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  #1  
Old 24 Jul 2010
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Getting a bike license + buying a bike as a foreigner
Hi HU!

I'm planning a working holiday in Oz (will be 29 at the time) and from what I've read so far, it does not seem to be a problem getting a learner permit (course + test) and then buying a bike as a foreigner. Legislation on licenses is retarded here in Quebec, Canada, this is why this option is much more appealing.

As anyone been down that road before? Any info\piece of advice would be great!
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  #2  
Old 24 Jul 2010
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If you have some ID and evidence of an address in a rural part of the state of New South Wales (NSW), where there is no close access to the course or test (such as the Bega Valley where I live), you simply have to do a short quiz on your knowledge of the road rules and you will be given your learner permit. As far as I am aware the course is only available in the major cities.

Three months later you can do the road skills test to get your provisional licence, which will entitle you to an International Driving Permit if you want to ride in other countries.

The NSW learner permit and provisional licence are valid for riding in all states and territories of Australia, but the process for obtaining them in those places may be very different as there is no uniformity nationally.
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  #3  
Old 24 Jul 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deolali View Post
If you have some ID and evidence of an address in a rural part of the state of New South Wales (NSW), where there is no close access to the course or test (such as the Bega Valley where I live), you simply have to do a short quiz on your knowledge of the road rules and you will be given your learner permit. As far as I am aware the course is only available in the major cities.

Three months later you can do the road skills test to get your provisional licence, which will entitle you to an International Driving Permit if you want to ride in other countries.

The NSW learner permit and provisional licence are valid for riding in all states and territories of Australia, but the process for obtaining them in those places may be very different as there is no uniformity nationally.
Thanks for the info, I had read your answers in this thread, it is very very complete regarding licensing!
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ountries-49620

Are you aware of any problem buying a bike? I've read on these forums (sorry don't have the link) that you need a valid adress but if the dealer really wants the sale he will just use his own or something? Do you think it would be an issue?

Thank you so much for the useful info!
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  #4  
Old 25 Jul 2010
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Originally Posted by Th3G33k View Post
Are you aware of any problem buying a bike? I've read on these forums (sorry don't have the link) that you need a valid adress but if the dealer really wants the sale he will just use his own or something? Do you think it would be an issue?

Thank you so much for the useful info!
For a few years now the State vehicle registration authorities (RTA NSW, VicRoads, QLD Transport, etc etc) are supposed to require that the owner of the vehicle provides 100 points of acceptable ID - this usually includes a passport, birth certificate, immigration papers plus bills to the address where you want your vehicle registered - power bills, credit card, rent invoice, bank statement, etc.

In practice the rules seem to be varied by whoever sits behind the counter which I've never known is incompetence or someone trying to open the door to a bribe.
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  #5  
Old 25 Jul 2010
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I transferred a secondhand vehicle to my name three days ago at the local NSW RTA office. They photocopied my licence and a credit card as evidence of my ID. My address was already on the licence though it did not correspond with the garage address that I gave for the vehicle - that isnt a problem to them. All you need as evidence of an address in the first place is a receipt from a backpackers, youth hostel or caravan park or wherever else you are living at that time.

But you need to be aware that any parking or speeding tickets will be sent to the garage address for the vehicle. You can change the garage address online at any time.
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  #6  
Old 26 Jul 2010
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Thanks for the great advice guys, I'll make sure to bring any ID needed.
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  #7  
Old 26 Jul 2010
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Happy to help/advise if you're in the state of Victoria
And hey Th3G33k, if you need any specific advice/help with the whole getting-a-learner permit process and find yourself doing it in Victoria, I've recently been through it myself here and would be more than happy to help with any questions you have about the permit, lessons, the theory/practical test etc (feel free to PM me or post again here!).

Jeanie
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Old 27 Jul 2010
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Geek, another thing you may wish to consider is that a learner's permit will only allow you to ride a restricted range of vehicles greater than 250cc (and in some states only up to 250cc) - not sure what size you have in mind, but keep it in mind.
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  #9  
Old 27 Jul 2010
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Thanks jeanie I'll keep that in mind for sure!

Garry: I'm looking at 250cc dual sports right now so that'll be perfect I'd like to learn before moving up in bike power/weight!
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Old 27 Jul 2010
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Do a weblookup for "learner approved motorcycle" and then the State you will be in - the list includes plenty of bikes upto a maximum of 650cc - older models but some great touring bikes like the BMW R65s. The rules set a power to weight ratio and I think some 250cc 2 stroke bikes are excluded from the list as they produce too much power.

Queensland has a training programme called Q Ride - again a weblookup to see the conditions for getting a licence after completing the competency course. Its a fast track way of getting a licence with appropriate defensive riding training.
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  #11  
Old 31 Jul 2010
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Thanks a lot everyone for the useful info, I'll definitely have a look at the Q Ride program as I will get the lisence in either NSW or QLD. The LAMS list of bikes sure has an amazing range of bikes, it seems even more than a beginner would need!
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