Drivers Licence

Hi everyone,

I couldn't find anything in the search, so here is my question.

We will arrive in Rarotonga at 4.15pm on a Friday.
I understand the driver licence place is closed on Sundays, but what about Saturday? Or might we be able to get one still on Friday?

We would like to get one so we can hire scooters. We both hold NZ full car licences and restricted and learners, respectively, motorcycle licences.

Thanks!

Cook Islanders are a pretty understanding and reasonable people. If you don't make it in time to get a license I'm sure you won't have any problems as long as you show up at the first opportunity to obtain one. Especially since you already have a NZ learners permit for a motorcycle.

From memory the police station (which issues licences and does testing) is open Saturday mornings.

But there's a system whereby a temporary licence can be granted by the hirer to last until the police station opens again which works well. There's a small charge but it's worth it. This is very useful for people picking up a car at the airport.

Don't think learners' licences are accepted for car drivers' licences or for car hire and would guess the same would apply for motorcycles. So it's possible the test for motorcycles might still be necessary.

Edited by: agingaquarian

you can purchase a temp license from the rental agency it cost $2,00. It will not solve your problem ( though i will not consider it to be a problem you should gravely worry about) because it is i think valid for 24H but it shows that you are doing the right thing. We spent 20 days in Rarotonga not even once we were stopped or asked to show a driver license.
Enjoy your stay we really missCI.
Nelcarina

The Cook Islands police did warn the public that the week leading up to Christmas and beyond to NYE will see increased road patrols. Will be interesting to see whether temp licences are considered together with general licence checks. I got stopped 2 weeks ago in one of the favourite spots just beyond the town boundary.

Would an international driver's permit issued (available through the Canadian Automobile Association CAA) here in Canada be accepted? I'm wondering if it is worth it to get it here.