Even if youre used to driving in other places, you need to be well aware of things like weather extremes, narrow, windy roads and different road rules before you begin on your journey. If you are a new zealand licence holder, you will be required to acquire a nsw driver licence within 3 months of residing in nsw or you should stop driving. It consists of three phases for a car licence, each with varying levels of conditions. If your license isnt written in english, youll need to carry a formal english translation or. If youre a new zealander visiting australia, your current drivers license will be sufficent as long as it is valid, current and hasnt been suspended. Do you need an international drivers license to rent a vehicle and drive in new zealand. If you are applying for a car or motorcycle license, you do not have to resit the written road rules test or practical driving test if you have a current new zealand drivers license or have held a new zealand drivers license within the last 5 years for a car, moped or motorcycle.
How to get a new zealand driver license new in new zealand. Nzta will send a renewal notice before your licence expires if they have your current address you can update your address at any time by contacting the nzta. You can legally drive in new zealand for up to 12 months if you have a current driver s licence. New zealand transport agency nzta when operating forklift on the road, nzta said that someone whos driving forklifts must be in possession of an f endorsement on his drivers licence. You are required to apply for a new zealand driver licence to be able to drive in new zealand if your overseas licence or driver permit fail to meet the above requirements. Get an international drivers license to drive in new. Can a us citizen with a valid us drivers license rent a car in the south island and north island new zealand or do i need any special license requirements. We advise avoiding drinking altogether before driving, as drunk driving.
Driving in new zealand south africans going to new zealand. Fortunately, it is not nearly as serious as the situation in new zealand. Drivers visiting australia or new zealand austroads. How to convert nz driver licence to australian driver licence. In this article we will take a look at how to convert your south african drivers licenses to their kiwi equivalents and what the differences are between driving in the two countries. The essential elements of gdl were a 6month learner license supervised driving and an 18month restricted license stage with restrictions on night driving and carrying passengers. Oct 31, 2016 if you have an overseas driver licence and youve been in new zealand more than a year, you need to convert to an nz driver licence to keep driving here legally. Although uber ridesharing service was presented in melbourne in 2014 its food delivery service just arrived at the beginning of 2016 in australia and 2017 in new zealand. Exploring new zealands beautiful landscapes by car, campervan or motorhome is a popular way to get around. Applying for a licence in australia or new zealand austroads. Your overseas licence is only valid for up to 12 months and must meet new zealand licencing requirements.
The laws about driving in australia with an overseas license are different in different states. If you have an australian provisional drivers licence, you will able to drive in new zealand, but you will need to adhere to your licence. Take the form, your identity documents and the fee to a driver licensing agent. If your license isnt written in english, youll need to carry a formal english translation or an international driving permit. It is strongly recommended that you familiarise yourself with the road code in new zealand before you drive here and you can do that by taking our free mock theory tests. An international driving permit idp is a translation of your current australian drivers licence in nine languages. Visitors to new zealand might be tired because of jetlag, early starts and late nights, or because they had a long day driving the day before.
For purposes of the id required when transferring your license, its easiest to first have an australian address and have completed opening your australian bank account by going into a branch and picking up your bank card. Mar 08, 2017 new zealands road rules are very similar to those in australia. If you are a new permanent resident of tasmania fixed address from another australian state or territory, or from another country you will need to make arrangements with dier to get a tasmanian licence. Renewing or replacing your nz driver licence aa new zealand. If you hold a current australian drivers licence then you can drive in new zealand for up to one year without needing to do anything else. If your new zealand license is no longer valid, check the vic roads website for more information about what you. International driving licences and permits new zealand. The issue of driver licenses, alongside the regulation and enforcement of road use, are all managed by state and territory governments as no australiawide licensing scheme exist, rules for the issue of licenses vary by jurisdiction. Driver licences in australia refer to the official permit required for a person to legally drive a motor vehicle in australia. If you are a belgian citizen residing permanently in australia or new zealand, you should obtain an australiannew zealand drivers license. What drivers licence is required for car rental in new. Whats the difference between driving in new zealand and. You must produce a current new zealand drivers licence which doesnt need to be surrendered only sighted and pay the driver licence fee.
New zealand is a multicultural country with a wide variety of landscapes including mountains, lakes and rivers, beautiful beaches, forests, and a lot of rolling farm land the country has two main islands the north island and the south island. If the licence is not in english, you must carry an. Roads are often winding, and there are some special road rules that require special attention. If you are a belgian citizen residing permanently in australia or new zealand, you should obtain an australian new zealand driver s license. If you are applying for a car or motorcycle license, you do not have to resit the written road rules test or practical driving test if you are over 25 years old and your new zealand drivers license has not expired by more than 12 months or you have a current new zealand drivers license. I was wondering if i can transfer my new zealand license in australia heavy vehicle license and which category it is supporting. Driving in australia how to move to australia from new zealand. Australian driver licences are administered at stateterritory level, and regulations vary as a result. New zealands road rules are very similar to those in australia. Driving on new zealand roads waka kotahi nz transport agency.
Once youve been issued with a new zealand driver licence you will no longer be able to use your overseas driver licence for driving in new zealand. You need to renew your photo driver licence every ten years, on or before the expiry date. Travel question do i need an international drivers license. Visitors dont need a new zealand driver licence to drive in new zealand but you must meet some. Driving in australia the holder of a new zealand drivers licence will generally be allowed to drive in australia without having to obtain an international drivers licence. Generally, youre allowed to drive in australia with an overseas drivers license if youre a temporary visitor. In all cases, you need to bring your current driver licence from your home country. This is also the case in australia and new zealand where the state authorities issue drivers licenses.
In new zealand, on 1 august 1987, a threestage graduated driver licensing gdl system that applied to all new drivers aged 1524 years was introduced. Driving in new zealand is very different to driving in the rest of the developed world. Because driving in new zealand can be very different to other countries, you need to be wellrested and alert tired drivers are dangerous drivers. One of the things we have going for us is the fact that hgv training can be completed in weeks or months, not years. Information about australia and new zealand driver licence motorhome driving licences australia and new zealand new zealand and australia international driving licences and permits you can legally drive in new zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current drivers licence from your home country or an international driving permit idp. Can you drive in new zealand using a foreign licence. Driver licences nz government new zealand government. Driving in australia with a foreign license international. The differences in state laws have generated much confusion to visiting drivers, with many pushing for uniform federal road rules. However as each state in australia have slightly different rules towards international drivers and. The information below is a guide to renewing or replacing your driver licence. Jul 12, 2017 driving in australia driving in australia how to convert your new zealand driver s license to an australian one. You must convert your license within 3 months of arriving. After 12 months you are required to convert to a new zealand licence.
Keeping left is relatively easy since steering wheel is on the right. Im moving to sydney in next few months just wanting to know if i can convert my new zealand restricted driver licence to australian licence and where and how prices etc. Once approved, you get a temporary licence which is valid for 21 days. How to convert nz driver licence to australian driver licence the moving to australia forum.
Find out the requirements for international drivers here. Driving in australia driving in australia how to convert your new zealand drivers license to an australian one. Convert your overseas driver licence nz government. Luckily for us, driving in new zealand is not much different to driving in south africa. Depending on the country youre from, youll have to pass an eyesight test andor a. If your new zealand license is no longer valid, check the vic roads website for more information about what you can do to obtain your victoria license. You can legally drive in new zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver s licence from your home country or an international driving permit idp. After this time, it is illegal to drive on your nz license as a resident of australia. New zealand highly recommends an international driving permit. Interstate visitors are permitted to travel on their current australian or new zealand licence.
If the licence is not in english, you must carry an accurate english translation. If you hold a new zealand driver licence you can transfer to a tasmanian driver licence without having to sit a written or practical driving assessment. This licence will allow them to drive vehicles of equivalent classes to those listed on their licence. This applies to both permanent and temporary residents from new zealand. Driving on a foreign licence in australia driver knowledge test. For information about which countries are recognised, or how to become a recognised country for new zealand please visit. However as each state in australia have slightly different rules towards international drivers and slightly different road rules, it is very important to check with the. If you lose your licence or its been stolen, replace it as soon as you can you can be fined for driving without it. Your new driver licence will be mailed to you within 2 to 3 weeks. This video will guide through the process of getting your new zealands drivers license. Once youve been issued with a new zealand driver licence you will no longer be. What license to hold for driving a car or campervan. New zealand in desperate need of licensed hgv drivers.
You can legally drive in new zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current drivers licence from your home country or an international driving permit idp. I made and edited these notes as we have progressed and thought they might be helpful to the nex guy. If you have a valid overseas driver licence you can convert it to a new zealand driver licence. You can use your overseas or international drivers license for up to 12 months in new zealand. Drivers licenses queensland drivers licenses australia nzrelo. You can drive in new zealand without a new zealand driver licence if. As i got older though, i enjoyed using the public transportation in new cities. International driving permit needed in new zealand. Driver licensing frequently asked questions faqs do it online book a practical test, replace a licence. Driving in australia the holder of a new zealand driver s licence will generally be allowed to drive in australia without having to obtain an international driver s licence. You can legally drive in new zealand for up to 12 months if you have a current drivers licence. Before the 3 months is up, you need to transfer your new zealand driver s licence over to an australian licence in order to drive legally.
If you have an overseas driver licence and youve been in new zealand more than a year, you need to convert to an nz driver licence to keep. In addition to driving on the lefthand side of the road and giving way to all oncoming traffic from the right, you must adhere to the speed limit at all times and not drive under the influence of alcohol. For new zealand residents and visitors from countries like germany, this allows them to maintain their home licence and the ability to drive in new zealand. Driving in new zealand in new zealand things to see and. However as each state in australia have slightly different rules towards international drivers and slightly different road rules, it is very important to check with the licencing agency in the particular state that you are planning on visiting.
If your overseas licence is still current, or expired less than 12 months ago, you can apply to convert it to a new zealand licence. Renting a car in new zealand with us drivers license. You can drive using your overseas driver s license for the first 3 months, after which, you must apply for a western australian driver s license. Your idp is proof that you hold a current domestic drivers licence and it is only valid if you carry your domestic drivers licence note. In addition to that, the operator must have the class of licence suitable for. Drivers licenses queensland drivers licenses australia. Driving in australia how to move to australia from new. Information provided in response to frequently asked questions about new zealand rental cars including an overview of new zealand driving license and permit requirements for international drivers driving car rentals. If youre moving to nsw from another part of australia or another country, youll need to get a nsw driver or rider licence. A person who enters australia on a permanent visa or who is a permanent resident may drive on their current overseas licence for a maximum of three months after arriving in australia. Drivers licence obtaining a drivers license in australia. If youre in need of a vehicle for land travel in australia or new zealand, you can hire almost anything on wheels from limousines, station wagons, buses, 4wds, beach buggies, and just plain sedans to motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, inline skates, even horsedrawn carriages. If your overseas drivers licence has been issued in new zealand and you are unable to produce your new zealand drivers licence document, a certificate of particulars or a letter verifying your licence details will be accepted.
Overseas drivers visiting australia, who do not hold a permanent visa, will be regarded as visiting drivers and can use their valid overseas licence to drive. You can convert to a new zealand driver licence if you are here for more than a year or moving here permanently. After a year, youll need to apply for a new zealand drivers license. Your idp is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information it translates your identification information into 12 languages so it speaks the language even if you dont. In addition to that, the operator must have the class of licence suitable for the weight of the equipment being operated on the road. Unfortunately this will need to be surrendered in order for you to receive your new license.
They are allowed to drive in nsw as an international visitor provided that they have a current foreign licence. If a drivers license does not have a photo, drivers are required to carry another form of formal photo identification with them. As of today i have been driving in nz for 4 weeks and about 2500 miles. Do you need an international drivers license to visit new zealand and rent a vehicle. If you have an overseas driver licence and youve been in new zealand more than a year, you need to convert to an nz driver licence to keep driving here legally. The new zealand driver licence system is a graduated system that has been in place with modifications, such as the lplate requirement since 1988. Converting to a new zealand driver licence waka kotahi nz. Im italian and im in new zealand with a working holiday visa. Can you drive in new zealand on an overseas licence. Driving overseas australian automobile association.
Moving to nsw licence roads roads and maritime services. Aug 01, 2016 please allow plenty of time to get your new zealand licence. Nz driving tips for americans new zealand forum tripadvisor. You can also convert the classes on your overseas licence to the equivalent classes for your new zealand licence. You can directly convert your driver license to a new zealand drivers license if you have had it for more than two years and it was issued by australia, austria, belgium, canada, denmark, finland, france, germany, greece, hong kong, ireland, italy, japan, luxembourg, the netherlands, norway, portugal, south africa, south korea, spain, sweden, switzerland, the united kingdom, or the united. If your overseas licence ceases to be valid, you may be eligible to apply for an australian licence. If youre here for a year or more, you need a new zealand driver licence. International travelers are permitted to drive in australia with a foreign drivers license for up to three months, provided that the license is in english. Drive for uber eats in australia and nz driver requirements. If they wish to continue to drive after three months, an australian issued drivers licence must be obtained in the state or territory in which the person is residing.
The issue of driver licenses, alongside the regulation and enforcement of road use, are all managed by state and territory governments. This information is designed to help make booking your car rental in nz trouble free. Whats the difference between driving in new zealand and australia. At the time, melbourne and auckland was the first city where uber eats was available and became the only city in both nations where you can order food through the uber platform. I would like to move in australia with a working holiday visa. Driving in new zealand in new zealand things to see and do. Converting to a new zealand driver licence waka kotahi. Jun 20, 2011 even though ive been traveling internationally for a couple of decades, i have somehow managed to avoid driving overseas. New zealand recognises certain overseas countrys driver licences. I was wondering if i can transfer my new zealand license in. Three quarters of the population live in the north island, with most living in the top half, centred around auckland. See for more info the new zealand transport agencys website.
A valid overseas driver licence means that your licence must not be suspended, disqualified or revoked in the country of issue and. Please contact the department of motor vehicles of your state for specific information. You will normally need to obtain a state licence within 3 months of taking up residence in the state you can use your overseas licence in the meantime. We are experiencing a driver shortage of our own here in the uk. This is also the case in australia and new zealand where the state authorities issue driver s licenses.
You can use your existing licence for up to three months, but after that you must have a nsw licence. The holder of a new zealand drivers licence will generally be allowed to drive in australia without having to obtain an international drivers licence. Whether youre in new zealand for a short time or youre here to stay, you need to make a few preparations if youre planning to drive while youre here. This is because countries like germany only allow a driver to have one licence.
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