I was one of the few who simply paid 7 Pa’anga in Tonga for a motorbike license. I didn’t even have a bike to ride there. Just went into the police station, gave them about 4NZD and a passport photo which was turned into a small motorbike booklet license in 10minutes.
Not only that, but the license was expired by about 6months when I used it to transfer to a FULL NZ LICENSE. Not sure if this is still possible in NZ, but considering the huge time and cost it takes to get a full in NZ, this option would suit most people who know how to ride already.
Any news or info? I know Rarotonga charges about 30bux for a very official motorbike license so u can rent scooters there (i have one of those too), but not sure if they’re recognised in NZ? The Raro ones are a total money making thing, but officially by the govt.
We looked into it last time we went to Vanuatu but it didn’t seem possible there as they now have a graduated license system where you get a learners then have to sit a practical test at a police station.
https://customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu/index.php/en/inland-revenue/rates-taxes/vehicletaxes/casino-license-tax
Each country is different I think, but the main one is NZ and if they are still accepting overseas licenses. I will ring and find out to post back here…
There was a discussion on the NZ Institute of Advanced Motorists Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/65119753776/) about this a few months ago where a senior police trainer said the loophole had been closed. Looks like the best option is CBTA with someone like Pro Rider plus some free revision of the rules http://www.drivingtests.co.nz/roadcode/motorbike/
thanks for that. couldnt find the actual discussion…would b interested to read it
I had a look and couldn’t find it, either. Facebook’s search is rubbish, which is one problem.
I had a nose at this for Raro a year or two ago. You can skip learners and restricted by doing it, however you still have to do your test for the full which I think is better than a straight swap personally.
I meet a guy at a BBQ in the weekend who has a house in Raro. He got his NZ truck endorsement transferred to his Raro license for while he was there and the class 6 motorcycle endorsement magically turned up on the license as well when the new one was printed.
He reckoned it was still possible to get your motorcycle full in Raro and then get it transferred to your NZ one.