I'm sorry, but this is just plain stupid: licence renewal

**Malcolm** · 25th August 2010, 11:26

So, I've recently received my 6F licence (passed my test week before last, wooo!), and I was surprised to see that the expiry date is still the same as it was when I got my full car licence - which is November this year! I called NZTA, assuming this is some sort of error, but no, apparently this is how the system works. When you're issued a new licence it does not update the expiry date.

So what's involved in updating your licence? Exactly the same process you go through when you're applying to sit a test, the same process I've been through three times in the last 18 months - getting your eyesight checked, giving proof of ID, getting an up to date photo taken, and filling out an extra form. You can even do it at the same time as you apply for a licence test, meaning it isn't even any extra work or time for anyone, but you stilll have the pleasure of paying an extra $50.

Does it seem to anyone else that this is little more than an extra money-grab? Going through the three phases of getting my licence I've given them around $250 since the beginning of last year. I'm going to see about what needs to be done to lay a formal complaint about this idiotic process, in hopes of convincing them to not make me pay, before my licence expires.

**onearmedbandit** · 25th August 2010, 11:31

Be thankful you don't live in places like Japan or Germany, it would cost you 10x the amount plus to get your license. But you'd be a better driver/rider for it.

**Malcolm** · 25th August 2010, 11:32

but I bet I wouldn't have to go back and pay more a couple of months after receiving my licence to get my picture taken again. By the way, this wasn't a post to complaint about the cost of going through the graduated licence system.

**avgas** · 25th August 2010, 11:33

tis the way it works.
sorry.

**Malcolm** · 25th August 2010, 11:38

I just checked, you don't even have to fill out an extra form, just tick an extra box on the DL1 form (http://nzta.govt.nz/resources/applic...1/docs/dl1.pdf) and give them more money.

**Smiff-ta** · 25th August 2010, 11:51

Its so your license exprires at the correct age gaps.

**onearmedbandit** · 25th August 2010, 11:55

Originally Posted by Smiff-ta

Its so your license exprires at the correct age gaps.

Exactly. For some the timing works, for others it doesn't.

**Malcolm** · 25th August 2010, 12:16

Originally Posted by Smiff-ta

Its so your license exprires at the correct age gaps.

I'm not sure I get what you're saying? Considering they have no control over when you receive you first full-licence, which is when the 10 year period begins, there are no fixed ages at which it will expire. The only reason you need to renew your licence is because when they changed to photo licences, it was no longer appropriate to have "lifetime licences" like they used to (a 70 year old carrying a photo of a 16 year old as identification is a bit useless), and since they go through all the same steps when you sit a licence test as you do when you renew your licence, you're just paying $45 to get a date changed.

**javawocky** · 25th August 2010, 12:17

Its might actually be cheaper to not get a licence in the first place, sept for the insurance stuff etc...
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/offe...ies/#penalties

**grusomhat** · 25th August 2010, 12:24

'eh It's not that bad. Over the last 4 years I've got my full car license and full bike license (that's 6 different licenses). Sure I'll have to pay a bit earlier the first time but it's not that much and after that it's 10 years between updating it.

**neels** · 25th August 2010, 12:49

I had the same thing, to the point that my new licence after my 6F hadn't even turned up yet when I had to renew my licence.

Interesting that nobody told me I could renew it at the same time, would have saved me another trip, and another wait in the queue of people who haven't brought the correct documentation and want to argue with the person over the counter about it.

**Berries** · 25th August 2010, 17:14

Originally Posted by Malcolm

I'm not sure I get what you're saying? Considering they have no control over when you receive you first full-licence, which is when the 10 year period begins, there are no fixed ages at which it will expire.

Does it not work out as being on your 25th, 35th, 45th birthday etc ?

**Number One** · 25th August 2010, 17:25

You are right it is fricken ridiculous and though I can't understand why I think the timing does relate to your 25 or 35 (atleast the expiry on mine works out to be my 35 year) - perhaps they expect that our photos will look sooooooooo different - like whatever! cha ching is what I reckon

ALSO don't count on your insurance company paying out in the event of something untoward if that stupid arse expiry date has actually gone by...even if only by a fricken week!!! ARSEBISCUITS!

**Owl** · 25th August 2010, 20:16

Originally Posted by Number One

You are right it is fricken ridiculous and though I can't understand why I think the timing does relate to your 25 or 35 (atleast the expiry on mine works out to be my 35 year) - perhaps they expect that our photos will look sooooooooo different - like whatever! cha ching is what I reckon

Eyesight test and photo upgrade every 10 years up to the age of 75, at which point a medical certificate must be obtained.