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Driving in New Zealand - information for newcomers
WHAT ARE THE ROAD RULES IN NEW ZEALAND?
There are a few things that you may not be used to when driving in New Zealand. For example, New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road, and there is a 'give way' rule at intersections. So make sure you have read a copy of the New Zealand Road Code (there are separate copies for car drivers and motorcyclists) before you go out on the road. You can read it online, or buy a copy from most bookshops and from offices of the Automobile Association (AA). To read it online, visit www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode.
The speed limit is 50kph in towns and cities and 100kph on the 'open road'. Outside Auckland there are many hills and narrow, winding roads, so your journey may take longer than you expect.
New Zealand has strict drink-driving laws. Only low blood/alcohol levels are permitted. There are heavy penalties if you break the law.
Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts (or approved safety restraints for children) at all times. It is the driver's responsibility to make sure all passengers use seatbelts. Children younger than five must be secured safely in a car seat. Plunket (a childcare organisation) rents out children's safety restraints. All cyclists and motorcyclists must wear approved safety helmets.
The Automobile Association (AA)
The AA offers a roadside breakdown service, if you join as a member. If your battery goes flat, you puncture a tyre or your car breaks down in any way, the AA will help you - 24 hours a day. But if you are involved in an accident, the AA cannot help. If the police or other emergency services are involved, they will arrange for your vehicle to be towed away. If not, you will need to contact your insurance company to arrange for this. It is a good idea to keep your insurance company's contact details in your vehicle with you.WHAT IF I HAVE OVERSEAS DRIVER'S LICENCE?
If you have a current and valid overseas driver's licence or international driving permit, you can drive for up to 12 months from the date you arrived in New Zealand. If your overseas licence or permit is not in English, you must carry an accurate translation. If you wish to drive after one year, you must apply for a New Zealand driver's licence. Everyone must pass a written theory test. Depending on which country you come from, you may have to pass a practical driving test as well.
If you want to earn a living by driving, you will have to convert your overseas licence to a New Zealand driver's licence. You may also need to get a driver's licence 'endorsement'. Visit your nearest Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) regional office or call the Driver Licensing Centre to find out.
Land Transport New Zealand is a government department that can give you a lot of information on driving issues.
USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS
Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ)
www.landtransport.govt.nz
www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode
www.landtransport.govt.nz/licensingAutomobile Association (AA)
www.aa.co.nz
www.aa.co.nz/location
www.aa.co.nz/membership
Freephone: 0800 500 444Plunket
www.plunket.org.nz
Freephone: 0800 933 922ARMS (Auckland Regional Migrant Services)
www.arms-mrc.org.nz
Three Kings Resource Centre
09 625 2440
reception@arms-mrc.org.nz
Manukau Resource Centre
09 263 5490
manukau@arms-mrc.org.nz
North Shore Resource Centre
09 419 7340
reception@arms-mrc.org.nzCAB (Citizen's Advice Bureau)
www.cab.org.nz
09 624 2550
To find your nearest local CAB www.cab.org.nz/bureaux/loc-north.htm
