doyley

Any idea how long I can drive on a UK licence? Is it easy enough to swap etc?

I googled it and just got loads of info about gap year driving.

Sparkleydiva

Usually 12 months before you need a NZ one. It was just a written test and eye sight check when I did mine, but that was 11 years ago.

KOH2

Straight swap for me - no test needed.
If you've had your UK licence longer than 2 years should be the same for you.

Not every AA shop will do it for you though - you must apply at a specialist overseas conversion site.

HTH

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/reso...er-licence.pdf

simonsi

NZTA has a special section on converting:

Converting to a New Zealand driver licence | NZ Transport Agency

MrsFychan

up to 12 months, but if you leave the country in that time it starts again when you step foot back in, well it did 3 years ago,

simonsi

I wouldn't rely on that, especially if you have a residence-class visa, this section of the NZTA states (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-lice...on-nz-roads/):

"Here for more than a year? Convert to a New Zealand licence

If you'll be in New Zealand for more than a year, you need to obtain a New Zealand driver licence. If your overseas licence is still current or has expired less than 12 months ago you can apply to convert it to a New Zealand licence."

So its possible that if you arrive with a clear expectation of staying more than a year you should get an NZ licence, relying on contradicting state advice is always worrying. TBH in 2010 it was a simple swap with no need for a driving test or exam, just the eye test. NZ driving licence is also an acceptable ID in many other areas, my advice would be to land and go get a NZ licence.

Justcol

You have 12 months to get a kiwi license

Go to the license office, get your piccy taken, Fill in a form. They give you a temp license to carry until you proper one arrives in the post.

You must carry a license at all times when you are driving, think it currently $150 fine if you dont

doyley

Thanks everyone