Conversion Licence - Practical riding test?

[bikerjoe15]

Does anyone know how a motorcycle conversion practical test is conducted in Auckland? I am due for one but dun know how I will be tested.
If we are not allowed to pillion the tester during the practical test, how do we communicate with each other for directions? Any pointers for the test is much appreciated.

Further, do I have to display a L plate given that I am doing a conversion test (I have a full riding licence from my country).

[klyong82]

I sat my full conversion test in Penrose Auckland. Communicated using walkie talkie. Tester follows you behind in his car tell you to turn here and there. I did not have a L-plate on my bike during the test. Make sure your bike is up to wof standard.

The usual rules; ride within 5km/h of the speed limit, signal, observe the hazard, always look into your mirrors, check your blind spots etc etc. All the best.

[Sanx]

I did mine at Westfield in Auckland. Tester followed me in a car and I had to watch in my mirrors to see which way he was signalling to know where to go. Tester also tailgated me for the first ten minutes until I stopped and told him to keep his distance.

As klyong82 said, keep within 5kph of the speed limit, but remember if you're officially on an NZ learner's licence and you go into a 100kph zone, you're only allowed to do 70kph max. Adjust your mirrors so you have to move your head slightly to see properly rather than just glancing at them - it'll make it obvious to the tester you're using them regularly.

You'll probably be asked to identify hazards when you see them; either over a radio comms link or immediately afterwards. Observe everything, whether it's relevant or not; just state if you thought it relevant. Mention things like stop signs, loose seal, patches of diesel on the road, kids playing - everything. It just proves to the tester you're paying attention.

Oh ... and try to avoid wheelies, burn-outs and stoppies. At least until you pass

[bikerjoe15]

Thanks for the info. Cool as!! Now is to cross my fingers that it doesnt rain

[Karma]

Further, do I have to display a L plate given that I am doing a conversion test (I have a full riding licence from my country).

How long have you held a full UK licence for? and did you have a car licence as well? If so, how long for?

[McJim]

I came to NZ with a full UK car licence - did the scratchies and they gave me a full NZ car licence.

Doesn't this work the same with a bike? Do they think the balance is different in the southern hemisphere?

[Karma]

If you have held a UK licence for more than 2 years you can just do the scratchie.

I thought that would be 2 years for each type of licence, but no... the chick in the AA place checked it out and apparently it's just any licence.

So I'd held a full car licence for about 4 years, and full bike licence for about 2 months (DAS course), did a scratchie for each and I'm all legal eagle.

[Waylander]

What country?

All I did to convert mine from the states was take the theory test. Though I lso needed paperwork from Texas department of motorvehicles that showed which liscence classes I held and for how long and what not.

[bikerjoe15]

Thank you everyone who has contributed to my forum. I PASSED with flying colours!! Now that I am a full-fledged rider, I sure hope to see more bikers on the road. Ride safe & keep warm!

[ambler]

Well done Joe!
I dont suppose anyone knows if scratchies is enough to get a japanese bike license converted..? I have had a NZ car license for 16yrs and jp bike license for 6yrs.

[Delphinus]

Well done Joe!
I dont suppose anyone knows if scratchies is enough to get a japanese bike license converted..? I have had a NZ car license for 16yrs and jp bike license for 6yrs.

Dont think so sorry Ambler. Have a look at the LTSA Website

You don't have to sit the practical test if:

* you have a licence from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America

But ring em anyway to make sure. 0800 number on their website.

[Boob Johnson]

I came to NZ with a full UK car licence - did the scratchies and they gave me a full NZ car licence.

Doesn't this work the same with a bike? Do they think the balance is different in the southern hemisphere?

It is isnt it?

[ambler]

Dont think so sorry Ambler. Have a look at the LTSA Website

ah bugger
but that would make sense though, since japan requires a practical test to convert a bike license but not for a car license, and often these things are reciprocal. If only they knew what it takes to get a bike license here, maybe they would be more lenient