[colandros]

I'm a very keen motorcyclist (have been riding for 25 years).
If we're accepted for NZ will my full uk bike licence be valid over there
or will i have to take another test ?

[sizzlingbadger]

You'll just have to take a theory test the same as the car theory test within a year of being here :nice1

[colandros]

oh god, thats probably the bit i'd fail.

[sizzlingbadger]

Very easy, my husband got 35/35 for both tests :)

They basically ask 35 questions and give (I think) 5 different answers, you have to choose the right one. Some are very obviously wrong but there are a few tricky ones in there.

Best thing to do is get an NZ Highway Code and read up and practice before you take the test :nice1

[Chiba]

As always (or so it seems), the NZ government website is very good:

Factsheet 56 - New residents and visitors - driving in New Zealand (http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/factsheets/56.html)

Information for visitors and new residents (http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/)

Getting your motorcycle licence (http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/licensing/motorcycle/index.html)

Chiba (biker wannabee)

[davehunter]

you are more at risk over here than you are in the UK, You may see less cars, but the difficulty is keeping your defence barriers up, if that makes sense. Kiwi driving is very different, especially the tailgating, cops are everywhere and thier radar can work up to 4 miles, so no speeding. No give for overtaking verhicles either, ie if you speed to overtake a vehicle you will get a ticket. Generally the kiwi driver in the country side is a lot less aware of the traffic surrounding him, and the drivers in the town are far to aggessive, just stay out of everyones way and you will be fine, as always remember "you are invisible". I have taken up clubman racing here in the South Island, ZX636c6, and its great, good guys, great riders. And there are a lot of people with bikes over here, so you should make friends easily.
Bikes are cheap new as per UK standards, but dear to buy second hand, my brand new 636 was around £5000, Yippe. Full showa and a slipper clutch included.

Test is a piece of wee weee, but study the questions as some of the answers are a bit wierd. You have to do theory for the bike and car tests.

Bring all riding gear, good stuff very expensive over here. Also optimate, paddock stands, tool kits, etc. tyres are about the same price. fuel is dirt cheap, and you can reddily get 98 cheap.

come and say hello, if you find yourself at a south Island street race or clubmans competition.

"the speedy sparky" blue zx636

All the Best Dave Hunter