New member, new biker and a question (Fen)

**Fen** · 19th July 2012, 16:38

Hi guys,

I've already guested on the forum and learned a bit, so now it's time to sign up. I'm not a born again biker really as I did't have a real one as a teenager (I had an RD80LC for a while), but in mid life I'm getting a bike. I'm using the LAMS legislation to learn on an F650GS from October.

The bike is bought an paid for and being delivered in a few weeks, so don't try to change my mind

Anyway, I have a question. Having completed my BHS and theory tests last week I got my license from NZTA yesterday, and they have taken my green license with full class 1 and replaced it with a blue learner license with class 1 and 6L on it. Is that right?

The reason it worries me is that I've got a car booked to drive coast to coast in the USA in a few weeks and now it looks to the uneducated like I am a learner. It doesn't say anyhwere on the license at all that the L only applies to class 6, nor that I have any sort of full license. Was I supposed to get a blue one with class 1 on it, or should I have got another green one with 6L on it (as I expected)?

Thanks in advance,

Fen

**Madness** · 19th July 2012, 16:44

Originally Posted by Fen

I have a question. Having completed my BHS and theory tests last week I got my license from NZTA yesterday, and they have taken my green license with full class 1 and replaced it with a blue learner license with class 1 and 6L on it. Is that right?

That is correct as I understand it. The lack of an L next to class 1 designates that it's a full class 1. Does the Licence itself have "Learners Licence" on it anywhere?

**GrayWolf** · 19th July 2012, 16:54

Originally Posted by Fen

Hi guys,

Anyway, I have a question. Having completed my BHS and theory tests last week I got my license from NZTA yesterday, and they have taken my green license with full class 1 and replaced it with a blue learner license with class 1 and 6L on it. Is that right?

The reason it worries me is that I've got a car booked to drive coast to coast in the USA in a few weeks and now it looks to the uneducated like I am a learner. It doesn't say anyhwere on the license at all that the L only applies to class 6, nor that I have any sort of full license. Was I supposed to get a blue one with class 1 on it, or should I have got another green one with 6L on it (as I expected)?

Thanks in advance,

Fen

Yes, my partner had the same thing, basic skills on a bike and now has a 'blue' license, its a good incentive for her to 'girl up' and take her test soon.

**tigertim20** · 19th July 2012, 17:06

hey, yes that is normal - the colour of your licence is dictated by the lowest level across all classes.
A workmate has class 1,2,4,5 and a learner 6.
Hes been pulled over a couple times in the class 5 trucks and its taken the cops a momment to realise that yes, he does have a full class 5!

**Fen** · 19th July 2012, 19:59

Thanks guys, not exactly what I wanted to hear because I'm really concerned that a US car rental agent might not be convinced I have a full license when I go to pick up my Mustang... I'll ask the booking agent to pre-warn them.

**Fen** · 19th July 2012, 20:01

Originally Posted by Madness

That is correct as I understand it. The lack of an L next to class 1 designates that it's a full class 1. Does the Licence itself have "Learners Licence" on it anywhere?

Yes; literally all over it (in the wavy 'watermark'), plus a big blue box between the flag and the photo saying LEARNER. Conversely it doesn't say Full License anywhere at all...

**James Deuce** · 19th July 2012, 20:08

Fen! What have you done! Let me know when you've got the bike and figured out who this is, and you can escort me through the hazards down SH52. I haven't done it since the accident.

**Ninjarider** · 19th July 2012, 21:13

Originally Posted by Fen

Hi guys,

I've already guested on the forum and learned a bit, so now it's time to sign up. I'm not a born again biker really as I did't have a real one as a teenager (I had an RD80LC for a while), but in mid life I'm getting a bike. I'm using the LAMS legislation to learn on an F650GS from October.

The bike is bought an paid for and being delivered in a few weeks, so don't try to change my mind

Anyway, I have a question. Having completed my BHS and theory tests last week I got my license from NZTA yesterday, and they have taken my green license with full class 1 and replaced it with a blue learner license with class 1 and 6L on it. Is that right?

The reason it worries me is that I've got a car booked to drive coast to coast in the USA in a few weeks and now it looks to the uneducated like I am a learner. It doesn't say anyhwere on the license at all that the L only applies to class 6, nor that I have any sort of full license. Was I supposed to get a blue one with class 1 on it, or should I have got another green one with 6L on it (as I expected)?

Thanks in advance,

Fen

Hi, that's correct.....1 represents FULL car licence and 6L represents learner licence for motorcycle. Blue card licence.
I have the same and work for police. Perhaps note down LTSA website for the Americans to view online when you travel or you can show them or print off a page identifying the different codes and their respective meanings. Cheers S

**Fen** · 19th July 2012, 21:16

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Fen! What have you done! Let me know when you've got the bike and figured out who this is, and you can escort me through the hazards down SH52. I haven't done it since the accident.

I thought your Missus had you banned from 2 wheels?

I realize you have good reason to disagree, but compared with the UK biking looks a lot safer here in NZ - for me anyway, because I have an acute awareness of my own mortality at any time other than when surrounded by a metal cage, so I'm not going to need knee sliders and I won't be wearing my tyres out round the edges before the middle (witness choice of motorcycle). I also reckon I'm a fairly aware driver in terms of not only what others are doing but also changes in the road surface and conditions. 911s taught me that last bit. Hopefully I can keep the shiny bits off the road in other words.

I toyed with getting a license a couple of years ago, but a combination of the ludicrous cost of a 250 here, plus the purgatory of having to balance my svelt (ahem) frame on such a small machine and have it wheeze over the hill with my weight on it put me off. When the LAMS changes were pointed out to me I decided a 650 is something entirely different.

My BMW collection needed bolstering, so I took a punt and bought a GS in May before they were confirmed as LAMS approved (they are now), figuring I could get at least money back in spring if it turned to custard. It's coming from Chch and being delivered as part of the deal in September, so when I get back from the US I'll be up the road looking for that sheep to sort it out for you.

**Fen** · 19th July 2012, 21:21

Originally Posted by Ninjarider

Hi, that's correct.....1 represents FULL car licence and 6L represents learner licence for motorcycle. Blue card licence.
I have the same and work for police. Perhaps note down LTSA website for the Americans to view online when you travel or you can show them or print off a page identifying the different codes and their respective meanings. Cheers S

Thanks - my thinking too. I have the URL of the relevant page saved. I'm sure it will work out OK, but I can foresee it might take some convincing, it just never occurred to me it might be a problem.

I got an international driver's permit last week which will hopefully help convince them also.

**FJRider** · 19th July 2012, 22:35

Originally Posted by Fen

Yes; literally all over it (in the wavy 'watermark'), plus a big blue box between the flag and the photo saying LEARNER. Conversely it doesn't say Full License anywhere at all...

It says Class 1. THAT is a full Class 1. It does NOT say Class 1L.

You asked a question ... and was answered truthfully AND correctly (UNUSUAL on KB ...

)

You can get an International licence before you leave ... and ALL bases will be covered .... with your peace of mind too.

**Fen** · 19th July 2012, 22:53

Originally Posted by FJRider

It says Class 1. THAT is a full Class 1. It does NOT say Class 1L.

You asked a question ... and was answered truthfully AND correctly (UNUSUAL on KB ...

)

You can get an International licence before you leave ... and ALL bases will be covered .... with your peace of mind too.

I understand that it includes the full class 1, and I appreciate the confirmation that I was sent the correct license, however nowhere on the license itself does it say that a 1 without an L after it means full license, nor in fact is there any reference to the letter L in section 7 at all (that only appears on the web site).

If I was only driving on it in NZ then there would be no issue because the Police know how the NZ license is structured, but because the whole document has learner literally all over it someone overseas would be justified in being skeptical that it is a full license at all. It's a relatively expensive trip to the US and the rental car being released to me is essential to it working as I'm either with my mother (who has never had any sort of license and can't drive) or alone, so I'm the only driver.

I have the international, but it is only valid in conjunction with the photo card license so I probably have to show that and then explain why it says learner.

It's a concern I could do without, but at least now I know NZTA didn't send me the wrong license, so I should be able to convince the rental agent that the license I have is a full car one - because it is. Thanks for the responses everyone, I think the license discussion has been covered fully.

**FJRider** · 19th July 2012, 23:01

Originally Posted by Fen

I understand that it includes the full class 1, and I appreciate the confirmation that I was sent the correct license, however nowhere on the license itself does it say that a 1 without an L after it means full license, nor in fact is there any reference to the letter L in section 7 at all (that only appears on the web site).

If I was only driving on it in NZ then there would be no issue because the Police know how the NZ license is structured, but because the whole document has learner literally all over it someone overseas would be justified in being skeptical that it is a full license at all. It's a relatively expensive trip to the US and the rental car being released to me is essential to it working as I'm either with my mother (who has never had any sort of license and can't drive) or alone, so I'm the only driver.

It's a concern I could do without, but at least now I know NZTA didn't send me the wrong license, so I should be able to convince the rental agent that the license I have is a full car one - because it is.

For fucks sake ... the system has been in place for a numbr of years now ... the hire companys that have hired vehicles to kiwis know the New Zealand licence system. That their JOB to know. They're not that thick. If you STILL have paranoid doubts ... get an International Licence. BEFORE you leave NZ.

**Fen** · 19th July 2012, 23:12

Originally Posted by FJRider

For fucks sake ... the system has been in place for a numbr of years now ... the hire companys that have hired vehicles to kiwis know the New Zealand licence system. That their JOB to know. They're not that thick. If you STILL have paranoid doubts ... get an International Licence. BEFORE you leave NZ.

Classy. I don't care if you don't respond to anything I post ever again, so let's just leave it at that.