Driving license
Jun 30th 2010, 8:39 pm
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2005
Location: Bay Of Plenty
Posts: 797
Driving license
Can I use my U.K. driving license for the 1st year I am in New Zealand?
Jun 30th 2010, 9:13 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Auckland- Cockle Bay
Posts: 423
Re: Driving license
yes but its easy to get a NZ license now. just go to an AA shop and take an eye test and you can get it it done
Jun 30th 2010, 11:03 pm
#3
Cow on the Beach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Seatoun, Wellington
Posts: 699
Re: Driving license
Yes, in fact it 'renews' itself every time you leave NZ. So if yuo plan to travel or go on holiday every year you can keep it for years....
However as you may not have an address in the UK, technically your UK licence may no longer be legal, though to be honest the DVLA give conflicting advice on this.
There is also ancedotal evidence that car insurance is more expensive or has a higher excess with a UK licence, though again mine (State) isn't.
BTW it also costs about $50 to get a new Kiwi licence, yes you have to do an eye test, also you need to bring proof of address and photo ID (a passport) and the names must match EXACTLY to your drivers licence.
You get a paper temp licence on the spot and a photo card sent in the post takes about 10 days. They do not take your UK one off you BUT like I said it's probably not legal anyway (but at least if you do gome back to the Uk you just need to repalce the photocard).
A tip...unless you are settled in one home, DON'T have your address on the licence...that'll save you changing it everytime you move house, although you still have to inform them by phone when you move.
Last tip - DONT be tempted to use your UK licence in NZ once you have a Kiwi one (i.e. to aviod getting points on it) because there is a cross reference and you will get found out.
However as you may not have an address in the UK, technically your UK licence may no longer be legal, though to be honest the DVLA give conflicting advice on this.
There is also ancedotal evidence that car insurance is more expensive or has a higher excess with a UK licence, though again mine (State) isn't.
BTW it also costs about $50 to get a new Kiwi licence, yes you have to do an eye test, also you need to bring proof of address and photo ID (a passport) and the names must match EXACTLY to your drivers licence.
You get a paper temp licence on the spot and a photo card sent in the post takes about 10 days. They do not take your UK one off you BUT like I said it's probably not legal anyway (but at least if you do gome back to the Uk you just need to repalce the photocard).
A tip...unless you are settled in one home, DON'T have your address on the licence...that'll save you changing it everytime you move house, although you still have to inform them by phone when you move.
Last tip - DONT be tempted to use your UK licence in NZ once you have a Kiwi one (i.e. to aviod getting points on it) because there is a cross reference and you will get found out.
Last edited by Wooly_Cow; Jun 30th 2010 at 11:06 pm.
Jul 1st 2010, 7:34 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Napier
Posts: 187
Re: Driving license
I thought you had to take a test again?
Now Im not sure where I have heard that, but I have been driving around like a pensioner in preparation....
Now Im not sure where I have heard that, but I have been driving around like a pensioner in preparation....
Jul 1st 2010, 8:19 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 218
Re: Driving license
The thing is if you've a UK licence you have to leave a gap between you and the car in front, indicate before you manoeuvre and generally be courteous on the road. Once the NZ one pops through the door - YOU CAN DO WHAT THE HELL YOU LIKE
Last edited by bga; Jul 1st 2010 at 8:25 pm.
Jul 1st 2010, 8:21 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Location: Auckland
Posts: 264
Re: Driving license
xx
Jul 1st 2010, 9:19 pm
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Auckland- Cockle Bay
Posts: 423
Re: Driving license
jax
