Driving Licences

[GrahamA]

Is the UK European photo Driving Licence (and UK paper copy) sufficient to drive legitimately in New Zealand. I have seen reference to a requirement for an International Licence, I hoped this would be sufficient or do I need something else?

I have seen the need to convert to a NZ licence within 12 months.

Thanks.
Graham

[rogercruse]

Yes.

Simply visit the AA to swap your UK licence for a NZ one.

You'll need to complete a form and do a simple eye test.

All very straightforward.

[GrahamA]

Yes.

Simply visit the AA to swap your UK licence for a NZ one.

You'll need to complete a form and do a simple eye test.

All very straightforward.

Thank you. Much as I thought.

[JayD]

Is the UK European photo Driving Licence (and UK paper copy) sufficient to drive legitimately in New Zealand. I have seen reference to a requirement for an International Licence, I hoped this would be sufficient or do I need something else?

I have seen the need to convert to a NZ licence within 12 months.

Thanks.
Graham

You can also drive fo rup to 12 months on your UK licence... Interestingly, friends of mine who drive on thewir UK licence avoid pickign up any demerit points if/when they get stopped for speeding, they only have to pay the $$ fine.

[rogercruse]

...avoid picking up any demerit points...

I heard that this isn't true and that the points are waiting for you when you finally get your kiwi licence.

[JandM]

Also, beware on two counts. The NZ traffic law enforcement has been toughened up of recent times, so it's quite easy to get a record of bad driving. And there is a requirement of good character at the time of application for PR in the future, with DUI offences specifically mentioned as meaning an applicant would require a character waiver.

[Sun777]

A friend of mine had traffic offence while studying in Australia, he had a nice love letter from the Traffic enforcement agencies waiting in his mailbox when he arrived back in Singapore. So yes the world is getting smaller these days

[dharder]

I heard that this isn't true and that the points are waiting for you when you finally get your kiwi licence.

Hasn't happened to me. I had two fines for speeding on the UK license, but no comments when I swapped for NZ license.

[kiwieagle]

I heard that this isn't true and that the points are waiting for you when you finally get your kiwi licence.

I swapped my license in 2012 and had no points even though I got a ticket in NZ on my California driver's license.

[G-Mo]

Just a little legal loophole if you weren't aware... You never need to get an NZ license if you leave the country and return at or around 12 months... Re entering the country restarts your 12 months. LOTS of people do this!!