Foreign (NZ) Driving licence question

[scruffygit]

I emigrated to NZ six years ago and, as a resident, had to get a NZ driving licence. A couple of years later when I tried to renew my UK HGV licence, DVLA told me that under European Law (Twa@ts) I was not entitled to a UK driving licence - still got all the driving/riding categories, just not allowed the bit of plastic - because I'm not a UK/Euro resident.

I'm going back to the UK in June for my Fathers 8Oth birthday. He wants to put me as a named driver on his car insurance so that I don't have to hire a car. I know I can hire a car in the UK on my NZ licence no problems, but what is the situation regarding insuring and driving a private car on one? It will be for just two weeks.

Many thanks.

 

[Murt]

I don't actually know BUT.
My uncle who had lived in Australia for fourty years came over here for a month about five years ago, and had no problem getting put onto my Fathers car insurance as a named driver for a fee. (A 1.6 Astra).
I would also get him to speak to his insurance early to check.

Good luck with it.

Murt

 

[scruffygit]

Thanks for that. It seems to be a bit of a grey area that has confused his insurance company.

 

[Boggymarsh]

Most insurance certificates refer to the insured as "holding or having held" a driving licence. It is not my experience that any refer to a British, European or any other specific licence. On that basis I would suggest that there should be no issue with being put on the policy as a named driver BUT speak with the insurance company concerned as they are the only ones who can give the right answer.

 

[Vinterceptor]

I got my first car licence in South Africa.
When coming back to the UK on holiday I received an international driving permit through the AA in South Africa, which was accepted over here.

When I came back to the UK permanently I was put onto my wifes car insurance as a named driver (only had an SA licence backed up with the IDP at the time).

The same permit can be obtained through the NZ AA,

http://www.aa.co.nz/drivers/driver-licences/international-driving-permit/

I suspect most insurance providers will accept it for a 'small fee'. Best to enquire at the insurance co I reckons.

 

[Boggymarsh]

I would save your money. Here in the UK you can drive for up to 12 months on your driving licence and as your NZ licence is printed in English, there is no need to buy an IDP but you must be in possession of your DL when driving.

 

[T.C]

Now that I have managed to log in, everyone has beaten me to it @tu* but I concur with wat has been said previously.

What you have gone through is not uncommon (my brother in law lives in Austria and had exactly the same issues as he had to surrender his UK licence for an Austrian one).

Although New Zealand is not a designated country, I am not convinced that you would even need an International Permit (although it would pay to be safe rather than sorry), however, given my brother in laws exprience when he comes over and drives his mothers car as a named driver, it can vary from insurane company to insurers.

On one occasion, MiL was wth Hastings Direct and they wanted something like ?220 for 10 days cover

Her current insurers (who I cannot recall who they are at the moment) make no charge as he is over 50, and a couple of others have charged ?10 to cover admin costs.

There is no consistancy so it really is depenant on who the insurance is with

 

[scruffygit]

Thank you gents.

My Father is going to have a word with his insurance company. Unfortunately, knowing him, that will be new insurance needed.