International license

**Xile** · 20th May 2007, 17:22

Hi there!
Is anyone knowing about the validity of the international license?
My frecnh one is valid for 3 years, on the paper...but I heard that it must be valid only one year in New Zealand...and that I maybe have to pass a practical test...

Basically, it is just a translation in many languages of my french license, showing that i got my full bike license and car license.

Maybe there are some threats about it on KB (and I didnt look enough..) or some people who was in the same case..

Cheers!

**crashe** · 20th May 2007, 17:37

To get the correct info, contact your local AA (Automobile Association) and ask them.

OR

Contact one of the local police officers on here via a pm.
Bykeycop, scumdog, Nodman, Patrick and other coppers on this site.

**Xile** · 20th May 2007, 17:46

Cheers crashe,
I'll try that!

**Fatjim** · 20th May 2007, 17:47

Do NOT ask the cops for the "opinion", thats all you'll get, plus confused.

NZ allows overseas licenses from selected countries to be used in NZ for up to one year after arrival. The LTSA will have the list. After one year you'll have to apply for an NZ one, which again depending on the country may be granted to you without sitting a test. The other option is to fly to Oz for the weekend. But get your passport stamped!

**magicfairy** · 21st May 2007, 08:45

All info at
http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/56.html

**Xile** · 21st May 2007, 12:51

Cheers!

**James Deuce** · 21st May 2007, 12:54

Originally Posted by Fatjim

Do NOT ask the cops for the "opinion", thats all you'll get, plus confused.

NZ allows overseas licenses from selected countries to be used in NZ for up to one year after arrival. The LTSA will have the list. After one year you'll have to apply for an NZ one, which again depending on the country may be granted to you without sitting a test. The other option is to fly to Oz for the weekend. But get your passport stamped!

Don't listen to him either. There's no such thing as the LTSA. It is no referred to as LTNZ - Land Transport New Zealand.

**Sanx** · 22nd May 2007, 01:34

Originally Posted by Fatjim

NZ allows overseas licenses from selected countries to be used in NZ for up to one year after arrival.

Nope. LTNZ allows all overseas licences to be used for up to one year after arrival. Even those licences issued in countries where the normal method of procuring one is by bribing the instructor or the test is taken on an ox-cart. If the licence is not in English, you'll need to carry an accurate translation with you at all times. Would be best to have a registered interpreter or translator produce a certified copy for you. They'll charge about $50 for this normally.

**Karma** · 22nd May 2007, 11:05

Originally Posted by Sanx

Nope. LTNZ allows all overseas licences to be used for up to one year after arrival. Even those licences issued in countries where the normal method of procuring one is by bribing the instructor or the test is taken on an ox-cart.

Yep, only difference being that if you've come from some countries you don't have to sit the practical test if you've been riding / driving for more than two years. One of these places is the EU, something which unfortunately France is part of.

If you've held your licence for more than two years, car or bike, then you just do the theory test for each licence class and away you go.

**Xile** · 22nd May 2007, 17:50

Originally Posted by Karma

Yep, only difference being that if you've come from some countries you don't have to sit the practical test if you've been riding / driving for more than two years. One of these places is the EU, something which unfortunately France is part of.

You can drive a 125cc after two years of driving a car, but you still need to have the whole test (theory+pratical) to ride more than 125cc. If you are less than 21yo, you can drive only bikes less than 34 horses; you need to wait until this age or after two years to drive more than 34 horses (but still less than 100 horses: forbidden in France!). So obligatory practical test to ride more than a 125cc in France!

Originally Posted by Karma

If you've held your licence for more than two years, car or bike, then you just do the theory test for each licence class and away you go.

I have my car license since 5 years and the bike one since 1 year: so only the theory test.

**Xile** · 22nd May 2007, 17:53

I had check on this link: http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/56.html

I need to have a NZ license only if i'm staying more than 1 year after my arrival in NZ: so just need to travel around, in france or australia or fiji, etc (hehe, i'll be obliged: so cool!) and refresh my autorisation every year

Thanks everybody!
Xile

**Waylander** · 22nd May 2007, 18:02

Any bike over 100hp isn't allowed in france?
So much for ever going there.

**Karma** · 22nd May 2007, 18:59

Originally Posted by Waylander

Any bike over 100hp isn't allowed in france?
So much for ever going there.

That and the snails...

Oh... and it's full of bloody French as well!

**Xile** · 22nd May 2007, 22:56

Originally Posted by Karma

That and the snails...

Oh... and it's full of bloody French as well!

For the bikes, they pretty careful as there are so many more than in New Zealand, and really few desert roads...

Yeah hummm snails, such a nice sauce: garlic, butter and herbs..i just eat the sauce, only eating the snails when i was young Lol!!!
Plenty of French people sure, but plenty of beautiful girls ey!

And awesome architecture (for the buildings

)