Driving Licence
 

Is it best to exchange your UK Licence for a NZ one?
And how is this done?
Does this involve doing a written and/or a practical driving test?

Can this be done prior to arrival in NZ?

Can you keep your UK Licence one you have your NZ one?

aarcc

Re: Driving Licence
 

Hi.... you have 12 months to sit a theory test to get your NZ license. I took and passed mine last week. It cost $84 and you can take it at an AA centre. It was 30 questions on a scratchcard.... you can get 3 wrong but 4 wrong and you fail. If you get a copy of the highway code for car users and read it a couple of times and study the test questions at the back you will find it really easy. If you do this within 12 months of being here you dont need to sit a practical test as they assume you are taught properly if you come from UK...haha! You get a another license that looks a bit like the UK one. HTH

Re: Driving Licence
 

"You get a another license that looks a bit like the UK one."

So if you get pulled for speeding can you just show your UK one?

Do they have static speed/traffic light/bus lane cameras like in the UK?

aarcc

Re: Driving Licence
 

I think it is an offense not to show your NZ license if you get pulled over...
there are cameras, but it is not too widespread.. cameras are used for revenue generation though..so they are hidden and move around..

Get to NZ, buy a copy of the highway code, complete the test questions, make and appointment and sit a 30 question multiple choice test. Dont put it off too long, its really not a big deal if you get it done....

Re: Driving Licence
 

My new license has just arrived today....I look a complete minger on it!! lol

Re: Driving Licence
 

you are legally required to carry your UK or NZ licence whenever driving although once you've got an NZ one, your UK one is not valid for driving purposes.
also - if you use your UK licence for ID you often have to supply additional ID - whereas once you have your NZ licence - cos it's linked to an address etc etc it often is accepted on its own.
It really is easy to do and pass the test - as others have suggested get the road code and all the questions are in the back.