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Factsheet 45 – April 2009
New Zealand's graduated driver licensing system has three stages:
Each stage has a test you have to pass. There's a theory test to begin stage 1, and driving tests to begin stages 2 and 3.
As you move from one stage to the next you're given a new licence, with different requirements and more responsibilities. Normal road rules apply at all times.
You must always have your licence with you when you're driving, and you must be at least 15 years old before you can apply for a car driver licence.
| Fee | |
|---|---|
| Learner licence application fee |
$39.30 |
| Learner licence test | $39.70 |
| Restricted licence application fee |
$39.30 |
| Restricted licence test | $48.90 |
| Full licence application fee |
$44.30 |
| Full licence test | $70.80 |
| Total | $282.30 |
All fees include GST and are non-refundable.
You need to go to a NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) driver licensing agent. These are selected branches of:
Check the organisation's website or look in the Yellow pages to find a branch near you.
The law says you must not drive if the amount of alcohol in your blood or breath exceeds certain age-related limits.
If you're under 20 years old, the legal alcohol limit is 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, and 150 micrograms per litre of breath. This is effectively a zero limit – consuming one drink will mean you can be charged with drink driving.
If you're over 20, the legal alcohol limit is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood and 400 micrograms per litre of breath.
You should have your licence with you at all times when you are driving. The law requires that you produce your licence to an enforcement officer when requested. The failure to do so may result in a fine.
Before you learn to drive on the road you must get a learner licence. You'll need to:
When you pass the test you'll be given a temporary learner licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your photo driver licence in the mail. (It should arrive within two to three weeks.)
* Older-style birth certificates that do not include your parents' details are no longer accepted by many government agencies (including the NZTA) as evidence of identity.
After holding a learner licence for at least six months, you can book a time at a driver licensing agent to sit your restricted licence test. The restricted licence test is a practical test of your driving.
To get your restricted licence, you must:
When you pass this test you'll be given a temporary restricted licence, valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your photo driver licence in the mail. It should arrive within two to three weeks.
You can apply for a full driver licence after 18 months on your restricted licence if you're under 25 years old, or after six months on your restricted licence if you're 25 or older.
If you're under 25 years old and you successfully complete an approved course, you can apply for your full licence after 12 months instead of 18 months. (Please note that you must have had your restricted licence for at least six months before you complete the course.)
If you're 25 or older and you successfully complete an approved course, you can apply for your full licence after three months. Present the course certificate to the driver licensing agent when you apply for your full licence.
To get your full licence, you must:
When you pass the test you'll be given a temporary licence, valid for 21 days, to use until your full licence arrives in the mail. It should arrive within two or three weeks.