Passrite & the LTSA have pissed me right off!

**outlawtorn** · 21st July 2005, 16:38

For any of you who plan to use Passrite to reduce their waiting time between their restricted and their full license, listen up!

I have done 2 courses through Passrite;
- One to convert my learners into a restricted
- Another one to convert my restricted into a full

I've paid $275 for each course, gave up a full Saturday for each course, only to be told now that I have to wait for 3 months after my restricted to full course because I haven't held a NZ (car) drivers license for 2 years. When I heard this over the phone I literally dropped a bollock. I've held a South African drivers license since 1996 but that doesn't matter, it's because I haven't held a NZ one for two years, nevermind the fucking fact that I've only been in the country for 1 fucking year!!!!!!

So for all of you who are planning to get their restricted converted to a full please make sure you are aware of all the facts beforehand, because Passrite won't tell you

and the fucking LTSA don't give two shits what license you've had for how long, you HAVE to have had your NZ car drivers license for a minimum of two years.

I'm furious, I can't believe what a fucked up system that is. Does anyone know of someone I can wrtie a letter to in the LTSA to express my dis-satisfaction too or maybe some sort of advice that can help me get out of this shit situation???

aaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!!!!!

**onearmedbandit** · 21st July 2005, 16:47

Does mention that fact on their website. Unfortunately does also mention a clean driving record, so that counts me out...

**bugjuice** · 21st July 2005, 16:48

yeah, I can see why you're pissed, but your's is a bit of a unique case, is it not..??
Does suck tho

**_Gina_** · 21st July 2005, 16:49

I emailed passrite to ask about the demerit points situation - check this out...

My email
"Can you please advise whether demerit points will exclude me from applying (successfully) to participate in the Motorcycle CBTA Course?

Kind Regards"

Their reply

"Good Afternoon

Thank you very much for your enquiry free

Yes demerit points do come in to it, If you have anything over 40 dermerit points it can be a striaght out no but you still can apply for it if you like

If you have any more questions please feel free to me at the office on (09) 636-0111

Kind Regards"

I mean, to me that's just out there, they would obviously like me to donate $250.00!!!!

**placidfemme** · 21st July 2005, 17:07

wow that really sucks...

I don't have any drivers license (for a car) so I won't even bother looking into it... would rather wait the full time them pay money for nothing

**skidz** · 21st July 2005, 17:12

Welcome to New Zealand and it's fucked up rules!!!

**madboy** · 21st July 2005, 17:17

I managed to get through the CBTA with demerits and a pretty interesting driving history. Not sure how many current demerits I had at the time though - but usually it's more than 40!

**FlyingDutchMan** · 21st July 2005, 17:56

Girlygirl - you might as well apply, it doesn't cost anything, and the worst they can do is turn you down. I think most people who have applied have gotten on, so I don't think it will be much of an issue.

**El Dopa** · 21st July 2005, 19:12

I've had some dealings with Passrite. I did my basic handling skills there and I wasn't all that impressed. Following subsequent contact with them I'm even less impressed.

I wanted to do a CBTA direct access to get my full early, and they seemed to have the Auckland region sewn up, so I phoned them (several times) to see what was what. I was very enthusiastic about wanting to give them money, but got less and less so after basically getting severely dicked around after applying (but not paying) for the CBTA course.

Now it's 2 months later and it's all academic, as I can sit my full without pissing around through an expensive, half-baked course.

Dunno if I'd go as far as to slag them off to all and sundry, myslef, but I certainly wouldn't recommend them to any other bikers.

**jazbug5** · 21st July 2005, 21:56

You can apply for an exemption from the waiting period, I'm pretty sure.
When I was at LTSA, we were processing heaps of exemption applications from foreign chaps what wanted to be cab drivers; coincidentally, they also have to have held a clean NZ license for two years. You can be granted an exemption to the two year waiting period if you can produce your original foreign license.

There is now a special department in Wellington for processing foreign exemptions- could take 2-3 weeks, but worth a shot? It's a bike-friendly place, by the way.
You apply at AA or VTNZ- but see if you can get them to forward it directly to Wellington, rather than via the regional office. That can really slow things up...

Oh, and you don't send your license with the application- they write to you when they get your application.

**Hitcher** · 21st July 2005, 22:10

Fine print. Always read the fine print.

But Passrite need their arses kicked as well. Presumably there is something about your accent that should have tipped them off, coming from Seth Efrika and all... They should understand the regulations and should have told you. I would be asking for a refund or a free repeat of the course once you have officially been here long enough to meet the residency requirements.

**louisb** · 30th August 2005, 22:32

Yep same here dude. iIve had an australian car drivers licence for 15 years and it made jack all difference... still have to wait for 3 months before going from restricted to full.