Ready to zip around the beautiful Cook Islands on a scooter? Here’s a warm and welcoming guide to help you get your visitor scooter license in Rarotonga and beyond, with answers to common questions and all the steps you need to know!
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Do I need a license to ride a scooter in Rarotonga?
Yes, you’ll need either a motorcycle/scooter license from your home country or a Cook Islands visitor scooter license. We’ll walk you through the process for the latter!
How old do I need to be to ride a moped in Rarotonga?
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a moped or scooter in the Cook Islands.
How long does it take to scooter around Rarotonga?
The main road, Ara Tapu, is about 32 km (20 miles) long. At a leisurely 40–50 kph (24.9–31.1 mph), it takes around 45–50 minutes to circle the island. Check out more on travel times in our guide, How Long Does it Take to Travel Around Rarotonga?
How do I get a scooter license in Rarotanga?
Head to the Rarotonga Police Station in Avarua, fill out an application, pass a quick theory test, and complete a practical test. Don’t worry, we’ve got all the details below!
Where and When to Apply for Your Scooter License in Rarotonga
You can get your scooter license at the Rarotonga Police Station in the heart of Avarua, right on the main road, Ara Tapu. It’s a big building between Cook’s Corner and BCI Bank—you can’t miss it!
Opening Hours for the Driver’s License Office:
- Monday to Friday: 8 am–3 pm
- Saturday: 9 am–12 pm
Test Times (subject to change):
- Theory Test: Monday–Thursday at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm; Friday at 9 am and 11 am
- Practical Test: Monday–Thursday at 10 am and 2 pm; Friday at 10 am and 1 pm
Getting a Scooter License in Aitutaki or Other Islands
Good news if you’re in Aitutaki or outer islands like Atiu! You can get a scooter license at the Aitutaki Police Station in Arutanga (up the hill behind Vodafone and BCI). No tests are needed—just bring your overseas driver’s license and pay a small NZ$2.50 fee for the paper license. This license works across all the Cook Islands, including Rarotonga!
Aitutaki Police Station Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm.
How to Apply for Your Scooter License in Rarotonga
Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form
Pick up the “Application for a Licence to Drive a Motor Vehicle – Visitors V-1” at the Rarotonga Police Station. (Don’t grab the resident form by mistake!)
What You’ll Need:
- Your passport (or a notarized birth certificate, but a passport is easier)
- Your overseas driver’s license
- A certified translation if your license isn’t in English (if needed—check out Can You Drive in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands With an Overseas License? for more info)
- A pen (they usually have some, but it’s good to bring one just in case)
Details to Provide on the Form:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Age
- Name of your accommodation in the Cook Islands
- Overseas license number (if you know it)
- Overseas contact details and next-of-kin contact
Tick the “A1” motorcycle class box (for scooters up to 125cc) and select the payment method (“cash” or “cheque”). Most visitors will check “Visitor,” “Police Theory,” and “Police Practice.”
Once your form is ready, head to the Driver’s License desk (clearly marked on the right side of the main entrance). They’ll photocopy your passport and license, and you’ll pay the fees for your tests.
Costs:
- Theory test: NZ$10
- Practical test: NZ$10
- Card license: NZ$20
Note: You’ll also need a rental scooter and helmet for the practical test (more on that below).
Step 2: Take the Theory Test
After submitting your form, you’ll be directed to a small room near the main entrance to take your theory test. It’s a quick 25-question test with multiple-choice and short-answer questions about road rules. You need at least 23 correct answers to pass.
Theory Test Times: Monday–Thursday at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm; Friday at 9 am and 11 am.
If you’re nervous, take a peek at How to Drive in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know for some helpful tips (but it’s not official test material). If you don’t pass, you can retake it later for another NZ$10.
Step 3: Ace the Practical Test
Pass your theory test? Awesome! You’ll be assigned a time for your practical test.
Practical Test Times: Monday–Thursday at 10 am and 2 pm; Friday at 10 am and 1 pm.
You’ll need a scooter and helmet for the test. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry! You can:
- Complete your application and theory test, then rent a scooter nearby (try Polynesian Rental Cars & Bikes right next door). Rent for the day, pay a refundable deposit, and return it after your test if you want to shop around (see Scooter Hire in Rarotonga: Where to Rent, Cost & More).
- Or, some rental companies provide a temporary motorcycle license when you pick up your scooter, which lets you ride straight to the Police Station to apply.
What’s the Practical Test Like?
The test happens in an alley next to the Police Station, with a line of traffic cones. You’ll:
- Show you can confidently put on a helmet and start the scooter.
- Ride to a “Give Way” sign, use your indicators, check both sides, and make a U-turn.
- Ride back, then weave through the cones without knocking any over.
The practical test costs NZ$10, and if you need to retake it, it’s another NZ$10.
Step 4: Get Your License!
Once you pass the practical test, head back to the driver’s license office, hand over your paperwork, and pay NZ$20 for your shiny new Cook Islands Motorcycle License!
License Details:
- Valid for 30 days from the issue date.
- Only for scooters with engines up to 125cc.
Have fun exploring the Cook Islands on your scooter, and ride safely!
