Overseas licences - swapping for a NZ full license?

**Bruiser** · 25th September 2006, 11:03

We are off to Rarotonga later in the year (payback for eleven months recuperating from my stouch with a cage, and reward for my partner's support as I rejoin the biker/human race).

My question is about bike licenses. We have been told that a full license in Rarotonga is a simple matter of paying the fee and a ride around the front lawn.

We have also heard that these ten dollar Rarotongan full licences are legal in NZ for riding here, and also that these (tourist) licenses can be transferred to a full NZ license with no other requirements except paying a licence transfer fee.

It all sounds a bit dubious to me but thought I'd check with the experts here?

**Cajun** · 25th September 2006, 11:42

know someone who did this less than 2 months ago, now he can ride his vrod legally,

He did previously have a nz learners licenese, don't know full story but pretty much what you said works

**ManDownUnder** · 25th September 2006, 12:08

oh goodie... a way to legally put far too much power in the hands of the inexperienced and endanger my life on the road even more...

But wait - there's more... they get a holiday in the tropics too!

**Bruiser** · 25th September 2006, 12:29

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

oh goodie... a way to legally put far too much power in the hands of the inexperienced and endanger my life on the road even more...

But wait - there's more... they get a holiday in the tropics too!

Hey MDU, you're storing a heap of pent-up hostility there pal.

I am simply asking if the issue is bs or there is some truth to the story about overseas licenses applying here.

As a longtime rider travelling this year I am interested in the answer. Until we know the facts your opinion (and your attitude) is neither welcomed nor shared. But I'm sure you already know that.

Bruiser

**ManDownUnder** · 25th September 2006, 14:03

Originally Posted by Bruiser

Hey MDU, you're storing a heap of pent-up hostility there pal.

I am simply asking if the issue is bs or there is some truth to the story about overseas licenses applying here.

As a longtime rider travelling this year I am interested in the answer. Until we know the facts your opinion (and your attitude) is neither welcomed nor shared. But I'm sure you already know that.

Bruiser

LOL yeah there is - but I don't know if it came through, but it's a general comment, not directed at you or anyone in particular.

I've seen, heard of, and been involved in enough accidents to know what happens when power and inexperience get combined. It's never a combination I'll endorse and if there is a loophole in the law enabling newbies to go kill themselves and others I'd rather see it closed

MDU

**Bruiser** · 25th September 2006, 14:38

MDU, your response wasn't taken personally, but I grow tired of seeing threads here where genuine people are asking for advice and information, only to have their thread hijacked by those with their own agendas or simply wanting to get something off their chest.

If you have such a need, how about starting your own thread where you can invite all those who feel so inclined to discuss and dispute the issue to your hearts' content.

Of course we both know you won't do this for two reasons.

i) It is far easier to hijack someone elses' thread than start your own.

ii) You'd have a snowballs chance in hell of getting interest when your thread title is a moan instead of a genuine enquiry or request for information or advice.

Bitch over ;-)

**matt147** · 9th October 2006, 11:08

im also seriously considering going over to the tropics to try this license scheme out. I was thinking though that before i go i would ring up LTSA - "err i have a rarotonga international licence, how do i get this changed for a kiwi one??" hopefully the response is "sure bring it on in..."

I would like to know of people successfully doing this too please, as per the original thread.

cheers

**Karma** · 9th October 2006, 11:56

Originally Posted by Bruiser

Hey MDU, you're storing a heap of pent-up hostility there pal.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA

snip snip

**Dai** · 9th October 2006, 12:34

My nephew did exactly this two years ago.

At 17 he went on a holiday to Raro,

Paid his $10 and went for his car licence

Rode around the block on a scooter and was issued with a full car licence.

Came back to NZ, drove on that licence for a year. Sat the practical and passed his full licence for cars at 19 years old. No learner or restricted period.

So in answer to the origonal question yes this can be done.

**adiddy** · 9th October 2006, 12:43

is this true? what about for a full class 6 ?! yay

**Bruiser** · 9th October 2006, 12:49

Originally Posted by matt147

im also seriously considering going over to the tropics to try this license scheme out. I was thinking though that before i go i would ring up LTSA - "err i have a rarotonga international licence, how do i get this changed for a kiwi one??" hopefully the response is "sure bring it on in..."

I would like to know of people successfully doing this too please, as per the original thread.

cheers

Hi Matt,
Can you report back with LTSA's response to your question/s?

Cheers,
Bruiser

**Jimmy B** · 11th October 2006, 08:43

I think Dai is onto it, not simply a matter of paying a fee, there is the requirement to complete the practical test , pretty sure there is no requirement to complete theory, could be wrong but either way it is a current loophole.

Take care

JB

**McJim** · 11th October 2006, 09:06

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.

**Jimmy B** · 11th October 2006, 09:29

Mate I guess the test is not really real world because you are on your best behaviour and its no more onerous than tootling down the road for 30 mins. The real test is what you do when you get your license and strap on 140hp...

Happy days

JB

**Macktheknife** · 11th October 2006, 10:35

Hey bruiser, yes it is true, I know a couple of guys who have done it after LTSA 'lost' the records of their licences.
And 1 guy who never had a licence decided to do it after riding for 20 yrs without one, he just happened to be going on holiday anyway when he found out about it.
Hope that helps.
Good to hear you are feeling better now mate, look forward to catching up for a coldie sometime.
Mack