[Tia Maria]

Be afraid, be very afraid (particularly in Devonport), as I am learning to drive in NZ. :D At the ripe old age of hgsnnhffg I've decided to give it a go.

Passed my theory test, no problem. And I have just started the practical side.

Its all a bit of a blur at the moment, and I find it kind of funny that someone is actually letting me drive a car, so we'll see how it goes.

Anyone else learning to drive in NZ?

Cheers

Tia

[Jo Jo]

I am!

Well... I passed my theory test last week, but haven't started lessons yet.

And I thought I was the only grown up in the whole of New Zealand who didn't know how to drive!

[StevieD]

:laugh, very good ladies, good luck and safe driving!!!

[shakyle2906]

I am plucking up the courage to start learning again..........havent been in a car since we moved here last April.............

I am such a nervous driver!

Do you have to do theory here before practical like in UK ??

Sharon
x

[Tia Maria]

I am!

Well... I passed my theory test last week, but haven't started lessons yet.

And I thought I was the only grown up in the whole of New Zealand who didn't know how to drive!

:laugh Actually there are a few round Devonport as its probably one of the few areas you can get away with not using a car.

My lessons are costing $60 but she says most people only need 5, with maybe one extra just before the test! :eek:

When will you start lessons? Are you being taught by an instructor or family?


Shakyle2906 wrote:

I am plucking up the courage to start learning again..........havent been in a car since we moved here last April.............

I am such a nervous driver!

Do you have to do theory here before practical like in UK ??

I have a manic/nervous grin on my face for the whole lesson!

You do have to do a theory test and if you get the road code book that will tell you all you need to know.

Some sample questions here:

www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/theory-test-questions/general-questions.html

Cheers

Tia

[shakyle2906]

Thanks Tia

How much are the lessons ?
Can you do intense driving courses like in UK ?

I so want to drive but am so so nervous.

Sharon
x

[Jo Jo]

When will you start lessons? Are you being taught by an instructor or family?


I'm planning to start lessons in the next couple of weeks. I'm going to have proper lessons - my husband has offered to teach me, but we haven't been married long, and it would be a shame if we didn't make it to our first wedding anniversary. :D

[jubjub]

Good luck you guys, if I had known about you Tia, I would not have ventured into Devonport yesterday......

[overscan]

Having lived in London I've never learned to drive, so I'm going to have to learn once I get to New Zealand. I use public transport or cycle, while my wife drives (she's a Kiwi) so she's in charge of the car.

Not looking forward to it, to be honest.

[peebles16]

Just studying for theory test now and also thought I was the only one who left it this late - glad to hear am not :) Don't like driving I have to say but needs must with two kids and 2km walk to school each day although have lost about a stone so maybe shouldn't bother :D

Karenx

[Asli&Mark]

Good luck ladies,

During the test be clear with the instructor. I have been asked to park "somewhere" and couldn't see any place in front of me so I turned left to find a place and I was kind a told off doing that. I replied with the same manner as I couldn't see anything further.
I still passed the test.
So there is nothing to be afraid
Asli

[StevieD]

:laugh

I bet there are a few horror stories out there for driving / driving tests, may be worth a thread of it's own??

[Kerry and David]

Good luck ladies - look forward to seeing you whizzing around when I arrive:D

[Tia Maria]

So current members of this exclusive club:

Tia Maria
Jo Jo
Peebles16

(possible member, if she plucks up courage - shakyle2906)

I pay $60 for an hour lesson, with an AA approved driver, but thats in Auckland, its probably cheaper elsewhere.

Cheers

Tia

[shakyle2906]

OMG!!!!!!!!! the price........

Thanks Tia

Sharon

[peebles16]

:laugh Actually there are a few round Devonport as its probably one of the few areas you can get away with not using a car.

My lessons are costing $60 but she says most people only need 5, with maybe one extra just before the test! :eek:

When will you start lessons? Are you being taught by an instructor or family?




I have a manic/nervous grin on my face for the whole lesson!

You do have to do a theory test and if you get the road code book that will tell you all you need to know.

Some sample questions here:

www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/theory-test-questions/general-questions.html

Cheers

Tia

Only 5 lessons really?? Oh I think I might need just a few more than that :yes Mind you maybe not with an automatic that was my big problem learning in the Uk would have been fine if I didn't have to change blooming gears :roll

Karenx

[shakyle2906]

Only 5 lessons really?? Oh I think I might need just a few more than that :yes Mind you maybe not with an automatic that was my big problem learning in the Uk would have been fine if I didn't have to change blooming gears :roll

Karenx



Me too!!

Listed to my hubby in UK, said not to learn to drive in an automatic. Wish i had now as would have been driving long before now!!!!!!!!!

Men, always think they know better!!

Sharon
xx

[mgbridges]

Best of luck ladies! When I learnt to drive in the UK at the rip old age of 17yrs it took me 30 (yes 30!) lessons and three tests to pass! Just as well my Mum paid for most of it!

Tia - when you pass you can come and visit me for coffee. Or if you don't want to come all the way we can meet half way.

Anneliese

[Tia Maria]

Check your email mgbridges, I've got more than coffee in mind! :p

Cheers

Tia

[Tia Maria]

I've found a picture of the child safety harness which can be fitted if you need more than a middle lap belt:

www.childrestraints.co.nz/boosterseats.htm

I can't work out yet if they can be fixed to any car - anyone know?

Cheers

Tia

[Leanne]

I get nervous just thinking about driving in NZ....they drive on the WRONG side of the road!!! :eek:

[Tia Maria]

Jo Jo - have you started the lessons yet?

Peebles16 - Have you got a date in mind for your theory test?

Can anyone suggest an 'Idiots Guide to Car Maintenance'?

Just something that goes over the basics and has lots of nice pictures! :D

Cheers

Tia

[KelvinAng]

Me!

I've never felt the need to own a vehicle until I got here. Now I have both a Car and Motorbike learner's license and zipping around to work on a wee 50cc Italian-branded-but-probably-China-made scooter.

Still can't drive a car yet. My landlady offered to teach me driving while I build her a web site. Sounds like a good deal eh, but I might put that off for the time being while I work on my motorbiking :D

[peebles16]

Jo Jo - have you started the lessons yet?

Peebles16 - Have you got a date in mind for your theory test?

Can anyone suggest an 'Idiots Guide to Car Maintenance'?

Just something that goes over the basics and has lots of nice pictures! :D

Cheers

Tia

Am devouring book as we speak or whilst the wee ones will let me in school hols :D Hope to get it done in the next month tops then on to lessons after that - Rangiora folks be afraid, be very afraid :laugh :laugh

Karenx

[Hannah-NL]

I got my Learners License on Nov 9, have been driving with 'assistance' of hubby since then and have been getting AA driving lessons since last month. After May 9 I can go for my Restricted! Been driving all over Rodney and neighbouring districts and had about 8 hours of AA-drivers instruction. Think that will be enough to get my RL? Am getting sometimes confused because the instructor wants me to memorize the 'hazards' around me while I drive a certain distance, which I then have to recite after he makes me stop on the left side of the road. By that time I forgot what I saw! Cant help it I'm one of the older ones too :roll

[Tia Maria]

Peebles16 - I still read the road code book before I go for my lesson. i completely aced the theory test but when I got in the car for my first lesson and she asked me what the speed limit with my mind went blank!

I got my Learners License on Nov 9, have been driving with 'assistance' of hubby since then and have been getting AA driving lessons since last month. After May 9 I can go for my Restricted! Been driving all over Rodney and neighbouring districts and had about 8 hours of AA-drivers instruction. Think that will be enough to get my RL? Am getting sometimes confused because the instructor wants me to memorize the 'hazards' around me while I drive a certain distance, which I then have to recite after he makes me stop on the left side of the road. By that time I forgot what I saw! Cant help it I'm one of the older ones too :roll

Hannah-NL, I was told its OK to talk during the test, (although they have to keep quiet), and say things like 'I see that man reversing, hello little boy with the ball - don't run out etc etc'. I suspect its another way of showing you see the hazards.

Please let us know how the test went and all the details of exactly what you had to do! Any bit of info will be a help! I drove the family car down the drive and parked it on the road the other day - my first attempt in a car without dual control and with 3 kids in the back. It went OK and the OH didn't look too worried, so we might progress to the end of the road next week! :D

Good luck with the test!

Cheers

Tia

[Tia Maria]

So current members of this exclusive club:

Tia Maria
Jo Jo
Peebles16
Hannah-NL

Possible future members:

Shakyle2906 - plucking up courage
KelvinAng - practicing on a scooter

Cheers

Tia

[jubjub]

Here are a couple more links to the theory test questions...

http://www.roadcodetest.co.nz/
http://www.communitylaw.org.nz/licence/learn.php

[Jo Jo]

I haven't booked my lessons yet - maybe I'll give the driving instructor a call this afternoon. Or tomorrow. Or the next day....

[Tia Maria]

I haven't booked my lessons yet - maybe I'll give the driving instructor a call this afternoon. Or tomorrow. Or the next day....

Go on ...... do it ..... you knwo you want to...... besides they never have lessons immediately, so its your just putting yourself on the waiting list really ...... go on .....

I've got to pick up the kids, I'll log on when I get back in an hour to see how it went!

Then if you've booked a lesson, everyone has to give you rep! :D

Cheers

Tia

PS Go on you know you want to ....

[Jo Jo]

OK, I have my first lesson a week tomorrow. They're costing me $40 an hour, as I'm paying for 10 upfront, so get a $100 discount, which I didn't think was bad.

And the driving instructor's British!

[jubjub]

OK, I have my first lesson a week tomorrow. They're costing me $40 an hour, as I'm paying for 10 upfront, so get a $100 discount, which I didn't think was bad.

And the driving instructor's British!

well done, I cant give you rep as I havent spread myself around enough yet!

Us bloomin poms get everywhere, eh?

[Tia Maria]

:clap Woo Hoo, fantastic. My driving instructor is Scottish! :D

$40 eh? I knew us Aucklanders get ripped off!

I've got to spread my rep round too, but I'll remember and do it the first chance I get. :laugh

Some wise words before your first lesson ....... give the road code a quick look over, go to the toilet about 6 times and then grin like a mad woman the whole lesson. I haven't crashed yet, so it must work! :D

Cheers

Tia

[Hannah-NL]

The number for the AA driving lessons is: 0800 223 748

(Had to edit my post, I missed a whole page!)

[jubjub]

Just a little heads up.... I didnt realise that the test room was a communal area, I turned up to do my theory test (yes I know I know, I am waaaayyy late with it!) and they wouldnt let me cos I had DS with me, and he might disturb other folks doing theirs.

I was fuming when she told me as she had done all of the paperwork, kept us waiting for ages and then decided to tell me I needed a babysitter right at the very end! If she has told me as soon as I went up to the desk I would have been cool about it... AJ isnt exactly unnoticeable (as some of you know)!

They dont make it easy, not only did I have to get a medical cert for my eyes (dont have binocular vision for their machines) I have to have a babysitter too! Ah well, will go back at the weekend or one day next week while AJ is at kindy! whats another week, I am so late already!.....

[Familyofmonkeys]

Just a little heads up.... I didnt realise that the test room was a communal area, I turned up to do my theory test (yes I know I know, I am waaaayyy late with it!) and they wouldnt let me cos I had DS with me, and he might disturb other folks doing theirs.



That is not good :( I checked our local test place last week and aparently you are legally allowed to have children under age 8 with you when you take test......not that I will be taking all 3 of mine with me, but I can if I want too.

[jubjub]

Sounds like its worth ringing individual centres then to check their policy... I went to the AA @ Meadowlands.

I got the impression this woman wasnt very helpful, and she seemed only interested in selling me AA insurance etc.... she did go check if I could go through with him, but she said it was too busy with other people and I would have to come back (alone!)

Just thought it might be a handy thing to be aware of as not many of us have places to leave our younger kiddies!

[peebles16]

Well update from me - am still reading the code book thingy but thought I'd take some dummy tests from handy links above and got 8 wrong out of 33 :( They mostly related to the whole give way palaver and can't seem to get my head round it on paper... Will have to pay more attention to OH driving instead of blethering away like maniac in the car or singing along to kids CDs :D

Back to the books
karenx

[Tia Maria]

Sounds like its worth ringing individual centres then to check their policy... I went to the AA @ Meadowlands.

I got the impression this woman wasnt very helpful, and she seemed only interested in selling me AA insurance etc.... she did go check if I could go through with him, but she said it was too busy with other people and I would have to come back (alone!)

Just thought it might be a handy thing to be aware of as not many of us have places to leave our younger kiddies!

I went to the AA place in Takapuna, they just have a few booths at the back of the shop, and although I didn't have the kids I can't see they would have objected as its all in a pretty public area anyway. Maybe the ones done in separate rooms are more picky?

I didn't have to make an appointment either as phoned up in the morning and they said just come along with all the info, (it was early morning, mid week).

Sounds like you got a real jobsworth, what a pain having to go back! :(

Cheers

Tia

[Tia Maria]

Well update from me - am still reading the code book thingy but thought I'd take some dummy tests from handy links above and got 8 wrong out of 33 :( They mostly related to the whole give way palaver and can't seem to get my head round it on paper... Will have to pay more attention to OH driving instead of blethering away like maniac in the car or singing along to kids CDs :D

Back to the books
karenx

I got someone to explain the reasoning behind it, eg not holding up traffic etc and this helped it stick in my mind a bit more, along with looking at the pictures just before I did the test.

Don't get anyone from the UK to explain it though as they just spend the whole time ranting about how stupid it is! :p

I could do it easily on the test but can't work it out when driving yet, not sure how I'll get round that one, my brain just goes into a panic as to whose right of way it is, then I try to imagine the pictures, but if we're not all in the same place it doesn't help! :laugh

Maybe some fellow forum members can tell us how they remember ......

Cheers

Tia

[Hannah-NL]

I bought a book (33 pages) on Trademe written by a driving instructor, called something like 'pass your NZ driving test' (Not sure if I can name it all here?)
There's one for Restricted and one for Full license.

Anyway, I'm studying that, and when we emailed about the book he said I could always ask questions. I did so today and got an almost immediate reply. :nice1

[Hannah-NL]

p.s. when one of us passes the test can we have a celebration? :P

[jubjub]

OK, give way rule as I understand it....

If there is a vehicle to your right hand side when you are at an intersection, they have the right of way if the direction they are going to travel in will cross your path.

So basically if you both moved at once and they would hit your drivers side, then you should have stayed still!

[zardell]

OK, give way rule as I understand it....

If there is a vehicle to your right hand side when you are at an intersection, they have the right of way if the direction they are going to travel in will cross your path.

So basically if you both moved at once and they would hit your drivers side, then you should have stayed still!



Bloomin'ek Sal, you sound like my hubby when he's trying to explain the offside footy rule!!:laugh

Imagine that you are on a major road and you want to turn left into a minor road. However, there is a car coming towards you on that major road and he wants to turn to his right, into the same minor road that you wish to turn into. If we were in the UK you would simply turn into the minor road whilst the other car would wait in the centre of the major road, giving way to any oncoming traffic and then follow you. In NZ you don't turn into the minor road, but you give way to the other car, allowing him to cross your path and then you follow him. Unless of course, there are cars behind you that are not turning and going straight ahead - that scenario gives you your right of way back!!!!!!!

Does that make sense? No??

I'll try and find you a picture...


:exit

Julie

xx

[James 1077]

Easy way of learning the give way rule is to understand the point of it; once you do this it sort of makes sense.

Basically if you are driving along and want to turn right into a road then you need to pull over to the right hand side of your lane. At this point you could, potentially, be holding up a large amount of traffic (especially if there is no lane specifically for turning right). All the cars coming from the opposite direction aren't going to let you through so you'll have to sit there waiting for a gap and all this time will be holding up traffic behind you.

Now a car is driving from the opposite direction and wanting to turn left into the road you want to turn right into. Under the give way rule he must give way to you and let you through. In doing this he temporarily stops the traffic coming the other way and gives you time to go passed. He then proceeds to make his left turn and the traffic continues to flow.

Given that the left turner doesn't have to wait for a gap in the traffic his turn is always going to be reasonably fast (assuming that there aren't lots of right turners - which is nearly always the case). He therefore doesn't hold up traffic for very long by giving way to you which, if the rule wasn't around, wouldn't be the case for you as you would still be stuck in the middle of the road, in danger from accidents and blocking views of the road, and holding up traffic.

The rule makes sense once you get your head around this and, I think, should be introduced around the world!

[peebles16]

My head hurts :wah:

karenx

[zardell]

My head hurts :wah:karenx



:laugh :laugh :laugh

Then don't get me started on the one that says if you want to turn right into a side road and the major road that you are on isn't wide enough for you to take a right hand, centre of the road position whilst waiting for a gap in the on-coming traffic (because you will be holding up the traffic behind you) that you therefor must to pull up on the LEFT hand side of the road (still indicating right!!!!) whilst waiting to turn RIGHT and sit there until the road is clear !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unbelievable.

Yeah well I'm sorry, but that's just as ridiculous and pointless as the give way rule IMHO and no amount of attempts to justify or make sense of these pointless road rules will make me change my mind.......

Oooooh I feel better for that.

Julie

xx

[zardell]

The rule makes sense once you get your head around this and, I think, should be introduced around the world!


You are joking aren't you......?

Julie

xx

[Tia Maria]

My head hurts :wah:

karenx

:laugh :laugh

Actually I think I'm starting to get it! Just have to see if I can work it out in a real situation!

Cheers

Tia

[Tia Maria]

I'm going to quote myself on this one:

Tia Maria wrote:

Don't get anyone from the UK to explain it though as they just spend the whole time ranting about how stupid it is! :p

:laugh :laugh

Cheers

Tia

[zardell]

I'm going to quote myself on this one:



:laugh :laugh

Cheers

Tia


How true.....:D

Julie

xx

[peebles16]

I think that's my problem as I was learning to drive in the UK and it's completely thrown me... Don't understand how you can take the theory based on what you should do at junctions etc with no practical application - I need to do it for it to make sense to me??? Does that make any sense to anyone else or am I completely bonkers - well more so than normal :D

Thanks to all for trying to explain to me though much appreciated :)

Karenx

[jubjub]

Well, i went to the On road place this morning and did it, and passed, so I am now officially legal... and get to pay less excess if I have an accident....

it was a totally different set up to the AA and if I had gone there the other day, it would have been fine with DS in tow, you basically stood in the corner of reception to do your scratch test!

[JandM]

Well done.:clap

[Tia Maria]

Hurrah! :nice1

Cheers

Tia

[slider]

Congratulations. Well done :clap

[dilanium]

(assuming that there aren't lots of right turners - which is nearly always the case).

Wait, you have to give way to ALL the cars turning right?

[zardell]

Well, i went to the On road place this morning and did it, and passed,


Well done you.

Have a :raebanana or two :raebanana :raebanana

Julie

xx

[dilanium]

Congrats!!!

:)
:raebanana :raebanana :raebanana

[JandM]

Wait, you have to give way to ALL the cars turning right?
Yes, that's so, I think. As James says, the point is to get rid of the hold-up in the middle of the road, so there would be no point in just letting one (of three waiting, say) go, and not the others.

[Jo Jo]

My first lesson is tomorrow... :eek:

[Leccy-Lee]

Just found this thread, Good Luck....
Still you cant turn out worse than half the Kiwi drivers! ;)

[Philip10]

I know people are really going to hate me for this comment, but here goes. One of reasons a lot of people say for going to NZ is the traffic congestion and pollution they experience in the UK. Whilst I am not suggesting cars should not be used at all, is it not better to for us Brits to use alternative means of transport thus avoid turning parts of the NZ into a traffic congested polluted environment. To show our children there are alternative forms transport other then the car which are far less polluting, walking, to cycle, use public transport (if that is not available, then campaign for better services) or motorcycles (which are 75% less polluting then cars). I have not owned a car for 12 years and do not intend to own one when I arrive in NZ. Come on people lets keep New Zealand green.

Philip:D

[James 1077]

I know people are really going to hate me for this comment, but here goes. One of reasons a lot of people say for going to NZ is the traffic congestion and pollution they experience in the UK. Whilst I am not suggesting cars should not be used at all, is it not better to for us Brits to use alternative means of transport thus avoid turning parts of the NZ into a traffic congested polluted environment. To show our children there are alternative forms transport other then the car which are far less polluting, walking, to cycle, use public transport (if that is not available, then campaign for better services) or motorcycles (which are 75% less polluting then cars). I have not owned a car for 12 years and do not intend to own one when I arrive in NZ. Come on people lets keep New Zealand green.

Philip:D

I think that a lot of this depends on where you live and your individual circumstances. If you live out in the countryside then there is no way that you can live without a car. Likewise if you have small kids then you probably couldn't even if you are in a city.

For example we live in Auckland and yet have to own a car. Most of the time it sits in the driveway though as I catch the ferry into work and my wife normally walks into Devonport with the babies' buggy whenever she goes into town.

However we need the car to, for example, go food shopping as the walk is too far to carry shopping bags and the supermarket is quite expensive so we like to drive up to a cheaper one further away. We also need the car in order to visit various family members as public transport really isn't good around if you aren't going into the city.

Also if we want to go and see some of this beautiful country then there is no other option - a weekend away already entails completely filling the boot of our Ford Falcon station wagon because of the amount of stuff that two babies require. Heading over to a beach to go boogie boarding also means we need a car.

New Zealand sort of accepts that cars are a necessity which is why, for example, the driving age is 15. They are slowly improving public transport, especially in Auckland, but there simply isn't the same scale and population density of the UK to make it viable everywhere.

[Jo Jo]

Well, I've had my first lesson... I was quite nervous to start with, but as soon as I started driving I enjoyed myself. I stayed in first gear the whole time, and sped along at 15 km/h.

Best of all, I found out today that I can take my test right here in my tiny town, which has a population of 4000, 2 roundabouts and no traffic lights. The lack of traffic lights is a terrific bonus - before I moved to London 19 years ago I did start learning to drive, and failed my test because I went through a red light!

[jubjub]

Yay to your first lesson Jojo, at least you enjoyed it even if you didnt get to change gear!

[zardell]

Good for you Jo.

Maybe your instructor is using the 'One at a Time' method and doing a gear per lesson, so you'll be on gear 2 next week...:laugh

Sorry.....

Julie

xx

[Tia Maria]

Well, I've had my first lesson... I was quite nervous to start with, but as soon as I started driving I enjoyed myself. I stayed in first gear the whole time, and sped along at 15 km/h.

Best of all, I found out today that I can take my test right here in my tiny town, which has a population of 4000, 2 roundabouts and no traffic lights. The lack of traffic lights is a terrific bonus - before I moved to London 19 years ago I did start learning to drive, and failed my test because I went through a red light!

Nice one! I quite often get up to 30km/h, but then I have had 3 lessons. :D

Please can I come and take my test near you!?

Cheers

Tia

[Jo Jo]

Good for you Jo.

Maybe your instructor is using the 'One at a Time' method and doing a gear per lesson, so you'll be on gear 2 next week...:laugh

Sorry.....

Julie

xx

I did get into second gear today! And I even got up to 35 km/h!

I really enjoyed my lesson today. I had a moment's panic when I drove over some gravel as I had a flashback to the crash yesterday, but that soon passed.

[Tia Maria]

Well done getting in a car after the other day! This week alone I've seen one minor crash and a tow truck towing away a rather crumpled up car. I'm sure none of it was happening before I started to learn!

Well my triumph today is I drove the kids to school in a car without dual control! The kids, understanding the seriousness of the occasion, were quiet for once, except for the 1 year old who went 'Wheeeeeeee' every time we went down a slight slope. :laugh

Its a bit of pressure having to learn with kids in the back, but as I'll probably always have kids in the back its good practice.

I have surprised myself how much I like my snazzy little car, I try not to stroke it too often! :D

When can you take the test Jo Jo?

Cheers

Tia

[Jo Jo]

Oooh, well done, Tia.

The earliest I can take the test is October, I think, though the tester doesn't come to our town every month so I think I'll wait until she does, rather than travel to a town that has traffic lights (and traffic, for that matter....) When will you take yours?

[Tia Maria]

I took the multiple choice test ages ago, but couldn't start lessons till recently, for various reasons.

So technically I could take the test tomorrow!

But I think I'll give it a few months as, although I've had 4 lessons, I haven't really had the chance to start practicing until today. I'm planning lots of short trips, every couple of days and then heading down to a car park to practice my manoeveurs once a week.

I'm not confusing the brake and the accelerator anymore - so thats a good sign! :laugh

Anyone taken the test in NZ? What did you have to do?

Cheers

Tia

[Pip]

o.k - its no where near as as scary as taking your proper (practical test), but am feeling quite chuffed as I just took and passed my theory test today.

basically, I looked at the online links, did the practice test lots and lots and toddled off to the AA centre. (then I toddled home again to get my passport, address identification proog, marriage certificate etc and completed my application form which they gave me when I turned up initially - For some reason, it didn't occur to me that I'd need anything beyond my UK drivers licence along...doh!) and went back for 'take 2' and took the test!

I didn't really have to, as went back to the UK at Christmas and going back in July and the lady at the AA confirmed that the 12 months restarts each time you renter the country, but its done now.. and I'm another step towards being a proper kiwi..:laugh !

[Tia Maria]

o.k - its no where near as as scary as taking your proper (practical test), but am feeling quite chuffed as I just took and passed my theory test today.



Pip, I'd have been reassured by your post, except for the fact that I was asking about taking a practical test in NZ! :laugh (Sorry I didn't make that clear!).

I took my multiple choice ages ago and I suspect in some respect its probably easier for completely new learners, (as opposed to people just transferring their license), as we don't have to forget the rules from the previous country and relearn new ones.

Anyway congrats on passing today! :clap

Cheers

Tia

[shakyle2906]

Well, one step further............emailed a driving instructor a few days ago.

I must be the only UK person she has had contact her - she is unsure whether i can learn to drive with my UK provisional licence ??????

So guys, whats the story over here...........

Can i start lessons whilst studying for theory ? or is it different ?

Any help greatly appreciated, i am nervous even about booking the lessons.......... its been over a year since my last lesson!!!!!!!

BTW, they are $50 if you learn in own car, $55 to use her car - a mini

Look forward to hearing from you

Sharon
xx