The NZS.com Learning to Drive Online article contains information on getting your learners, restricted and full licenses in New Zealand, and driving schools and courses.
Learning To Drive In New Zealand
Learning to drive can be a very stressful experience, not just for the student, but also for the teacher. This article provides you with the information to help you to be as prepared as you can throughout the process of obtaining a drivers license for a car.
Are you wanting to learn to drive online and understand how the New Zealand driver's licence system works?
New Zealand has a graduated system of driver licencing starting with a Learner Licence, followed by a Restricted Licence, then finally the Full Licence. You must pass a theory test to get your Learner Licence, then driving tests to pass the next two stages.
While the process is similar for other vehicles such as motorbikes, and heavy trucks, more information regarding applying for these licences and other endorsements is available from the Automobile Association (AA) website, or on the Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) website.
Studying for your Learner License
Before you can get behind the wheel you need to sit and pass the driving theory test. You will need to study the latest Road Code which is available from most book stores or your local library. This reference book covers all the driving theory you need to know for New Zealand roads.
There are specific books depending on the type of licence you are trying to get. Make sure you know the Road Code well as you will need to pay an additional fee to resit the test.
Booking your Test
Most AA outlets, or Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) stations will be able to book you in for your practical test. You will need the following information:
- Application form completed
- Identification such as a birth certificate
- Evidence of your address such as a bank statement
- Confirmation of name change (if applicable)
- Eyesight certificate or corrective eyewear
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
- Means of payment for example cheque, cash or Eftpos
Getting your 'L' Plates
Once you have passed your theory test and have your Learners Licence you can start driving a vehicle with appropriate supervision, and with L plates displayed. If you are going to be taught by a family member or friend make sure they have a good temperament and lots of patience. Driving a car does take a lot of practice to master for the learner driver, and while in theory it sounds like fun it can test even the strongest relationships.
Fortunately there are private driving instructors at driving schools who are paid to be patient, kind and helpful when it comes to instructing a novice in the finer points of driving. Once you have decided upon your instructor, there are a few things that may help you to go from beginner bunny hopper to competent cruiser.
- Always wear your safety belt. This is a legal requirement and it is a good habit to get into when you are just starting out.
- Ensure you and all passengers are buckled up before starting the car.
- Remove distractions such as stereo and cellphones. You have more than enough going on with foot pedals, gear lever, steering and other traffic.
- Breathe. It sounds silly but it is very easy to forget when you are concentrating on not stalling at the lights.
- Think of driving as a series of steps and work through these. Release clutch, apply accelerator to take off, decelerate, apply clutch to change gear, approach corner, break gently, indicate, clutch, change gear, and so on.
- Be courteous to all road users which includes others cars, trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians. You are all sharing the same roads and it is a privilege not a right to drive a vehicle.
- Practice, practice and practice. If you have access to a big paddock make use of it. Get electric fence stakes or alike and set them up like car parks, intersections, roundabouts.
Applying for your Restricted and Full Licenses
After you have held your Learner Licence for 6 months you are able to apply to sit a practical driving test for your Restricted Licence.
You can then apply for your full licence after 18 months on your restricted licence if under 25 years, or 6 months if over 25 years of age.
If under 25 years of age you can reduce your Restricted period by completing an approved driving course, where you will be taught advanced driving techniques.
Enjoy Driving!
Driving is a past time long enjoyed since the earliest of cars first hit the road in the early 20th century. While the vehicles have evolved considerably, it is still a great way to get around. Take your time and learn to be as competent and confident as possible behind the wheel.
Looking for more information on driving schools in New Zealand? Check out the NZS.com directory.
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Motoring images from Flickr: Driving My Car, Traffic Lights and Motorway.
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