Driving a motorhome in Oz on a UK License?
Submitted: Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 05:08
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evolutionary
Hi guys,
Can anyone tell me what UK license categories I need to drive a (converted bus) motorhome in Oz.
I understand that it is fine to drive on my UK license when I am only visiting Oz on a tourist visa.
Is it right that I would need the equivalent of a medium rigid entitlement in Oz to drive a motorhome that has been converted from a bus?
I believe that there is some sort of conversion that the authorities in Oz use to determine whether your UK license entitlement is enough to drive a particular vehicle in Oz.
Does anyone know what UK categories a Medium Rigid Motorhome corresponds to?
I have UK B, BE, C1, C1E, D1, D1E, f k l n p. (Standard, pre-1997, Full UK Drivers License)
I cannot take the Medium Rigid test in Oz as this would require a Ozzie license, which as a tourist, I can't get. So I need to know if I need to extend my entitlement here in the Uk before I head to Oz.
Thanks for any help you can give with this one...
Cheers...
Adam
Reply By: get outmore - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 05:37
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 05:37
How big is the motor home? a car license allows you to drive vehicles up to 4.5Tonne GVM
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: get outmore - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 05:43
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 05:43
uh sorry you said bus. Assuming you mean a full size bus you may need the equivelent of an HR license
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Rossco 09 - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 08:09
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 08:09
Only MR for single axle bus. This is what you need HR for (my baby)
Don't be surprised if they make you re-test.
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Follow Up By: evolutionary - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:07
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:07
Woh! Sweet! Might just be one axle too many for me tho!
How can they make me retest if I'm on a tourist visa?
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Reply By: Member - Dennis P (Scotland) - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 08:12
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 08:12
Hi Adam,
I moved to the UK from Australia 7 years ago with a license which included HGV's.
When I 'exchanged' this for the UK equilavent, all I got back was one that permitted me to drive cars, vans or tractors.
Australia and the UK do not recognise each others heavy goods licenses, sadly.
Google 'UK licenses in Australia' to get some more info.
Cheers,
Dennis
AnswerID:
386974
Follow Up By: evolutionary - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:21
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:21
My understanding is that Aussie authorities will recognise whatever entitlements you have on your UK driving license. Strange that it would not happen like that the other way round, or maybe it is just HGVs that are not included, or they sorted it out in the last seven years.
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Reply By: DIO - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 09:44
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 09:44
Have you thought to check with your Auto Club (AAA etc). They might be in a better position to advise you correctly.
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Follow Up By: evolutionary - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:17
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:17
Good idea, may
well be worth a shot - thanks..
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Reply By: Member - Fred B (NT) - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:30
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:30
I am not up to date with driver licence categories, but even if you have the correct category, I strongly suggest you get an International drivers Licence from your Auto Club, ensuring that all categories on your normal licence are marked on the International drivers licence. You will need to carry both with you when driving in Aus or other nations. As others have suggested, go to your auto club for more details.
regards
AnswerID:
386987
Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 12:13
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 12:13
Not sure but have read that if longer than 3 months you need an Aussie licence.
An email to the relevant department will give you a definite answer rather than our guesses.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: bgreeni - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 19:11
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 19:11
In WA you need permanent residency before you can get a driving licence. You do not need international lisence - they are not recognised, just your home country licence (and your passport) covering what ever you are driving.
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Follow Up By: Member - Dennis P (Scotland) - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 19:32
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 19:32
Not sure where your info about them not being recognised comes from..
International Driving Permit
Cheers,
Dennis
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Follow Up By: bgreeni - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 21:13
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 21:13
I am only going on what I have been told when hiring overseas. On my first trip many years ago I had an international licence and the hire firm was only interested in my actual licence. Have hired cars overseas many times since and never bothered with the international licence. I know in Australia the authorities here want a certified translation of non english language licences.
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Reply By: HGMonaro - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 12:20
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 12:20
different states might have different rules too!
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (NT) - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 17:23
Reply By: ian - Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 22:11
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 at 22:11
International drivers licence is just a translation into a variety of languages.
It has no legal validity.
ian
AnswerID:
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