Bryher

Hi everyone,

At the moment I am learning to drive - ready for my new life in nz. Thought it would be useful to learn just in case we end up out in the lovely nz countryside but miles from civilization!

The question that crossed my mind was, would it be better to take my test in the uk, or wait until we get out to nz in September? I understand you have to take some sort of test anyway a few months after arriving. And would the nz test be easier?!

Bryher.

Big Galah

Personally I'd recommend NOT doing your test in NZ, going by the driving standards in Christchurch anyway. It's pretty shockin.

There's also a funny rule about right of way when turning into oncoming traffic or turning right or something.

Anyway, getting as much driving experience in as you can before you get to NZ is highly recommended.

Only my opinion of course, you can take or leave it.

Cheers,

Big.

nell m

Hi I looked into the same thing - I'd get it here - you have to hold your learners permit for six months before you can go onto a restricted licence where you can drive on your own except between 9pm and 5am (not 100% on times) and you cant carry passengers - doing my UK theory test Today!

Bryher

Thanks Big Galah and Nel M for your replies.

Nel - thanks for the info about the restrictions, too many! so thats made my mind up, I shall try to pass it here! Not much time though, we go in September and I haven't done my theory yet!

Taranaki is one of the places we are going to check out as a possible place to settle - would be interested to know why you chose it? Have you family there?


Bryher

PS. Best of luck with YOUR theory test!!

sky

Yes i agree if you can pass your test in the uk you will be better off what with the restrictions on newly passed drivers over here in nz. You will then just have to pass the theory test when you arrive here and you have up to a year to take it by

bondipom

In oz a newly qualified UK driver still has to go on P plates with the same restrictions. Eg a UK driver who has held the license for 6 months will only obtain their red Ps on arrival and have to wait 6 months till they can get the green Ps. Does the same apply in NZ?

nell m

Hi I passed the theory test!

We chose Taranaki for a number of reasons - We didnt want to go to a busy city, we wanted somewhere more rural. The house prices were a big deciding factor along with job prospects too, Nicks re-coding as a welder and theres a lot of demand on Taranaki, I run a private training company here and there is no-one as yet in Taranaki that can offer the courses I can.

If you travel along Surf Highway 45, with the sea on one side and the mountain on the other, you wont have to ask what clinched it.

jandjuk

nothing to add on the rest of your question - but good idea about being able to drive in NZ. Doesn't matter if you're in the countryside or not, by and large you won't get far if you can't drive.

Everybody drives in NZ, and though it's perfectly easy to live your entire life in Britain without ever needing to drive, it really is a necessity in most/all parts of NZ.

best of luck

Bryher

Hi and Thanks for your replies

congratulations nell ! - half way there now!

I will have to get cracking if I want to pass my test by September!
- maybe I'll have to think about doing one of those 5 day 'crash courses' - not literally I hope!! My 19yr old son wants to pass his test too - so there's abit of competition on to beat 'mum' to it!!
By the way I'm cheating abit - learning in an 'automatic' - at my age it had to be the ' quickest and easiest' way! Have enough trouble steering the thing, couldn't cope will gear changes at well!!

Re: Taranaki - sounds as if it would be worth a look when we get there. I too don't want to live in a city, however in our case there are 4 different people to please:

Me - I like countryside, walking, horseriding etc.

Hubby - needs a Job! (Carpenter) has to be nr. Sea (boats, fishing etc.

Son - needs a job (Agricultural engineer) but needs nightlife discos, bars,etc...not too far away!

Daughter needs good Highschool/college and insists she is not ' living in the back of beyond!' - but still wants to keep a pony in the back garden!

....and so we have to find the ideal place which will please everyone... think this is going to be a difficult one don't you?

If anyone has any suggestions on possible locations... I would be
grateful to hear them! Perhaps I ought to post a seperate thread
on this?
or do you think Taranki has everything we need??

Bryher