Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 6:09 am Post subject: Driving in New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand
You must have a legal driver's licence to drive in New Zealand
You can only drive in New Zealand if you have either an overseas licence or an international driving permit which you can use for up to one year from the day you arrive in New Zealand. After 12 months you cannot drive using an international licence - you must convert it to a New Zealand driver's licence.
The 12 months begins from the FIRST time you arrive in the country. Some people think they can come in and out of New Zealand within the 12 month period and that the one year driving time on an international licence starts again east time - it does not! The clock starts ticking the day you FIRST arrive and expires 12 months later. You must then get a New Zealand licence to continue to drive.
Please ensure you carry your driver's licence with you at all times.
If your overseas driver's licence is written in a foreign language, please have it translated into English and carry both with you.
Any person caught not carrying their driver's licence with them when they drive will be fined $55. Anyone who drives without any licence at all will be fined $400.
Always buckle up!
In New Zealand, the driver and all passengers in the car must wear safety belts. If the passengers are under 15 years old, and are not wearing safety belts, the driver is fined.
If you drink and drive, you're a real idiot!
Do not drink and drive. Get a friend to take you home or catch a taxi if you have been drinking. You can be fined up to $4,500 and possibly imprisoned if you are caught drinking and driving.
Never ride in a car with a drunk driver.
Speed Kills
Excessive speed is one of the biggest killers in New Zealand, especially on rural roads. Keep to the speed limits and drive carefully
If you're feeling tired while driving, pull over and have a rest.
If you have an accident…
If you are involved in an accident, first pull to the left of the road and find a safe parking space. If no one is injured, you can exchange details with the other party. Get the name of the driver, address, telephone number, car registration number or 'number plate', make of the car and name of the insurance company.
After exchanging details go and report the accident at a Police station within 24 hours. You can take a copy of the report to the insurance company and make your claim.
If someone is injured in an accident, call 111 for emergency services (ambulance, fire or Police).
It is strongly recommended that you get insurance for your car. There are a number of companies who provide this service, for example STATE Insurance, AMI, AA etc.
And remember to always keep left
In New Zealand, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are having trouble remembering, write 'keep left' on a sticker and put it on your steering wheel!
Quote: "In New Zealand, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are having trouble remembering, write 'keep left' on a sticker and put it on your steering wheel!"
Register
Log in
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
