jrsuk73

Its been weeks since Ive put a post on, life has been mad just lately, not enough hours in the day. But anyway here we go!

I am learning to drive and just wondered if anyone could tell me what the driving test is like in NZ, is there a theory test?
Is it as strict in NZ as it is here?

Helen

Dave in Auckland

Well having recently got my NZ Licence, for me it was just a scratchcard multi-choice form. I think because you won't have held a UK licence for a long enough qualifying period, you'll have to do the theory & practical test. The theory is pretty straightforward though

FYI driving in NZ is very similar to the UK, although overall driving standards are lower and they do have a somewhat bizarre give-way to the right rule

Dave

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/licensing/ should help you



"Why do I have to sit a theory test?

All drivers must know the road rules, what the road signs mean and how to drive safely. Learning the road rules is particularly important because of New Zealand's unique 'Give way' rule (when you are turning left, you must give way to vehicles that are coming from the opposite direction and turning right). You can find out more about this rule and others in the Road code.

Does everyone sit the practical test?

No. Some countries require similar driving skills and have similar licensing systems to New Zealand's. The law recognises that drivers from these countries usually have adequate driving skills, and they may not have to sit the practical driving test.

You don't have to sit the practical test if:

you have a licence from Australia, Canada, Norway, a member state of the European Union*, South Africa, Switzerland or the United States of America, and

your licence is current (or has expired within the past 12 months), and

you've held that licence for more than two years."</i>

shepslady

Yes there is a theory test which consists of a scratch card system. ie you must scratch off the correct answer. Not sure how many you are allowed wrong but its not many & you must all correct in a certain section. There is also an oral test which only consists of about 5 questions. Once the oral & theory parts have been successfully completed you will then go on a learners permit which is for 6 months I think which means you can not drive alone & must always have a fully licenced driver in the front passenger seat with you. After the learners stage you will then sit for your restricted which is a driving test. There is a time limit on that too but if over 24 its considerably shorter. Once you've held that for the required time you can then sit the driving test to gain your full licence. Its quite a long lengthy process & each stage costs so it does work out to be rather expensive by the time your finished.

jrsuk73

Thanks for your replies.
Looks like it will be a long process for me as I'm not that confident at driving (I'm 36 and held my provisional licence since I was 17)Ithink that says it all!

Cheers
Helen

Driver

Whats finding an Instructor like?
Has anyone used one?
I know a lot of people are family taught, but is there much call for instructors over there.
Thats what I do here in the UK. Was just wondering if i'd still have a job.

shepslady

Yes driving instructors are used by many people in NZ but cant tell you how easy it would be to obtain a job in this area. Maybe a little research into this area before you make the move would be a wise decision