Confused about dribing license

[Torki]

Hello,

I have a Poland driving license. I entered Nz 4 months ago so the only thing I know I could drive with it 12 months after entry to NZ. It is not among the approved countries so I need to get NZ license at he end.
My question and doubt is which type of license I should apply? I read that I could convert it in AA agents but I am confused. What is the conversion if I again need to do thr theory test and practical test? How does conversion help me?! Even I read that I could not drive myself if I get NZ license I need to get full license and my EU polsnd license will not be valid even if I am inside 1 year! Is that right?
One of my friends told me you should go with restricted. But restricted has no theory test. I think I need theory test as I read.
Any idea exactly what is the best way for me ?

[JandM]

When the authorities talk about 'converting to a New Zealand driving licence', it is YOU that is converting to have the NZ licence. As you have already realized, your Polish licence is not exempt, so you will need to start from the beginning in the NZ system. The details are all on this page. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-lice...river-licence/

See the section Non-exempt countries.

If your licence is from a non-exempt country, you must pass a theory test and a practical driving test.

Find out all about the driver licence theory tests
Find out all about the driver licence practical tests

You need to make your application at a specialist overseas conversion site first, and pass your theory test.

Once you've passed the theory test, you'll get a New Zealand driver licence with a supervisor condition.

This New Zealand licence over-rides your overseas driver licence, and you must only drive with a supervisor next to you in the front seat until you’ve passed your practical driving test.

What is a supervisor?

You then need to pass your practical driving test. You can book this at the specialist overseas conversion site.

Once you’ve passed your practical test, you'll get a New Zealand driver licence without a supervisor condition.

Look at the page itself, and you'll see the hyperlinks in blue, which will allow you to click through for more explanations.

Driving in New Zealand while converting your licence

You can only drive in New Zealand for 12 months from your last date of entry into New Zealand.

If you're required to pass a practical test to complete your overseas conversion, we'll issue you with a New Zealand licence with a supervisor condition on it. Once you've been issued with that licence, you can't drive on your overseas licence anymore. You must have a supervisor with you at all times while driving.

Once you've passed your practical test, we'll send you a new New Zealand driver licence without a supervisor condition.
Supervisor condition

A supervisor is a person who:

holds a current full New Zealand driver licence for the class of vehicle

has held their full New Zealand driver licence (or an equivalent overseas driver licence) for at least two years, and

doesn’t have a supervisor condition on their New Zealand licence.

If you are still not sure you understand, the best thing is to go to a specialist overseas driver licence conversion site and talk to the people there - they will guide you through what you need to do. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-lice...ensing-agents/

[Torki]

When the authorities talk about 'converting to a New Zealand driving licence', it is YOU that is converting to have the NZ licence. As you have already realized, your Polish licence is not exempt, so you will need to start from the beginning in the NZ system. The details are all on this page. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-lice...river-licence/

See the section Non-exempt countries.


Look at the page itself, and you'll see the hyperlinks in blue, which will allow you to click through for more explanations.

If you are still not sure you understand, the best thing is to go to a specialist overseas driver licence conversion site and talk to the people there - they will guide you through what you need to do. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-lice...ensing-agents/

This is what I mean Actually conversion dows not have any meaning it seems that you start like someone without license. I just dont understand the difference! Also, is it like that if I pass the theory test I could not drive with my overseas license anymore until passing practical!?
Thanks

[Torki]

If your licence is from a non-exempt country, you must pass a theory test and a practical driving test.

Find out all about the driver licence theory tests
Find out all about the driver licence practical tests

You need to make your application at a specialist overseas conversion site first, and pass your theory test. If your licence is from India, Pakistan or Tonga, you'll also need to provide evidence your licence is valid.

Evidence of validity for licences from India, Pakistan and Tonga

Once you've passed the theory test, you'll get a New Zealand driver licence with a supervisor condition.

This New Zealand licence over-rides your overseas driver licence, and you must only drive with a supervisor next to you in the front seat until you’ve passed your practical driving test.

So it is not logical to go through it soon since I still have 8 months that can drive with my poland license, is that right? As it might take time to pass these tests specifically practical test which the appointments are tight.

[JandM]

Ask at the centre how long it will take to get appointments
for the theory, and then the practical. Then you will be able to judge when best to start. You're right - it is going to be inconvenient whenever you do it.