Overseas licences - swapping for a NZ full license?

**McJim** · 11th October 2006, 10:38

Originally Posted by Jimmy B

strap on 140hp...JB

Oooooo - where can I get a 140hp Strap on? I know a few girls in Glasgow that would be interested in that!

**Wasp** · 11th October 2006, 12:00

if we all book the flights to rarotonga at the same time we might even get a discount

**adiddy** · 11th October 2006, 12:44

well im going in april next year now lol.... on my way through to thailand

**Squeak the Rat** · 11th October 2006, 12:56

Originally Posted by McJim

Sounds good to me - should be a case of if you can pass the test you should have the licence, otherwise what's the fukken point of the test? I wouldn't mind having to sit the test if I could get some way round the time ban - 9 months is a long time to wait for a 36 year old to be allowed out after 10pm!

Prob won't upgrade beyond 250 after I pass as I don't feel the need for power but would like to be able to legally ride at any time I want to.

I thought Dover had convinced you to get a thou! I have four weeks off with a head injumury and I've come back to a parrallel universe where things are slightly off kilt-er...

If you get your full licence overseas you still need to do a practical test in NZ when you return if you've held the full for less time than what it takes to progress through the system. At least thats how it was back in '00.

**adiddy** · 11th October 2006, 12:58

its alot easier than waiting lol...
WOULD BE nice to sit the liscnece and be able to ride with no "L" plate legally

**matt147** · 11th October 2006, 13:21

it seems like it will work! You need to take in the Rarotongan full bike licence, proof of your address (bank statement), a new zealand licence, pay $154 then sit both a practical and theory test, then you will be issued with a full NZ bike licence. I even asked "what if i have never had a NZ bike licence before", just to make it glaringly obvious, and the kind lady said "no thats no problem, as long as you have a rarotongan licence". So that sounds like good news to me, other than actually passing the tests i would say its a cinch! From what i hear about the lax road rules over there, getting a Rarotongan licence is no probs either....

And i know theres a lot of old guys thinking out there thinking that we young folk cant handle 140hp, but relax, i dont want to kill myself just yet, i only have a 400cc bike, so this is just to save me potential fines...

cheers

**adiddy** · 11th October 2006, 14:58

Originally Posted by matt147

i

And i know theres a lot of old guys thinking out there thinking that we young folk cant handle 140hp, but relax, i dont want to kill myself just yet, i only have a 400cc bike, so this is just to save me potential fines...

cheers

agreed - lol, mite pay rarotonga a visit !
just hope the law doesnt change soon!!!!

**Bruiser** · 11th October 2006, 19:19

Originally Posted by matt147

it seems like it will work! You need to take in the Rarotongan full bike licence, proof of your address (bank statement), a new zealand licence, pay $154 then sit both a practical and theory test, then you will be issued with a full NZ bike licence. I even asked "what if i have never had a NZ bike licence before", just to make it glaringly obvious, and the kind lady said "no thats no problem, as long as you have a rarotongan licence". So that sounds like good news to me, other than actually passing the tests i would say its a cinch! From what i hear about the lax road rules over there, getting a Rarotongan licence is no probs either

I just got off the phone with LTSA (or LTNZ) and you are absoultely correct. They don't measure how long you have held the Rarotongan full license, and when pass the scratchie and road test here you get an instant full license.

By the way, the full license up there consists of riding your rental scooter around the paddock at the back of the police station and a small matter of $10. They consider these licenses as "tourist licenses" there.

So there you have it people. You can't avoid the scratchie or driving test back home but you do avoid the 18 months the "system" requires for a full NZ license.

Thanks everybody for your input and lets hope they don't close the loophole.

**Insanity_rules** · 11th October 2006, 19:49

I got my Raro bike licence 3 years ago and only found out once it had expired about the licence transfer.

Sitting the licence entailed riding around the block in a group with the cop on a bike behind you. One guy actually failed, he was a really crappy rider. And he gave the cop a mouthful to boot.

I wish I had found out while it was valid. They expire after a year.

**adiddy** · 11th October 2006, 20:24

thanks lol, ill get mine soon !

**pixc** · 12th October 2006, 06:27

I mentioned this quitely and as 'ha ha' to my bf. When i came home from work I found 4 passport application forms and a heap of holiday brouchers for the islands. :P
I guess the family is off for a holiday soon

**Jimmy B** · 12th October 2006, 08:16

hey McJim,

Any reputable strap on dealer should see you right mate

**matt147** · 13th October 2006, 07:56

where is the most lax place to go in the waikato region? anyone have any suggestions or places to stay away from? Im taking my bike in on Saturday to get vinned at a VTNZ somewhere, so would really appreciate any advice, cheers

**adiddy** · 13th October 2006, 08:17

wat do you mean by that ?

**Bruiser** · 13th October 2006, 08:53

Originally Posted by matt147

where is the most lax place to go in the waikato region? anyone have any suggestions or places to stay away from? Im taking my bike in on Saturday to get vinned at a VTNZ somewhere, so would really appreciate any advice, cheers

Hi Mat, you have one other more serious issue to deal with - you, my friend, have either eyesight or perception problems.

WTF are you up to putting up a question about vinning in a thread about overseas licenses being swappped in NZ?