Improving land transport to make a better New Zealand
Telephone and online booking service for driving tests
Land Transport New Zealand has a facility you can use to book practical driving tests by phone or online.
Q&As about the service
Where can I find this service?
- Call 0800 822 422.
- Visit our Transaction Centre.
What driving tests can I book?
You can book:
- restricted licence tests (car and motorcycle)
- full licence tests (car, motorcycle and heavy vehicles).
- older driver licence tests (for drivers aged 80, 82, 84, etc).
You can also view a booking you have made, and change or cancel it.
Are there any tests I can't book?
There are some tests you can't book using this service (you'll need to go to a Land Transport New Zealand agent for these):
- Changing from an overseas driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence
- Tests for passenger (P), vehicle recovery (V), driving instructor (I) or testing officer (O) licence endorsements
- A learner licence theory test.
The reason you can't book these tests by phone or online is because a Land Transport New Zealand driver licensing agent needs to view certain documents (eg, your existing overseas driver licence). Also, in some cases you may not need to sit a practical test, and the agent can confirm this for you.
What information do I need to book over the phone or online?
You need:
- your current driver licence, and
- a current credit card (American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard or Visa).
How long will it take to book my test online or over the phone?
The online service involves following a simple step-by-step process, which takes most people 5-8 minutes to complete.
Booking through the phone service takes around the same amount of time.
If I book by phone, who does the call go to?
Your call will go to Land Transport New Zealand's Driver Licensing Call Centre, who will book you a test in your local area.
Can I go to a local driver licensing agent if I don't want to use the service?
Yes, you can book by going to an agent in person. However, please note that you can't book by phoning an agent. This is because agents would have to employ additional people to answer telephone calls, which is not viable for many agents because of their size.
Will it be cheaper to use the Internet or phone service?
Because the charges for tests are set by regulation, the same fees will apply.
Can I make my practical test booking any day or time before the test?
- The online booking service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The phone booking service operates Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.
What if I book a test and confirmation doesn't come through before I'm due to sit the test?
- You'll get a confirmation slip immediately when you book online.
- If you book by phone, you'll be given all the details for your test. Make sure you keep a record of these and take it with you to your test if your confirmation slip hasn't arrived in the post in time. (Your test booking is valid even if your confirmation slip hasn't arrived, so make sure you show up in time - or you will still be charged for the test.)
Q&As about security
Could someone else book and pay for a test on my behalf?
In theory, if someone has your driver licence, address and credit card details, they can book a test in your name. However, Land Transport New Zealand strongly discourages you from sharing these details with anyone. If you use someone else's credit card to pay for the fees (eg, if you're too young to hold a credit card but your parents have one), make sure you get permission first.
How will I know my details are secure?
The security of the online service has been carefully tested. Also, when you use the Internet or phone test booking services, your personal details and credit card details are kept separate. Your credit card details are not stored by Land Transport New Zealand, because your credit card payment is carried out on a separate, secure bank site.
If someone stole my driver licence, would they be able to access my details through the phone or Internet service?
No. We do not pass any personal details back to the Internet or phone applicant. Land Transport New Zealand does confirm that the details given to us are correct, but the user would have to know these details already.
What's to stop someone stealing my credit card and using it to pay for their test online or over the phone?
If someone used a stolen credit card, they'd most likely be paying for their own test, so we would have a clear record of exactly who had used your credit card, and would have their name and address on our system. If you do lose your credit card, notify your bank immediately so that they can cancel it to prevent any unauthorised expenses being charged against it – the system recognises and will not accept cancelled credit cards.
Q&As - General
What are the benefits of the telephone and Internet booking services?
The services can save you having to make two trips to a driver licensing agent (one to book your test and the other to sit your test). Older drivers and drivers in rural areas (and those who don't want to negotiate traffic and have the hassle of finding carparks) benefit most.
Will I eventually be able to apply for driver licences online or over the phone?
No, not with current technology. We need to be able to confirm your identity, take your photo and do an eye test before you can receive a New Zealand driver licence.
Why are the services only accessible to credit card users – why can't I pay by cheque?
This is a 'real time' transaction and payment has to be cleared before your test is confirmed. If you wanted to pay by cheque, it would be quicker to go to a driver licensing agent.
Can I use my credit card at a driver licensing agent?
Every agent makes its own policy decision about whether it will accept credit card payments, because it costs the agent credit card merchant fees to run this service. Some agents do accept credit cards, so check with your agent first.
Page created: 30 September 2005