Rarotonga licence loophole

[Hawkeye]

I've got a mate who has been to Rarotonga and come back with his bike licence. No mention of any restrictions. Can he still trade it in for a full over here or has that particular loophole been closed?

[CookMySock]

I have HEARD that he can do that. I haven't done it.

DB

[boomer]

I've got a mate who has been to Rarotonga and come back with his bike licence. No mention of any restrictions. Can he still trade it in for a full over here or has that particular loophole been closed?

yeah mate, then you wont have to buy a hyosung..!!! I was there last year and swapped my kiwi one for a raro one.... no questions asked. I was sure the raro officials would;t take my 3rd world license but they did :crazy:

[Fatjim]

Raro, didn't that kill some woman on the tukas last year? Sweet ending.

[boomer]

Raro, didn't that kill some woman on the tukas last year? Sweet ending.

a minute on the lips.. a lifetime on the ...

[fridayflash]

true? i must head over to get my 'LICENCE TO KILL'
then i can be fridayflash007 yeeaaahhhh!!!!!

[fLaThEaD FreD]

I've got a mate who has been to Rarotonga and come back with his bike licence. No mention of any restrictions. Can he still trade it in for a full over here or has that particular loophole been closed?

It seams it can still be done....however it is deamed that when you swap it here it is valid for twelve months as is anyone that shows there overseas licence when applying for a NZ one when visiting from Raro. I decided to follow through the guaduated NZ system rather than have to leave the country for Raro every twelve months to stay valid..........hopefully a positive reply to my over 250cc exception is in my mailbox on Monday as the answer was posted Thursday......nuthin to lose if it's not! :ride:

[Flatcap]

It also qualifies you for a bus license, HT, and Self Laying Track.

Perhaps I should commute in a tank.....

[woodboats]

We got back a couple of weeks ago. Since I already had a license it was $10 to get a Raro MC endorsment, and if you never had a MC license it was another $5.75 for your full MC licence and that included being followed around the block by the testing person.

[mokomoa112]

We got back a couple of weeks ago. Since I already had a license it was $10 to get a Raro MC endorsment, and if you never had a MC license it was another $5.75 for your full MC licence and that included being followed around the block by the testing person.

What was the water like??? diving/fishing??

[fergie]

Moko
head over to trademe.co.nz/community/travel that will answer any travel related questions,awesome place for a holiday. we leave here tuesday!!! yeehaaa.

[woodboats]

Water is clear and the whole place is surrounded by a coral reef.
I ended up hiring a 125 GN Suzuki (along with a small car for family stuff). I usually did a couple of hours riding early morning then some more late afternoon while everyone was recovering from their day.
Mostly scooters for hire and when I saw the 125 I said to the lady "I'll take the GN please", She said sorry, we don't have one of those.
When I pointed it out to her she said "Oh, you mean the clutch bike".

[Hawkeye]

So! If I'm reading it right. If you turn up with a Raro licence, you can take the scratchy and book a full practical test. Therefore circumnavigating the graduated system.

[Mikkel]

So! If I'm reading it right. If you turn up with a Raro licence, you can take the scratchy and book a full practical test. Therefore circumnavigating the graduated system.

If Rarotonga is like most other countries you only need to do the scratchy test.

[fergie]

there is no test!,just rock up,wait, pay ya 10bucks,wait,they take your mugshot,wait,if you have a bike licence,wait,they give you a raro licence,if you don't have a bike licence,you wait,then ride round the block,wait.they give you a licence,simple

[rustys]

Went on an organised bike tour in Australia last year. One of the group never had a motorcycle licence, which ment he could not hire ride or hire a rental motorcycle without it. So doing some re search he found that buy going to Raro for a holiday and getting his $10.00 motorcycle licence, he was then legal to ride and hire his bike in Australia. I think it was valid for something like six months though.

[CHOPPA]

Na you can only swap a full motorcycle licence if you have held it for atleast 2 years, i had my full oz licence but couldnt swap it for a full nz for 2 years so i just sat my nz full...

[Switch]

I went over to Rarotonga when i was 17 i believe. Only had my Restricted Car licence. Stopped in at the police station in Raro, paid $10, and a group of us (tourists) rode around the block being followed by a police officer.
Half way through the ride an older lady almost crashed so the police officer stopped to help her out and told the rest of us to meet him back at the police station :blink: So off we rode and 5 minutes later he arrived with her back at the station, wondered off inside then told us to wait for them to print out the licences :D
So after about 30 minutes of sitting around, 5 minutes of riding, i had a full Rarotongan Motorcycle licence valid for a year :sweatdrop

The family hired a few bikes and we rode around the island all day. Was fantastic

Unfortunatly i didnt know about the loop-hole until after my licence had expired >.<

[Hawkeye]

there is no test!,just rock up,wait, pay ya 10bucks,wait,they take your mugshot,wait,if you have a bike licence,wait,they give you a raro licence,if you don't have a bike licence,you wait,then ride round the block,wait.they give you a licence,simple

He has the Raro licence. Got that when he was there. Now wants to convert it to a NZ full.

[Hawkeye]

Na you can only swap a full motorcycle licence if you have held it for atleast 2 years, i had my full oz licence but couldnt swap it for a full nz for 2 years so i just sat my nz full...

But did you have to go through the restricted first or did you only take full?

[Mom]

But did you have to go through the restricted first or did you only take full?

Someone earlier posted about needing to hold a current overseas license for 2 years before you can convert it. When we were there last year we were offered the option of taking the Raro license for 5 years ($50) IIRC or one year $10. You can drive on an overseas license for ?12 months without converting, someone can clarify that I am certain.


I am certain there is a thread devoted to this issue somewhere on here. Why not ring LTSA tomorrow and ask?

[Hawkeye]

I've got a mate who has been to Rarotonga and come back with his bike licence. No mention of any restrictions. Can he still trade it in for a full over here or has that particular loophole been closed?

Just so that the original question is very very clear.

1. He has already been to Rarotonga.
2. He does not have a NZ licence.
3. Whilst in Rarotonga, he sat and passed his bike licence ($10 + ride around the block).
4. He has returned from Rarotonga with a full Rarotanga bike licence.

Question: what steps does he have to go through to get a NZ full licence.

[90s]

Do a search because over the last few years I have posted on this topic many, many times in excruciating detail the laws and steps with reference to converting a Raro to NZ licence.

The process is simple - you must convert within a year (see previous posts for debates ad nusuem on the definition of a "year" - ie. from last entry into the country ... )

Go to the AA, get the conversion form and book the full test. You must then take the full test scractchy and do the full test practical.

Yes you do 'jump' all the other steps and proceed to a full, pass go and get $200 etc. If you pass. And, as countless other threads on this have made clear, if your previous experience was some scooter on Raro getting an R1 as your next step will ensure a very short motorcycling career.

Good luck all.



Just so that the original question is very very clear.

1. He has already been to Rarotonga.
2. He does not have a NZ licence.
3. Whilst in Rarotonga, he sat and passed his bike licence ($10 + ride around the block).
4. He has returned from Rarotonga with a full Rarotanga bike licence.

Question: what steps does he have to go through to get a NZ full licence.

[Hawkeye]

Do a search because over the last few years I have posted on this topic many, many times in excruciating detail the laws and steps with reference to converting a Raro to NZ licence.

The process is simple - you must convert within a year (see previous posts for debates ad nusuem on the definition of a "year" - ie. from last entry into the country ... )

Go to the AA, get the conversion form and book the full test. You must then take the full test scractchy and do the full test practical.

Yes you do 'jump' all the other steps and proceed to a full, pass go and get $200 etc. If you pass. And, as countless other threads on this have made clear, if your previous experience was some scooter on Raro getting an R1 as your next step will ensure a very short motorcycling career.

Good luck all.

Thanks. 90s. He's been riding for quite a while, just never got around to doing the paperwork. Although there have been numerous threads on the subject, I had heard rumours that the loop hole had been closed, which is why I was asking.


It also appears that a number of our resident 'experts' on here can't quite read and have explained, in great detail, how to get a Rarotonga licence.:bleh:

[Tank]

Perhaps I should commute in a tank.....

that just aint gonna happen sunshine ...

[Krayy]

I fail to see how the AA or any other authority can take the Raro license as anything other than a joke. The "license" system is in place to rip tourists off cos when you hire a car or scooter/125 bike on the island, you aren't covered by insurance until you have paid your 10 bucks for the license.

Think of it as a taxation system rather than anything real.

Then again if the AA or other licensing authority accepts it, then they are cocks of the first order and should be the first against the wall when the revolution comes...oh hang on, that was phone sanitisers.

[jamiey]

Just been sat reading this thread, then came across this story on the Herald website

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10525255

Riding without a licence (it sounds like a Raro one is just like not having one), without any experience too often ends up with only one result. :done:

[90s]

Thanks. 90s. He's been riding for quite a while, just never got around to doing the paperwork. Although there have been numerous threads on the subject, I had heard rumours that the loop hole had been closed, which is why I was asking.


It also appears that a number of our resident 'experts' on here can't quite read and have explained, in great detail, how to get a Rarotonga licence.:bleh:

Point taken, but as the Cook Islands are legally within the NZ remit because of the constitutional relationship it would be hard to close this 'loop-hole'. In fact it is utterly wrong to think of this as a loop-hole - its just one territory or country that has its licence acknowledged by NZ, but one which is bound to NZ.

The point that the licence system in Raro is a joke and a tax system is a point well taken (however, there are people who fail - yes fail - the test), but I could extend this to the NZ system, which is also bit of a joke. Really. Just not a very funny one (it certainly does not train people to understand the rode code, ride or drive well).

Do I think the Raro licence should be acknowledged as being of the same standard as the UK licence for example? Erm, no.
But changing this is not going to happen easily.

Good luck to your friend ...

[portokiwi]

:lol: I was accepted for the Cook Islands police force.... As far as I know, You can not use your cook Islands drivers licence anywhere else but in the Cooks. My sister has just been back here and gone back she just updated her New Zealand one. It looks nice but worthless anywhere else in the world lol.
My wife has one and when she went to AA they said NO to the cook Island one but Yes to her Portuguese one.
I hope this helps.

[90s]

:It looks nice but worthless anywhere else in the world lol.
My wife has one and when she went to AA they said NO to the cook Island one but Yes to her Portuguese one.
I hope this helps.

Well it is useful because you can convert it to a NZ licence through the due process.
And the AA do run the conversion tests.

[portokiwi]

:shit: Cool Tell me how her Portuguese one will expire in Nov then she has to sit her therory. But if you think she can trade her Cook Island one to New Zealand We would love to know what steps she has to take.
That would be soooooooooo Cool.:wari:

[90s]

:shit: Cool Tell me how her Portuguese one will expire in Nov then she has to sit her therory. But if you think she can trade her Cook Island one to New Zealand We would love to know what steps she has to take.
That would be soooooooooo Cool.:wari:

Its the same process as for converting the Portuguese licence - go to the AA and convert your overseas licence.
If the Port. licence is only for a cage and the Raro one is for a bike you can convert the Raro one to a full bike (you sit the final theory and do the advanced road test). If the Port. licence is also for cage & bike then you can just convert that. I think (I'd check this) but to convert the Port cage licence to NZ you would not need to do any practical - but if you convert a Raro licence you would have to do all the advanced practical tests.

When I moved to NZ I had lost my European bike licences (I found them in a drawer afterwards ... doh!) and hadn't been on a motorbike for quite a few years. I failed to convert my overseas licence within a year (at which point it expires in NZ) and decided to get a 6L and then write LTNZ a letter asking to jump straight to the full licence based on the fact I've been a licenced motorcycle rider since 1988 (aparently they are quite fair in allowing this if you make a good case). However, I had been over to Raro on work and had a licence sitting about when I read on here you could just convert a Raro to a full.
I looked into it and did it as the simplest fastest solution - and hey presto piece of cake.

[Bronx]

Sorry to labour the point 90s, but did you end up getting your 6L before converting your Raro licence?

I've got my 6L and am heading Raro way for a holiday. Can I still get my souvenir licence and convert it to a NZ full?

I don't suppose anyone knows the relevant section of the Land Transport act/regs/rules for the licence conversion?

Cheers

[h20boy]

I was just declined an exemption from my NZ learners and as I have a brand new bike sitting in my shed and want to ride it, I'm considering a trip to Rarotonga.
(I was declined because my bike isn't on the approved list.)
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=80648

If I go over and get my full MC license, will i be able to go through the exchange process even though I already have a NZ learners?

[TL1000R]

You cant convert the Raro licence to NZ Full licence anymore.. they closed that loop hole about 11 months ago.. you can still legally ride on it for either 6-12 months from what i remember but it cant be converted to a NZ full anymore..

You may be lucky and able to convert it to a NZ Learners, but northing higher.. and you have to contactt he Rarotongan police etc, and they have to send a full detailed information of the test that you sat over there.. and the fact that you right about 50m down the road, turn around the come back doesnt sit well the testers here etc.

[MarkH]

You cant convert the Raro licence to NZ Full licence anymore.. they closed that loop hole about 11 months ago.. you can still legally ride on it for either 6-12 months from what i remember but it cant be converted to a NZ full anymore..

So, can h2Oboy come back to NZ with a Raro license and ride on that for 12 months? By the time 12 months is up he will then have a full NZ license and can ride on that. No need to convert or anything?

[Tony]

I am interested in getting an Rarotongan license and then converting it to a NZ full license. I think the current licensing scheme is flawed (silly 70kmh law) but is mostly reasonable for most people - However like everyone I think I am an exception!

I recently obtained a 6L license and want to move up from my current 250CC bike in a few months to something more suitable for touring. (Not interested in sports bikes). I started riding bikes off road when I was 10. I have held a car license for over 20 years, so I think I have the right attidudes, road sense and a sensible skill level to take the next step.

There is quite a lot of confusing and contradictory answers in this forum. Anyway I decided to go to the source and get the real answers rather than hear say from bunch of well meaning but confused Kiwi Bikers.

I decided the best option was to go to the source and call the LTSA. Here is the shortened transcript as best and accurately as I can remember it from 10 minutes ago.

Me: Good moring I would like to know what is involved in getting a Rarotongan license converted to a NZ license.

LTSA: What is your name?

Me: XXXXX YYYYY

LTSA: Is this for a motorcycle license?

Me: Yes.

LTSA: OK this is a common request. The rules have changed. You need to contact the Coook Islands Licensing Authority and ask them to fax through what you did to obtain your license.

Me: When did the rules change?

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: I don't know, maybe about 12 months ago.

Me: Why do I need to get the Cook Islands Licensing Autority to fax this info through to the LTSA?

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: For appraisal, each case is dealt with on a case by case factor.

Me: What factors do they look at?

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: What tests you completed to obtain your Rarotongan license and how long you have had it.

Me: Can you tell me what tests do I need to have done and how long do I have need to held the license for?

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: I can't tell you that each case is dealt with on a case by case basis.

Me: Can you put me through to the people who do know or those who make the case by case decisions?

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: No. I can't do that.

Me: How can I get to talk to them?

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: The only way to contact them is by submitting an application to convert your license.

Me: So let me understand this. It may be possible to convert a Rarotongan motorcyle license to a Full New Zealand Motorcyle license. It will be dealt with on a case by case basis. I can't talk to the secret people who make the desicion to get an understanding of the secret criteria unless I have their secret contact details and the only way I can get their secret contact details is to make an application to convert a license.

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: Yes.

Me: Thats a lot of hassle just to find out whether I can convert a Rarotongan license.

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: (Can't remember exact response - but still very pleasant)

Me: Oh OK. I am trying to clarrify this for my own needs and because I want to write something to clarrify this for others on an online forum.

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: So you are writing an article. Then you must speak call XXXX in our communications division.

Me: I don't have to.

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: Yes you must.

(At this point I think that John Cleese or Spike Miligan is probably going to come on the line)

Me: No I don't have to. Free speech allows me to just publicise the contents of this conversation accurately.

Pleasant lady at the LTSA: Would you like me to put you through to XXXX in our communications division.

Me: Alright then, yes, thank you very much for your help.

Ring Ring

LTSA operator: XXXX is away and not available, would you like to speak to YYYYY

Me: OK

Ring Ring

Voice recording: I am not available currently please leave a detailed message....

Me: (This is getting to hard/funny/absurd... hang up because I am sure that the commmunications department will just tell me that they can't tell me because they don't want people to know the criteria because this would help people exploit any legal loop holes. Which I would consider a reasonable response).


Summary:

The only thing I have learned is there is no guarantee that this loop hole still works.

If you already have a New Zealand 6L license you may not have to do a practical test in Rarotonga. I suggest however that you still try to still do the practical test in Rarotonga so that they will at least tell the LTSA here that you have done that as it may be a factor that helps in the case by case descision in converting your Rarotongan license to a full NZ license.

Short of using the officials secrets act or following thru with their communications department (who will probably avoid providing clear answers)
I can't see a way of getting any further clarrification on this from the LTSA.

[supraman_nz]

Even though you cant convert it to a full licence straight away, you can still ride on it for 12 months while you are in NZ. Can anyone confirm this? even though this only helps people on their restricted.
Also if you get a full MC raro licence does it matter that you also have a NZ restricted or learners?

[Tony]

Even though you cant convert it to a full licence straight away, you can still ride on it for 12 months while you are in NZ. Can anyone confirm this? even though this only helps people on their restricted.


Yes I can confirm this. The LTSA web site says that you can drive on an overseas license for a period of 12 months.


reference source (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/1999/0100/latest/DLM281967.html)

Note the wording of this clause though...

"A person, on arrival in New Zealand, is deemed to hold a New Zealand driver licence of a class that entitles the person to drive the motor vehicles that the person is entitled to drive under—
(a) A valid and current driver licence or permit issued overseas to the person, after the person has produced proof of the person's driving competence, by an overseas authority, or an agent of that authority, authorised to issue a driver licence or permit;"

I think they may be able to interpret "proof of the person's driving competency" as requiring a letter from the overseas driving authority describing what test you had to do to obtain the license.


Also if you get a full MC raro licence does it matter that you also have a NZ restricted or learners?

I see nothing in the legislation that says it makes any difference in any way if you already have a NZ restricted or learners license.


If you wish to convert your Raro license to a NZ license:


You do not need to do the 6L and 6R time. reference source (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/1999/0100/latest/DLM281983.html)

You will still need to do the practical test unless you have had the Raro license for more than two years.



reference source (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/1999/0100/latest/DLM281980.html)

[mxracer_nz]

i done it end of 06, went there with my learners, paid $10 didnt do any test just got photo and it handed over, i think paid $80 buks over here and just had to sit restricted practical test and then they gave me my full. i havent herd of it being changed since then

[Da Bird]

Have just come back from Raro this evening... after giving my "never ridden a motorbike in her life" partner a few tips and about 10 minutes of riding experience on a back road in Raro, she applied for her practical test which consisted on a ride around the block - literally. (She actually practised the test ride first). It took less than 5 minutes... if you are unlucky, the cop will get you to cross the sometimes busy main street and go a few hundred metres down the road and go around a roundabout before coming back to the police station.

The price for the licence is now $20.00. (plus the test was $5.00 or $6.00).. probably to pay for the gas for the 500cc cop bike. (Gas is about $2.75 a litre!)
And the worst part... the annual licence actually expires on the day before your birthday so in my partner's case, at the end of March which only makes it about 6 months.
I paid the $20 to convert my full NZ bike licence to a Raro one - no test required.
Not sure if my partner will try to convert it to a NZ licence but have to say, the whole Raro thing is bit of a joke and I would ensure my partner went to some riding / skills course before she ventured on any NZ roads, that's for sure. But we did have fun putting around the island a few times on our 125cc scooters.

[NighthawkNZ]

Ask Deliphius what he did to get his...?

[Insanity_rules]

The point that the licence system in Raro is a joke and a tax system is a point well taken (however, there are people who fail - yes fail - the test), but I could extend this to the NZ system, which is also bit of a joke. Really. Just not a very funny one (it certainly does not train people to understand the rode code, ride or drive well)

I have witnessed first hand a guy FAIL his cook island bike test. He was a 6 foot 2 odd German guy from my test group who wobbled heaps on a scooter that was waaaayyy to small for him. To drive a final nail into his coffin when the very pleasent police officer tried to give him some well meaning advice, he started an arguement and stormed off in a huff.

He offered to let the guy swap his rental bike and come back with something more his size!

What a cartoon.

[Salival]

I got back from Raro myself recently - seems I went through the same 'fill out a form and hand over $20' performance as many others. No hassles and they were very polite. I already have my class six so they converted it straight over.

Gotta admit, though, if this loophole does exist rocking over to Rarotonga for a week's holiday in awesome weather then coming back and cutting your 6L/R time to zero is a pretty good deal. Given the chance to cut my risky time back I would've jumped at it!

[Bronx]

I think they may be able to interpret "proof of the person's driving competency" as requiring a letter from the overseas driving authority describing what test you had to do to obtain the license.


I think from the way the section is structured the "proof of ... driving competency" refers to demonstration to the 'overseas agency' (such as the Raro 'block' test), and not a letter from the agency to LTNZ.

[Lucy]

You cant convert the Raro licence to NZ Full licence anymore.. they closed that loop hole about 11 months ago.. you can still legally ride on it for either 6-12 months from what i remember but it cant be converted to a NZ full anymore..

.


I converted mine in December last year, must have been one of the last if they stopped doing it eleven months ago. Still had to do the practical, (already had my 6L) but skipped the restricted bit.

People in the ltsa must read KB...

:doh:

[Jonathanmenzies]

I know this is dragging up an old post, but ah well!

Anyway popped into AA today and chatted to them about it, turns out it has changed again recently.

Deal is as long as you have a Rarotongan licence that is no more than 12 months expired, you sit the learner theory + Full practical test which sets you back $157.80 (learner theory + application fee $96.10, and the full practical test $61.70) and they give you a full NZ motorcycle licence.

so pretty much it saves you 2.5/3 years and an odd $290. :2thumbsup

[skippa1]

I know this is dragging up an old post, but ah well!

Anyway popped into AA today and chatted to them about it, turns out it has changed again recently.

Deal is as long as you have a Rarotongan licence that is no more than 12 months expired, you sit the learner theory + Full practical test which sets you back $157.80 (learner theory + application fee $96.10, and the full practical test $61.70) and they give you a full NZ motorcycle licence.

so pretty much it saves you 2.5/3 years and an odd $290. :2thumbsup

Bullshit

10

[f2dz]

Bullshit

10

I would tend to agree.

For argument's sake, what happens if you're almost through your restricted but you have a full Raro license? I'd love to get my full early..

[mhm]

is this shit stirring or what?ive got a current raro license and a restricted nz.are you saying i can go sit the full license test and be done?think this warrents a phone call to aa myself

[Maha]

I know this is dragging up an old post, but ah well!

Anyway popped into AA today and chatted to them about it, turns out it has changed again recently.

Deal is as long as you have a Rarotongan licence that is no more than 12 months expired, you sit the learner theory + Full practical test which sets you back $157.80 (learner theory + application fee $96.10, and the full practical test $61.70) and they give you a full NZ motorcycle licence.

so pretty much it saves you 2.5/3 years and an odd $290. :2thumbsup

The Raro licence is only valid for 12 months. It is basically just a donation of $?? to the Raro Government, you have to be pretty awful NOT to get a Raro licence. Add in the cost of the plane ticket and accom in Raro to obtain said licence? it starts to become an expensive acquirement.

[p.dath]

This wiki article cites the relevant legislation.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/wiki/Overseas_driver_licence_conversion

A licence from Rarotonga is effectively worthless now. The New Zealand Government no longer recognise it when applying for a new NZ licence.

[mhm]

ok i've just gotten off the phone with ltnz. the woman tells me i can take my raro license (i paid for a 5yr one :laugh:,but as long as its currently valid),current restricted nz license,passport which shows latest entry date into the country and proof of address into agent,pay for and sit only the full practical which costs like $110 and its done.will be trying tomorrow and will let you all know

[Maha]

ok i've just gotten off the phone with ltnz. the woman tells me i can take my raro license (i paid for a 5yr one :laugh:,but as long as its currently valid),current restricted nz license,passport which shows latest entry date into the country and proof of address into agent,pay for and sit only the full practical which costs like $110 and its done.will be trying tomorrow and will let you all know

Straight from the horses mouth (so to speak) Mr Dath may need to brush up on his knowledge on such matters. Spray and Wiki away.

[mhm]

yeah i think the key here is its not being simply transferred like it used to be.what they're now saying is ' ok you've held an overseas license,if you can pass our practical you must be telling the truth' type thing.here's hoping any way. i only missed out of the 3 months for over 25 as i didn't know it was coming in and am currently 10 months through restricted so i'm getting there but it sucks

[Angel_of_Metal]

Yep a friend of mine went to raro on the way to the US just so he could get a license, which would let him buy a car in the US. Methinks maybe I should just go for a quick holiday to raro next year instead... :whistle:

[skippa1]

I will believe it when I see it. I tried that after over 25 years of riding without a licence and when the rubber hit the road, the licensing authority wouldn't do it. I had to do it the only way they would allow. The proper way. Pics or it didn't happen pal

[fridayflash]

ok i've just gotten off the phone with ltnz. the woman tells me i can take my raro license (i paid for a 5yr one :laugh:,but as long as its currently valid),current restricted nz license,passport which shows latest entry date into the country and proof of address into agent,pay for and sit only the full practical which costs like $110 and its done.will be trying tomorrow and will let you all know


i looked at this years ago, will be interested to see how you get on now.........

[Tazz]

I'd like to volunteer to take one for the team here guys.

I'm going to start a fund for all those skeptics and interested parties to donate to in the interests of licensetific research for me to fly over to Raro for a week to nab a license and put this theory to the test as soon as I get back to NZ soil.

While I am there to make the most of the trip I can also partake in some alcohology analysis and cartography testing in the name of kiteboardography endeavors.

It's going to be pretty tough, especially this time of year, but I'm ready for it.

[fridayflash]

im ok with coming as carry on luggage :devil2:

[fridayflash]

we could stay here....

http://johncharlesdavies.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/sheraton_01.png

[Tazz]

Hell yeah. Check out that natural bush walk! Lush as!
If you play your suitcase contortion skills right and have an open mind I bet you could get us rooms there for free too.

[skippa1]

Hell yeah. Check out that natural bush walk! Lush as! .

I prefer shaved myself

[mhm]

believe me guys im a sceptic too but its worth a visit to vtnz tomorrow,im willing to waste my 2mins if it saves me 8months of waiting

[mhm]

ok guys,u were right,i wasted my time...................listening to you sceptics :laugh:

have been in to vtnz this morning and sorted my license test with the lovely lady Helen who was very helpful.cost me 115 all up as had to get some photocopies done.so am now booked for a test on 25nov,now to find a bike to do it on haha

paper work required is

nz license if you have one
overseas license you want to transfer (must be in english or have translation document)
proof of address (not older than 2months i think)
pass the eye test
get a photo

and its on

[Tazz]

Hey, my offer was genuine bud! XD

Good work though man. Never believe everything/anything you read from monkeys on the internet is a good rule of thumb eh haha

Good luck with the test! You might be able to use someones bike on here in exchange for some beers or services :blip: if you're lucky (pretty sure if you're not paying cash to hire it you're covered by their insurance and the like ;))

Better make the booking fridayflash, I've got my togs on already in anticipation. Hope you don't mind them in the suitcase with you.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/01/28/250borat,0.jpg

[fridayflash]

Better make the booking fridayflash, I've got my togs on already in anticipation. Hope you don't mind them in the suitcase with you.

oh what man?....we cant both wear the same outfit!!?? ill have to dig out my 70's pinstripe speedos :sweatdrop

[p.dath]

ok i've just gotten off the phone with ltnz. the woman tells me i can take my raro license (i paid for a 5yr one :laugh:,but as long as its currently valid),current restricted nz license,passport which shows latest entry date into the country and proof of address into agent,pay for and sit only the full practical which costs like $110 and its done.will be trying tomorrow and will let you all know

Did it work?

[mhm]

yeah,look back up page to my last post,full license test booked

[R650R]

But now its been broadcast in a public forum wonder if it will come to notice through the relevant channels and the watchers on here...

[mhm]

But now its been broadcast in a public forum wonder if it will come to notice through the relevant channels and the watchers on here...

well that's a possibility but don't think it will affect anything.its not like the old system where you just flashed your raro license and they gave you a full,they're now saying ok if you can prove your up to standard,by passing our test, then that's fair proof you are good enough

[Wayz]

Hehe great work mate, have known about this for a bit, half me mates got their riding voucher this way....in saying that don't you love the fucking idiots on this site, un-informed quick to judge nancy boys!

[f2dz]

I was very intrigued by the possibilities of this, and having returned from a trip to Raro earlier in the year I promptly emailed NZTA to ask.

Here's their reply:


If you have resided in the Cook Islands for some time and have been issued with a Cook Island driver licence, you can apply to convert this to the equivalent New Zealand classes. However, if you have obtained a temporary licence as a visitor to the Cook Islands, you cannot convert this type of licence.


To convert a Cook Island licence you are required to present:

· your actual Cook Island licence that is current or expired no more than 12 months (a temporary 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 a 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 these photocopies.


You'll need to take this documentation to a driver licensing agent. The following link lists their locations.

www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/where-to-go


We will allow you to convert your full Cook Island motorcycle licence to the equivalent full New Zealand motorcycle licence. You'll need to pass a practical test in order to obtain a full New Zealand licence. The cost to convert your licence is $52.10 for the application fee and $59.90 for the practical driving test. Once you have successfully completed your application and passed your test you'll be issued with a full New Zealand licence.


Your Cook Island licence will be returned as soon as the driver licensing agent has verified the details. Converting to a New Zealand licence does not affect the validity of your overseas licence. However, once you have a New Zealand licence you can no longer drive on your overseas licence in New Zealand.

I've checked my Raro license and it doesn't mention anything about it being temporary. It expires end of next year and has the name of the resort I was staying at though, so perhaps the person will wise up and see that I got it while on holiday. But if we're going to split hairs like that, it doesn't say 'temporary' on it anywhere, and that seems to be the one stipulation that this NZTA rep has stated.

If I go past AA on the weekend I'll pop in and give it a shot. Not holding my breath though. I'll be getting my full in March anyway, and don't really have the funds for a new bike just yet anywho.

[skippa1]

I was very intrigued by the possibilities of this, and having returned from a trip to Raro earlier in the year I promptly emailed NZTA to ask.

Here's their reply:



I've checked my Raro license and it doesn't mention anything about it being temporary. It expires end of next year and has the name of the resort I was staying at though, so perhaps the person will wise up and see that I got it while on holiday. But if we're going to split hairs like that, it doesn't say 'temporary' on it anywhere, and that seems to be the one stipulation that this NZTA rep has stated.

If I go past AA on the weekend I'll pop in and give it a shot. Not holding my breath though. I'll be getting my full in March anyway, and don't really have the funds for a new bike just yet anywho.
I've been there and done that. Although the op pullock thinks he can get away with it, they're not generally that dumb. If he got away with it, good on him, but my inquiries led me to do it the hard way. Bottom line, why are they trying to cheat the system, unless they can't pass a decent test?

[oneblackflag]

I've been there and done that. Although the op pullock thinks he can get away with it, they're not generally that dumb. If he got away with it, good on him, but my inquiries led me to do it the hard way. Bottom line, why are they trying to cheat the system, unless they can't pass a decent test?

Well... they do pass the same Full NZ licence test anyone else takes...:psst: ... Just in less time..

[Dangsta]

I see anyone who attempts to shortcut a licensing process to jump on a big bike with little in the way of experience (not you other guys who've been riding for years with no licence and needed to get legit quickly) as having a direct benefit to bike safety and New Zealand. Essentially, they will continue to make headlines when they are scraped off the road (promoting bike safety) which in turn has the two-fold effect of firstly eliminating their dumb asses from the gene pool and secondly making them less of a drain on national super when I'm ready to retire. Keep up the good work knuckleheads.:niceone:

[oneblackflag]

I see anyone who attempts to shortcut a licensing process to jump on a big bike with little in the way of experience (not you other guys who've been riding for years with no licence and needed to get legit quickly) as having a direct benefit to bike safety and New Zealand. Essentially, they will continue to make headlines when they are scraped off the road (promoting bike safety) which in turn has the two-fold effect of firstly eliminating their dumb asses from the gene pool and secondly making them less of a drain on national super when I'm ready to retire. Keep up the good work knuckleheads.:niceone:

Seems like a problem with the licencing to me, its all about compatancy... CBTA seems like the way to go (If you cant get time of for Raro I guess)

[Dangsta]

Seems like a problem with the licencing to me, its all about compatancy... CBTA seems like the way to go (If you cant get time of for Raro I guess)

Agreed. I guess I got a bit "keyboard warrior" for a second. It takes time and experience to learn to ride a bike (although you can't teach common sense) and the bigger bikes that you can get on a full licence aren't for novices. I worry about someone reading this thread deciding to shortcut the system, go for a cheap holiday and then use this as a way to get an R1 or a big block and end up being scraped off the tarmac. They might even be unlucky enough to survive and have to live with some pretty nightmarish injuries. That was kind of my point although admittedly I didn't do that good a job making it.

[mhm]

well update time.sat my full this morning and passed as expected.just some back ground info so people don't think I'm sum keyboard cock is that I've been riding for 12yrs. I got my learners the day I turned 15 and have ridden since ie I've done the time in the seat.what I never did was put the time in to get license sorted,similar to guys who have ridden all their lives without a license. I've simply come to a point in life where 1 could say I'm more mature and want to follow the law.as for where my international license came from I've still had to pass the same full test others do so I'm no dummy.and I agree as soon cbt comes in it should be a good thing......as long as the test is of a resonable difficulty.side not my mate went to do his basic handling 8 months odd back.the certificates were all ready printed and signed before the test began and 2 of the indian fellas there dropped the bike multiple times and yet still got their cert. that is bull and if it continues our roads will get no safer

[Wayz]

This just points out that our licensing system is bull-shit, where are the CBTA courses now? We eliminate one licensing process then have nothing in place!

[Wayz]

I would strongly disagree with the loophole if you we're able to swap the Raro license for an NZ full, but if you have to prove yourself by sitting our full then go for it if you can!

[Tazz]

Congrats on getting your full man and cheers for the updates. Looks like the crowd funded research trip to Raro is off though =(


I would strongly disagree with the loophole if you we're able to swap the Raro license for an NZ full, but if you have to prove yourself by sitting our full then go for it if you can!

x 2.

Would be awesome if it was like that for all international licenses to be valid in NZ. I'd be happy for my portion of some of the ACC surplus to go towards setting something like that up, and would be happy to do the same when travelling abroad if required. Only point would be to make sure it is not so expensive/time consuming that it deterred tourists.

[bluninja]

Would be awesome if it was like that for all international licenses to be valid in NZ. I'd be happy for my portion of some of the ACC surplus to go towards setting something like that up, and would be happy to do the same when travelling abroad if required. Only point would be to make sure it is not so expensive/time consuming that it deterred tourists.

Swapped my UK full license to NZ. Had to do a scratchy for motorbikes, and a scratchy for trucks, but not one for cars. Now have 1-6 on an NZ license. Good job they didn't make me sit a practical on a truck and trailer unit as I've never driven one, must be jut like pulling a motorbike on a trailer behind a car though shouldn't it :cool:

[ggreen]

Has anyone done this recently?

[oneblackflag]

Has anyone done this recently?

Post #79 25th November.

[pretenda]

13th of Jan. I did the full test for converting my Raro licence for NZ Full. Booked the test in Nov last year.

Still on my 250 and plan to be for a wile longer. The main reasons i wanted to do it was to 1) Get rid of the L plate 2) be able to ride after 10pm and before 5am.

[Larksea]

bugger wish I knew about this one I woulda booked myself a holiday in raro last year >.<