Will I need to re-take a driving test?
Mar 16th 2010, 7:28 am
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Bristol
Posts: 29
Will I need to re-take a driving test?
I am awaiting a visa to New Zealand and have noticed that I will be able to drive for only one year on an international driving licence but that I will then need to apply for a NZ one.
Does this mean that I will need to re-take my driving test or is it just that I need to fill in a form to receive one?
Does this mean that I will need to re-take my driving test or is it just that I need to fill in a form to receive one?
Mar 16th 2010, 7:31 am
#2
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,208
Re: Will I need to re-take a driving test?
They just changed the rules last year and now you just reapply to change to a NZ one, no re-sitting.
Mar 16th 2010, 8:12 am
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,298
Re: Will I need to re-take a driving test?
If that's the case it's madness...there are a number of road rules..potentially deadly ones (that are not as per road rules in other countries) if y'all get them wrong. I do hope immigrants (like me) have to take the theory. If not our highways and byways will descend into even more madness.
Mar 16th 2010, 8:26 am
#4
It is what it is Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
Posts: 2,797
Re: Will I need to re-take a driving test?
What? Not even a theory like what we done bacK in 2005?
If that's the case it's madness...there are a number of road rules..potentially deadly ones (that are not as per road rules in other countries) if y'all get them wrong. I do hope immigrants (like me) have to take the theory. If not our highways and byways will descend into even more madness.
If that's the case it's madness...there are a number of road rules..potentially deadly ones (that are not as per road rules in other countries) if y'all get them wrong. I do hope immigrants (like me) have to take the theory. If not our highways and byways will descend into even more madness.
In reality its a year-long test, just survive that long and you are good to go.
The sensible view would be to study the theory beforehand, take the test on arrival then you would know about those rules....
Imagine applying this logic to flying a plane
Mar 16th 2010, 8:56 am
#5
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,208
Re: Will I need to re-take a driving test?
You can apply for a NZ licence at any time within the first 12 months, and it is just a transfer of your UK one now. They are thinking about doing away with the turning rule thingy - but I doubt they will.
More likely they'll be raising the driving age pretty sharpish I think. Hence my just turned 15 year old getting her Learner's Licence today. Rest assured it'll be sometime before she's let loose behind the wheel of a car ...
Oh, and mandatory insurance seems likely too - thank goodness.
More likely they'll be raising the driving age pretty sharpish I think. Hence my just turned 15 year old getting her Learner's Licence today. Rest assured it'll be sometime before she's let loose behind the wheel of a car ...
Oh, and mandatory insurance seems likely too - thank goodness.
Mar 16th 2010, 9:25 am
#6
Live from CHCH...
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Auckland
Posts: 1,258
Re: Will I need to re-take a driving test?
I've email nzta today & here is what they said...
Same restrictions whether you're a roastbeef or a frog! 
To convert your full French car or motorcycle driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence, you won’t be required to pass a theory or practical test, provided:
you have held your full French licence for more than two years (and can supply confirmation of this)
it is current or has been expired for no more than 12 months.
The fee to convert your licence is $44.30. You will be issued with a full New Zealand licence as soon as you’ve completed your application.
If you have held your full French licence for less than two years, you will have to complete a practical test in order to obtain a New Zealand licence. In addition to the above costs, the practical driving test will cost up to $70.80.
If your licence has expired for more than 12 months, you cannot convert your licence. You can obtain a licence through the graduated driver licensing system, and I have attached a link to a factsheet with further information.
www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/45
Please note: a theory test is required to convert to a heavy vehicle class.
Documentation required
To convert an overseas licence from France you are required to produce:
· your actual overseas licence that is current or expired no more than 12 months (a temporary overseas licence is not acceptable and cannot be converted).
· an acceptable translation of your licence if it is not in English.
· evidence of your address (eg a recent bill or bank statement that has been issued to you within the last six months)
· evidence of your identity (eg New Zealand or overseas passport that is current or has expired within the last two years)
· photocopies of your overseas licence, evidence of address, evidence of identity and any other evidence presented to support your application. We will retain the photocopies.
Please note: all documents must be originals and photocopies of these documents must also be provided.
Please see the following links for more information about converting to a New Zealand driver licence, driving in New Zealand and the location of driver licensing agents in New Zealand.
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/fa...w-zealand.html
www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/whats-diff-driving-nz
www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/where-to-go
We will return your overseas licence once the driver licensing agent has sighted it. Converting to a New Zealand licence does not affect the validity of your overseas licence and you can hold both a New Zealand and overseas licence simultaneously. However, if you have held a New Zealand driver licence you cannot drive on an overseas licence in New Zealand.
you have held your full French licence for more than two years (and can supply confirmation of this)
it is current or has been expired for no more than 12 months.
The fee to convert your licence is $44.30. You will be issued with a full New Zealand licence as soon as you’ve completed your application.
If you have held your full French licence for less than two years, you will have to complete a practical test in order to obtain a New Zealand licence. In addition to the above costs, the practical driving test will cost up to $70.80.
If your licence has expired for more than 12 months, you cannot convert your licence. You can obtain a licence through the graduated driver licensing system, and I have attached a link to a factsheet with further information.
www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/45
Please note: a theory test is required to convert to a heavy vehicle class.
Documentation required
To convert an overseas licence from France you are required to produce:
· your actual overseas licence that is current or expired no more than 12 months (a temporary overseas licence is not acceptable and cannot be converted).
· an acceptable translation of your licence if it is not in English.
· evidence of your address (eg a recent bill or bank statement that has been issued to you within the last six months)
· evidence of your identity (eg New Zealand or overseas passport that is current or has expired within the last two years)
· photocopies of your overseas licence, evidence of address, evidence of identity and any other evidence presented to support your application. We will retain the photocopies.
Please note: all documents must be originals and photocopies of these documents must also be provided.
Please see the following links for more information about converting to a New Zealand driver licence, driving in New Zealand and the location of driver licensing agents in New Zealand.
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/fa...w-zealand.html
www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/whats-diff-driving-nz
www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/where-to-go
We will return your overseas licence once the driver licensing agent has sighted it. Converting to a New Zealand licence does not affect the validity of your overseas licence and you can hold both a New Zealand and overseas licence simultaneously. However, if you have held a New Zealand driver licence you cannot drive on an overseas licence in New Zealand.
Mar 16th 2010, 10:59 am
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Location: North Shore now
Posts: 203
Re: Will I need to re-take a driving test?
OH and I stood in a queue for an hour (one person dealing with all customers) in the AA centre in Takapuna, had our eye sight tested, our picture taken and new driving licence issued. No re-testing needed, just patience!!!
Mar 16th 2010, 6:12 pm
#8
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Bristol
Posts: 29
Re: Will I need to re-take a driving test?
I have already brought a New Zealand highway code back with me on my last visit to read before I emmigrate.Thankyou all for your useful info. I'm new to this website and very impressed with how helpful you all are.
