New zealand driving license's?

Question

can anyone tell me if i lived in new zealand permanently would my uk. full driving license be invalid there, and would i have to retake a test

Answer 1

As in most countries, the license you currently have will be valid for awhile, but the majority of the time you are required to get a new license from within your current country if you intend to permanently become a resident.

Holders of overseas licenses may be required to take a driving test before they qualify for a full New Zealand license. Holders of licenses from countries with similar road rules to New Zealand are required to take a theory test within one year of arrival, during which time they may continue to drive on their foreign drivers license provided it is either written in English, or they have an authorized English translation available.

My suggestion is to contact the Land Transport New Zealand, this is the equivalent of the Motor Vehicle Division of the United States. They are the ones who you can contact about your license situation, make arrangements, ask questions, and get answers in greater detail.

Answer 2

To drive legally in New Zealand, you need to be over age 15 and have a driving licence. This must be either a valid New Zealand driving licence, an international driving permit, or an overseas licence. You must carry it whenever you drive.

If you have a driving licence from your home country, or an international driving permit, it is valid for 12 months in New Zealand. After that, you will need to apply for a New Zealand driving licence.

Forms to apply for an overseas licence conversion are available from several agencies, including Land Transport New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association. To convert your foreign driving licence to a New Zealand one, you must learn the New Zealand road code. You will have to pass a theory test and, depending on the country you are from, pass a practical driving test as well. You can find out more from Land Transport New Zealand’s website.

You probably wouldn't need to take a practical since coming from UK you already drive on the left, NZ does have some strange rules tho, such as you must give way to anyone crossing your path from the right.

Hope this helps