UK License question ...

[Whynot]

So i'm heading off to the UK for the big OE early next year ......
But at this stage i may only have my Restricted bike license.

So I was just wondering if somewhere in the great pool of wisdom that is KB there was someone who knew what this would effectively turn into when i enter the UK.

i.e would it become a "learners" or a "full" as they don't seem to have a restricted stage over there ....

any help would be great

[ceebie13]

i.e would it become a "learners" or a "full" as they don't seem to have a restricted stage over there ....

Fraid you're wrong there. Its a wee bit complicated to explain here. You should get all your answers here.

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/bikes.asp

[judecatmad]

From the above website:

Outside Europe
If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the EEA it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent British licence. You should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find out if you can exchange your foreign licence.

If you cannot exchange your foreign licence you will have to apply for a British provisional licence and take a theory and practical test.

For further information about licences within the European Community visit the Europa Transport website.

It looks like you can only exchange a full licence, otherwise you have to apply for and sit the appropriate tests - bugger eh?

[Whynot]

Fraid you're wrong there. Its a wee bit complicated to explain here. You should get all your answers here.

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/bikes.asp

yea had a look at that, but it still doesn't really clear it up ...

[McJim]

You'll be starting from Scratch as a motorcyclist but there's none of this 'wait 6 months' that I'm currently going through (doing it all the other way round).

I've heard of people in the UK sitting their Learner's in the morning and their full licence in the afternoon. Costs a few bob though - I'm sure someone on here mentioned it but I'm buggered if I know what words they used so shan't do a search.

[Whynot]

You'll be starting from Scratch as a motorcyclist but there's none of this 'wait 6 months' that I'm currently going through (doing it all the other way round).

I've heard of people in the UK sitting their Learner's in the morning and their full licence in the afternoon. Costs a few bob though - I'm sure someone on here mentioned it but I'm buggered if I know what words they used so shan't do a search.

this may have been it ....

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ght=UK+Licence

[scracha]

You'd be better sitting the full test here before you go. Riding on roads in the UK is nothing like New Zealand though. Enjoy and don't forget to visit Scotland.

[McJim]

Don't forget to visit Scotland.

Shit - you meant there's more of the UK south of Carlisle? Who'd of thought it? And the link you posted Whynot isn't it - it was an off-topic passing comment in a thread about something completely different.

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

look into an international driving permit before you leave, its good for 12 months. whether its applicable to your application, yourll have to mind out yourself. ring your local AA or LTSA etc

[boomer]

you can do a w/e course for about (no fukin pund sign on this fukin taiwanese keyboard)500 i think; should get you through 'L' to Full

[Dai]

Is there any way you can get your full NZ bike licence before you go over.

It is valid for 1 year from date of entry.

The bonus is that if you get pulled by the police and present a forgien licence they usually give you a right bollocking and tell you to go on your way.

A mate of mine is a traffic cop in Sth Wales and he told me this, as to prosecute a non UK licence requires aboout 6 months paperwork that the average cop doesnt want to do.

All traffic offenses, except parking, in the UK are considered criminal offenses and are treated as such.

[Whynot]

Is there any way you can get your full NZ bike licence before you go over.

It is valid for 1 year from date of entry.

The bonus is that if you get pulled by the police and present a forgien licence they usually give you a right bollocking and tell you to go on your way.

A mate of mine is a traffic cop in Sth Wales and he told me this, as to prosecute a non UK licence requires aboout 6 months paperwork that the average cop doesnt want to do.

All traffic offenses, except parking, in the UK are considered criminal offenses and are treated as such.

yea i may be able to .... its going to be tight for timing though.

basically i was just wondering if i did take my 6R over whether i would be allowed to ride a 250 or not ?

and if i have to actually sit a license test within the first 12 months or if the license just gets transferred

[Dai]

yea i may be able to .... its going to be tight for timing though.

basically i was just wondering if i did take my 6R over whether i would be allowed to ride a 250 or not ?

and if i have to actually sit a license test within the first 12 months or if the license just gets transferred

They limit their learners to 33 hp bikes.

250 cc

Never transfered mine. I was there 25 years. Did the learner bitto get a Brit licence at one stage. Lost it 1 year later (speeding, 2 year ban and enough points to keep me offf the road for 7 years before they cleared). Insurance is complosory, as is road tax. MOT (WOF) only if the vehicle is over 3 years old.

Rode on my kiwi licence after loosing the Brit one for 6 years. Took day trips to Paris to keep it valid.

[scracha]

250 MY ARSE. Graduated license. Learners are limited to 125cc and 15bhp (used to be 12). After passing they can ride any size limited to 33bhp for 2 years unless they are over 21 and sit a direct access course (harder test). If a learner over 21 then they can ride bigger bikes restricted to 33bhp but only under supervision of a DSA approved instructor (i.e. taking lessons).

L plates front and back in the UK. Can't ride on motorways (A MAJOR PITA over there) either.

Strongly suspect you won't be able to ride feck all over there unless you pass your full test before you go. In any event, if you're under 21 you will be paying megabucks to insure anything (compulsory) bugger than a 125 unless you have significant NCB and at least 2 full license.

[Dai]

250 MY ARSE. Graduated license. Learners are limited to 125cc and 15bhp (used to be 12). After passing they can ride any size limited to 33bhp for 2 years unless they are over 21 and sit a direct access course (harder test). If a learner over 21 then they can ride bigger bikes restricted to 33bhp but only under supervision of a DSA approved instructor (i.e. taking lessons).

L plates front and back in the UK. Can't ride on motorways (A MAJOR PITA over there) either.

Strongly suspect you won't be able to ride feck all over there unless you pass your full test before you go. In any event, if you're under 21 you will be paying megabucks to insure anything (compulsory) bugger than a 125 unless you have significant NCB and at least 2 full license.

missed the learner bit myself. over 21 so i did the direct course. seem to remember that they used to restrict youngsters to mopeds till they were 17.