genuine need.

My #1 tip. Don't say: I have been riding for 2 months, and my 250 is not nearly fast enough to race people and outrun the cops. Can I please get a 1 litre bike.

:niceone:

[Daniel dlye]

First post here on the KB forum. I have a question about exemptions. I have had my learners for about 2months now. I'm only 20, but have just finished doing up my 1951 BSA B31. Its a 350cc, but as its performance is no where near that of a modern 350. You wouldn't want to cruise much faster than 80kmph, and it would probably top out at just over 100. Does anyone think I'd be able to make a case to get a exemption to use my bike? I'd be happy to stick with all the other learner licence restrictions.

[mark247]

First post here on the KB forum. I have a question about exemptions. I have had my learners for about 2months now. I'm only 20, but have just finished doing up my 1951 BSA B31. Its a 350cc, but as its performance is no where near that of a modern 350. You wouldn't want to cruise much faster than 80kmph, and it would probably top out at just over 100. Does anyone think I'd be able to make a case to get a exemption to use my bike? I'd be happy to stick with all the other learner licence restrictions.

I wouldnt even bother getting an exemption. First, why would a cop pull over an old bike like that ( if its reg and wof'd ) and second, if you did get pulled over, if you explained that it was only 10hp ( lol )to them im sure they would let you off. Dont hold me to that, but im sure the average cop would understand. In my case when i didnt have an exemption i got pulled over on my learners on my 400cc bike at 1am in the morning and the cop let me off.

[CookMySock]

don't tell them you have a 650 and have been riding it illegally on your learners, coz they will reject your application instantly.

Wiki this thread ?


DB

[2Slow50]

I wouldnt even bother getting an exemption. First, why would a cop pull over an old bike like that ( if its reg and wof'd ) and second, if you did get pulled over, if you explained that it was only 10hp ( lol )to them im sure they would let you off. Dont hold me to that, but im sure the average cop would understand. In my case when i didnt have an exemption i got pulled over on my learners on my 400cc bike at 1am in the morning and the cop let me off.

Its a little hard to claim your insurance on a 250 when your not covered though huh?

[jimmy 2006]

First post here on the KB forum. I have a question about exemptions. I have had my learners for about 2months now. I'm only 20, but have just finished doing up my 1951 BSA B31. Its a 350cc, but as its performance is no where near that of a modern 350. You wouldn't want to cruise much faster than 80kmph, and it would probably top out at just over 100. Does anyone think I'd be able to make a case to get a exemption to use my bike? I'd be happy to stick with all the other learner licence restrictions.

can anyone answer this one? i will be in the same situation shortly......

cheers,

[PrincessBandit]

My husband has just been granted a cc rating exemption on his learners to ride my 650 Bandit. The reasoning we used in the application (along with photos) was that it was lack of safety as he couldn't see in the mirrors at all on my little GN 250.

[mark247]

can anyone answer this one? i will be in the same situation shortly......

cheers,

You will just have to try and see what happens. If you can prove that you will be no less safe on the bigger cc bike then i guess you might get it.

[HornetBoy]

haven't seen this asked before but im interested to know ,If you get your exemption to ride a bigger bike on your restricted/learners say a 400cc does this allow you to get full coverage insurance ?

although i assume if you can ,it will be incredibly highly priced.

[mark247]

haven't seen this asked before but im interested to know ,If you get your exemption to ride a bigger bike on your restricted/learners say a 400cc does this allow you to get full coverage insurance ?

although i assume if you can ,it will be incredibly highly priced.

I have an exemption on my VFR400 and my full insurance is $400 a year and im only 18.

[HornetBoy]

I have an exemption on my VFR400 and my full insurance is $400 a year and im only 18.

o ok ,just wasn't really sure if it would've allowed you to get insurance , thats good then.

crickey ! thats a pretty good rate

[PrincessBandit]

...The other thing thats not mentioned above is my exemption expired on the first day I could go for my Full. (which then got messy cause they changed the restricted time from 9 to 12 months and I had a defined date for my exemption, but thats another story)

Rik's exemption expires one month after his due date to sit his restricted, which i thought was pretty decent of them. He has to get it reviewed once on his R, but they indicated that it was pretty much a formality as the reason for the request won't have changed with the next step in the license process.

[jimmy 2006]

ok so i would like to know if there is any chance in getting an exemption because of the following.

i get one hell of a sore back/neck from sports bikes due to mx injury, therefore the current small 250's hurt. i am only 6ft, so not a monster, i mainly want to ride a dual sport, bike in mind is a DRZ400sm, so i would be applying saying that it gives me an upright riding position where i can clearly see.... blah blah blah...... do i also say that i have been riding offroad bikes for years???

any help apreciated......

[mark247]

ok so i would like to know if there is any chance in getting an exemption because of the following.

i get one hell of a sore back/neck from sports bikes due to mx injury, therefore the current small 250's hurt. i am only 6ft, so not a monster, i mainly want to ride a dual sport, bike in mind is a DRZ400sm, so i would be applying saying that it gives me an upright riding position where i can clearly see.... blah blah blah...... do i also say that i have been riding offroad bikes for years???

any help apreciated......


Give it a go and mention you are going to be riding DRZ400sm with rego number blah blah blah. You have to keep in mind there are a number of cruiser 250's, but that didnt seem to hinder my exemption

[jimmy 2006]

yea i know that there are smaller cc bikes like an xr250 but it's very unstable on the highway ;-)

+ they could have told you just to buy a hyosung 250 ??

[mark247]

yea i know that there are smaller cc bikes like an xr250 but it's very unstable on the highway ;-)

+ they could have told you just to buy a hyosung 250 ??

They could of, but i said in my exemption application that i had owned a number of 250cc motorcycles including a GSX250 ( a bigger one ) and they were still not suitable and i had already purchased my GB400 ( the bike i initially got the exemption on )

[Conquiztador]

ok so i would like to know if there is any chance in getting an exemption because of the following.

i get one hell of a sore back/neck from sports bikes due to mx injury, therefore the current small 250's hurt. i am only 6ft, so not a monster, i mainly want to ride a dual sport, bike in mind is a DRZ400sm, so i would be applying saying that it gives me an upright riding position where i can clearly see.... blah blah blah...... do i also say that i have been riding offroad bikes for years???

any help apreciated......

Try to get a friendly doctor/physio to write a support letter.

[Gremlin]

Try to get a friendly doctor/physio to write a support letter.
I reckon this is good advice. Excellent way of demonstrating you aren't just doing it on a whim to get a bigger bike, and that you are very serious about it. It demonstrates a well prepared and thought out application

[davyike]

I have verbally been given an exemption to get a KLR650 on my learners, but need to actually buy a bike so they can list the rego number on the letter. I want to make sure I can get insurance before I buy the bike though - AMI and AA have both said no based on my zero riding experience and age (23 years). Where do you go for insurance in this situation?

[Tank]

I have verbally been given an exemption to get a KLR650 on my learners, but need to actually buy a bike so they can list the rego number on the letter. I want to make sure I can get insurance before I buy the bike though - AMI and AA have both said no based on my zero riding experience and age (23 years). Where do you go for insurance in this situation?

NP's - Im with Proctor (sp?) - Just be upfront with them and it wont be an issue.


Note also - I was not charged any premimum by them - and that was on a 800, on exemption and 2.5 months riding exp.

Good luck

[h20boy]

I have verbally been given an exemption to get a KLR650 on my learners, but need to actually buy a bike so they can list the rego number on the letter. I want to make sure I can get insurance before I buy the bike though - AMI and AA have both said no based on my zero riding experience and age (23 years). Where do you go for insurance in this situation?

The KLR650 is on the list of approved bikes for exemption...for insurance, kiwibike.co.nz are excellent and if you tell them you have an exemption it will be no problem.

[davyike]

NP's - Im with Proctor (sp?)

The only Proctor Insurances I can find are in Ohio and Michigan... I can find a Protecta Insurance, sound familiar? http://www.protecta.co.nz/Story?Action=View&Story_id=1313

Cheers for the tips!

[Tank]

The only Proctor Insurances I can find are in Ohio and Michigan... I can find a Protecta Insurance, sound familiar? http://www.protecta.co.nz/Story?Action=View&Story_id=1313

Cheers for the tips!

Yep them the fellas

[The Pastor]

Just wanting an update here, my workmate is looking for an expemtion on his 250 bike (he too tall) - i think somone told me there was a specific list of bikes that can be used.

Is this the case and is the list published?

thanks

rm

[Gremlin]

Relevant thread with pdf of list in first post ("http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=80648)

I don't believe the list is the new law per se, ie, the 250cc rule is still in place. But it appears they are now referencing a list as to which 250cc+ motorcycles are suitable (and likely the future list when/if the 250cc limit is removed).

Thread above contains the pdf list on the first post.

[Conquiztador]

Just wanting an update here, my workmate is looking for an expemtion on his 250 bike (he too tall) - i think somone told me there was a specific list of bikes that can be used.

Is this the case and is the list published?

thanks

rm

What is he planning to ride?

[PirateJafa]

RM: I have a copy of the list - what's he looking at?

[<Rhino>]

I applied for an exemption at the end of last year. Got turned down coz the bike I stated was not on the list, was an 800cc cruiser. They said they would only give me an exemtion for bikes on the list! however in the very same letter they also said that they would give me an exemption to ride my 800cc cruiser for my restricted and full licence tests - I don't have an 800cc cruiser so I guess they just assumed I would have/get one anyway!

I havn't - I still ride the ho-bag :Pokey:

[hedcase07]

Just wanting an update here, my workmate is looking for an expemtion on his 250 bike (he too tall) - i think somone told me there was a specific list of bikes that can be used.

Is this the case and is the list published?

thanks

rm

Hi peeps, i have recently applied for an exemption to the 250cc rule as i am finding it difficult to find a 250 that i can ride comfortably due to my height. (193cm) I am eligable to sit my full licence on 16th april 09 and would like to get experience (legally as not to get any extensions)before winter hits.
Long story short my application was declined due to the fact that i could have sat my full on the 16th jan had i sat a defensive driving or street talk course.:mad::mad:
I am failing to make a connection between being to tall to ride a 250cc comfortably therefor safely imop and completing a course that is aimed at 4 wheeled vehicles. :confused::confused:

So i ask you in your opinion how tall is to tall, and how have other people gone about this?
Should i try again??

[greminn]

Hi peeps, i have recently applied for an exemption to the 250cc rule as i am finding it difficult to find a 250 that i can ride comfortably due to my height. (193cm) I am eligable to sit my full licence on 16th april 09 and would like to get experience (legally as not to get any extensions)before winter hits.
Long story short my application was declined due to the fact that i could have sat my full on the 16th jan had i sat a defensive driving or street talk course.:mad::mad:
I am failing to make a connection between being to tall to ride a 250cc comfortably therefor safely imop and completing a course that is aimed at 4 wheeled vehicles. :confused::confused:

So i ask you in your opinion how tall is to tall, and how have other people gone about this?
Should i try again??

I applied for a exemption to the 70km per hour limit on my learners (using it for work between cities) and got bumped thru to restrictied. They say this process takes 20 working days, but with questions back and forth it took about 35 working days... I would just save your money and wait dude!

EDIT: Sorry - didnt read your post fully! and gave you an answer to something that you didnt ask!

[greminn]

I am failing to make a connection between being to tall to ride a 250cc comfortably therefor safely imop and completing a course that is aimed at 4 wheeled vehicles. :confused::confused:


And i agree with this. In fact its downright DUMB!

[hedcase07]

I applied for a exemption to the 70km per hour limit on my learners (using it for work between cities) and got bumped thru to restrictied. They say this process takes 20 working days, but with questions back and forth it took about 35 working days... I would just save your money and wait dude!

EDIT: Sorry - didnt read your post fully! and gave you an answer to something that you didnt ask!

hey thanks for the reply. Bearing in mind i have already applied for the exemption i dont think it costs to argue or have it re evaluated as even if i wait i will still be lacking in experience coming into winter and will still have to find a 250cc to hire or borrow which my problem to begin with.

[CookMySock]

I did a defensive driving course, and by the time I had finished jumping through their hoops it knocked one whole month off my restricted license. Gasp!

If it wasn't for all the teenage hotties on the course, I would have fallen asleep. NO I didn't get a finger in any of them. :weep:

I found the whole exemption process to be rather demoralising. Yeah I am glad to have gone from learners to restricted to full on my 650, but it was not very funny at all, and I am relieved to be shod of it.

I think the exemptions team need a boot in the ring actually.

1.) Exemption expired when I was ELIGIBLE to sit my restricted. Pray tell - how will I sit my restricted with no exemption? Exemption gets extended two weeks.

2.) See (1) above, before the extention arrives, I go for a ride and get processed for breach of license conditions coz my exemption has expired. :angry2:

3.) I miss one day on the DDC and have to pick up the course next month. :oi-grr: Exemption expires - extension please? "nah get bent you could have had your full now." Whatever, I ride anyway, in breach of license terms.

4.) See (3) above - so I ride and get stopped at a random check point.. :crazy: The cop asks if I am legal, so I pull out ALL my paperwork and fess up to the whole thing, and he lets me off and sends me on my way. :sweatdrop

So seriously, guys, did I have a damn exemption or did I not? Way too much paperwork. Way too much stress. Not amused.

And to be frank, giving exemptions to newbies to ride big, fast bikes is dangerous.


Steve

[Gremlin]

I am failing to make a connection between being to tall to ride a 250cc comfortably therefor safely imop and completing a course that is aimed at 4 wheeled vehicles. :confused::confused:
As long as you go into the course with an open mind, you do actually pick up a few things, as the course is more about your mentality behind the wheel/bars than actual driving/riding on the road. The thought processes and awareness are universal to the vehicle you are piloting.

Assuming you're on your restricted (and when applying for an exemption, the odds of success are higher on the restricted, due to your experience) and they have denied it, unless you re-apply, and the circumstances have changed, I don't see any chance for you to succeed.

Applying for an exemption shouldn't be seen as a cool... I can skip some stuff. As the form clearly states, you need to prove you would be no less safe (and essentially, you need to prove that you would be safer with the exemption).

[greminn]

As long as you go into the course with an open mind, you do actually pick up a few things, as the course is more about your mentality behind the wheel/bars than actual driving/riding on the road. The thought processes and awareness are universal to the vehicle you are piloting.

Assuming you're on your restricted (and when applying for an exemption, the odds of success are higher on the restricted, due to your experience) and they have denied it, unless you re-apply, and the circumstances have changed, I don't see any chance for you to succeed.

Applying for an exemption shouldn't be seen as a cool... I can skip some stuff. As the form clearly states, you need to prove you would be no less safe (and essentially, you need to prove that you would be safer with the exemption).

When i applied for the 70km speed restriction exemption 1 month into my learners (got learners mid Dec08), it was turned down becuase:

1) I had a company car
2) I did not have enough experience

I then rang up stating that my circumstances had changed with the company car being not avaiable for 100% of my use. They agreed to relook at the same application (insted of having to re-apply).... I had to get further letters from the 3 people that written one before for me (stating that in their opinon i was capable enough to ride at 100km/h) asking them to list details and specifics about what riding they had done with me, what conditions i had ridden in etc etc. It was quite a process, but worth it from my point of view as now im only two months from my full.

Starting the DDC next week.

PS: Ive done over 7000kms on my bike since mid dec.

[Leyton]

I managed to get an exemption to the 70km rule by writing a huge 4 page letter explaining why the 70km rule is bollocks. I backed it up with the transport agentcys own facts on safety surrounding the condition.

I included two written references and witness's of my riding ability.

I even went as far as sending in a photo of when I was 6 yrs of age riding the little PW50 (No helmet!)

I provided route maps of tipical KB LOR rides, about 4 of them.

Specs of the bike including photos.

And what they could do for me is give me a one off shot at getting my restricted, if I fail.. then I have to wait out my full 6 months. This for them would prove my riding ability and keep everyone happy.

And infact I liked that solution far better then just lifting the 70km bollocks. I first got my lisence on the 13th of Feb, Its now the 23rd of March and I am on my restricted.

Give it another 2.5 months with a advance driving course and I will be on my full, scary huh ? I have 4000 road km under my belt and untold offroad km's and hours.

I have faith in the graduated system if they continue to be realistic and provide sensible solutions to situations were the conditions fail us.

Leyton

[ReigN]

Awesome thread! Nuff said...for now :) :woohoo: