KiwiKate

I would in his shoes just do the test here - unless he's already paid out for the theory and hazard detection test in the UK already.

I only passed my test in Nov 05 so don't have 2 yrs on my licence yet. But, you get 12 months to drive on your UK licence, and this starts again every time you re-enter NZ. In theory, you could keep driving on your UK licence if you plan on going overseas at least once a year.

It worked well for me at any rate, saved me having to sit a practical test!

Jac&Adie

Not quite right i'm affraid. The uk class you speak of is up to 7.5 ton (7500KGs) Class 2 here is up to 12 ton so in order to convert the pre 1997 car licence (7.5ton) to a NZ class 2 you have to :
1: Provide a medical cert (nessecary for all HT (class 2,3,4 & 5))
2: sit the Class 2 theory test. This then gives you a Full class two with Supervisor condition. Meaning you need a supervisor (someone who has held a full nz licence for the class of vehicle you are driving) beside you when you drive (this means for a car as well) To remove the supervisor condition you need to
3: sit full class 2 practical test (you need to supply the vehicle as well)


As an alternative you could convert to a class to learners licence which means no supervisor, however you will then need to apply for an exemption to the waiting time before doing the class two full.
Adie

Pete n Shell

Well Mr smarty pants what I said is right I just did it on the advice of someone from another forum who also did it.

But heck what would I know I did not do it so I wonder why they gave me a class 2.

Like I said PM me and I will explain better.

Here comes the sun

So if my hubby passed his test in the UK he can drive for 12 months in NZ have a holiday to Aus, drive for another 12 months in NZ then sit the theory test!

Sounds like a plan.......

Pete n Shell

Actually it is not as easy as that. Works in theory until you get pulled over or involved in an accident. There is so much stuffing around lately over overseas licences nothing is clear cut.
My OH works in a road safety capacity, not saying what exactly but we know.

welshwales

So if im a class 1 hgv driver in u.k and want to drive when i get over there i have to sit a theory test and then sit a full test

Dustybin

Bit confusing your first point when you compare it to what it says on the official web site..

"What happens if I fail the theory or practical test?
If you fail the theory test and have been in New Zealand for more than one year, you must not drive in New Zealand.

If you fail the practical test you must continue to be accompanied by a supervisor when you drive. You can apply to sit the test again. "


Not that i plan on failing...

Pete n Shell

NO! Please please please refer to the LTNZ website about converting licences and what the UK to NZ is the equal of.

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/

Class 1 is car then you work up the classes according to weight. Class 5 being equal to a HGV1. But they throw a nice spanner in the works to that by having a Class 6 which is a Motorbike

You do need a medical certificate thats all just a minor thing to prove your fit to drive which IMHO should also apply to Cars.

Personally I think they should tighten up on the testing like the UK has done. Converting a foreign licence in the UK say from NZ and you will only be able to convert to Car or Motorbike.

Jac&Adie

So like I said if you fail the theory test you must not drive until you pass the theory test. I was not talking about the practical test. You do not need to do a prctical test if you are converting a UK car licence to a NZ car licence and have held your Uk licence for more than one year. I was later talking about converting a UK 7.5ton licence to a nz class 2 ht licence, as that was what somebody else had enquired about. Converting a UK Car licence to NZ Class 1 car licence, is just a simple theory test.

My appologies if I was not as clear as i had hoped in my origninal post. I just wanted to let people know the implications of trying to convert a uk car licence with out doing adiquate prep work, as until I found this out this was something i didn't know, nor did anyone else I mentioned it to.


Adie

Jac&Adie

Nope. UK class 1 converts striaght over to NZ class 5 - You just need a medical and sit class 3/5 theory test (same test for classes 3 & 5), and good to go (provided you pass of course).

The practical only applys to the class 2 because of the weight difference
Adie

Pete n Shell

So tell me Adie have you got a class 2 licence or above?

karonious

Adie works for 'them' - he is always up for "conspicacy theory"

welshwales

So do I have to do this as soon as i get there or do i get 12 months to convert,
Also will a nz employer let me drive their class 5 on a uk licence for 12 months.

Here comes the sun

I havent checked this out properly just going on what other posters have said. What is the best thing to do? He is looking to pass his test in the next 2 months (fingers crossed) so by the time we leave he should have 8 months driving experiance. I think since he has started learning he needs to continue especially as we live in brum and if you can drive around a busy city you can pretty much drive any where!!

Is it illegal to do what was suggested leaving the country and driving for another 12 months or is it more of a grey area? Obviousley I dont want him to have an accident but if it invalidated insurance or cost us loads of money i would rather he just sat another test.

I would appreciate your advice so im clear on things.

Pete n Shell

Its a grey area.

Second dont worry abiout invalidating insurance only 1 in 4 kiwis have car insurance. Kind of hard to invalidate what you dont have to have

As I have not been in your situation I would suggest your best off waiting until you get to New Zealand to get his licence. Reason being if he has so far struggled he will probably find the Kiwi test much more simple.
Tip two is dont do your Kiwi Driving test in a city if you think your going to fail, Would you believe there is a few test areas in the country without Traffic Lights or even annoying traffic

Anyways that part of advice is ONLY good for those who are nervous in a test situation, believe me I have seen people going for a Passenger Endorsement who have to sit a practical test in a car. They may have been driving 20 years but in a test they blow it from nerves.

And to Adie, Please dont give advice on a subject you have not actually done. I have a couple of letters on my driving licence you may know the meaning of