About driver licences

New Zealand's driver licensing system

Why have driver licences?

New Zealand has a driver licensing system to make sure that everyone who drives on our roads has the skills and knowledge necessary to be a safe driver. The safer drivers are, the safer our roads will be.

A licence to drive a motor vehicle is a privilege that is only given to people who pass the driver licence tests and demonstrate respect for the rights and safety of others.

Photo driver licences help identify drivers. They are one of the best ways to catch unlicensed and disqualified drivers.

Licences with photos help the Police to check that new and inexperienced drivers (people on learner and restricted licences) don't break the conditions of their licence.

What does a New Zealand driver licence look like?

Photo side

• 1   Licence holder's family name.
• 2   Licence holder's other names.
• 3   Licence holder's date of birth.
• 4a Licence issue date. (Note: licence cards issued before 16 January 2006 will show the issue date of that card. Licence cards issued from 16 January 2006 will show the date the driver first obtained their full, restricted or learner licence.)
• 4b   Licence card expiry date.
• 4c   Organ donor status.
• 5a   Licence number.
• 5b   Card version number.
         (Space for signature below.)
• 6   Licence holder's address (optional).
• 7   Licence classes and endorsements held.

Reverse side

• 8   Issue and expiry dates for any learner and restricted licence classes held. Expiry dates for any endorsements held. Any licence conditions (for example, must wear correcting lenses, automatic vehicles only, specially adapted vehicles). These conditions will apply to all classes and endorsements held, unless specifically stated. See below for more information about licence conditions.
• 9 Classes or endorsements the conditions apply to. If the condition does not apply to all classes and endorsements held, then this section will specify what classes and/or endorsements the condition does apply to. If this section is blank, the condition applies to all classes and endorsements held.

Licence conditions

If your licence is issued with conditions on it, this means that you must follow them when you drive. The reason some people have conditions on their licence is because they may not be a safe driver unless they follow the conditions.

A common example of a licence condition is that the driver must wear correcting lenses when they drive.

Other conditions include driving automatic vehicles only or driving only specially adapted vehicles.

Licence conditions are printed on the reverse side of your photo driver licence.

Note: additional conditions that must be followed by drivers on a learner or restricted licence are not recorded on the reverse side of your licence. See Stage 1 - Learner licence for details of learner licence conditions and Stage 2 - Restricted licence for details of restricted licence conditions.

New Zealand's graduated driver licensing system

New Zealand's graduated driver licensing system has three stages:

• stage 1 – learner licence
• stage 2 – restricted licence
• stage 3 – full licence.

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 fewer restrictions and more responsibilities.

Classes of driver licence

To drive a car you will need to get a Class 1 licence, but there are actually six classes of licence that New Zealand drivers can earn. Each class covers different types and weights of vehicle. That's because the skills you need to drive a car are different from the skills you need to drive a heavy vehicle or motorcycle.

You can apply for a Class 6 (motorcycle) licence or a Class 1 (car) licence without holding any other class of licence. But if you want a class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence, you will need to get a Class 1 licence first.

Class 1 – Car

A holder of a Class 1 learner, restricted or full licence can drive:

• a vehicle that has a gross laden weight (GLW) or gross combined weight (GCW) of 4500 kg or less (this includes tractors and combination vehicles, but does not include motorcycles)
• a moped or all-terrain vehicle
• a campervan or tradesperson's vehicle with a GLW of 6000 kg or less and an on-road weight not exceeding 4500 kg. (Note: a tradeperson's vehicle means a motor vehicle that has a body designed or adapted for use principally by tradepersons to carry special-purpose trade equipment or trade goods, excluding general freight).

In addition, a holder of a full Class 1 licence can drive:

• a forklift* with a GLW of 18,000 kg or less
• a special-type vehicle* that runs on rollers or self-laying tracks and has a GLW of 18,000 kg or less
• a special-type vehicle that runs on wheels and has a GLW of 4500 kg or less
• a special-type vehicle that runs on wheels and has a GLW of more than 4500 kg but less than 18,001 kg, if driven at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h. (If you want to drive at more than 30 km/h you'll need a Class 2 licence.)

* Certain kinds of vehicles require you to have a licence endorsement, as well as having the correct class of licence, before you can drive them. Some examples are special-type vehicles, passenger service vehicles and tow trucks. See the definitions below for more information.

Class 2 – Medium rigid vehicle

A holder of a Class 2 learner or full licence can drive:

• a rigid vehicle (including any tractor) with a GLW of more than 4500 kg but less than 18,001 kg
• a combination vehicle with a GCW of 12,000 kg or less
• a combination vehicle consisting of a rigid vehicle with a GLW of 18,000 kg or less towing a light trailer (GLW of 3500 kg or less)
• a rigid vehicle with a GLW of more than 18,000 kg that has no more than two axles
• a vehicle covered in Class 1.

In addition, a holder of a full Class 2 licence can drive:

• a forklift with a GLW of more than 18,000 kg
• a special-type vehicle that runs on rollers or self-laying tracks and has a GLW of more than 18,000 kg
• a special-type vehicle that runs on wheels and has a GLW of more than 4500 kg but less than 18,001 kg. (If you're always going to be operating this type of vehicle at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h, you can use a full Class 1 licence)
• a special-type vehicle that runs on wheels and has a GLW of more than 18,000 kg, if driven at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h. (If you want to drive at more than 30 km/h, you'll need a Class 4 licence.)

Class 3 – Medium combination vehicle

A holder of a Class 3 learner or full licence can drive:

• a combination vehicle with a GCW of more than 12,000 kg but less than 25,001 kg
• a vehicle covered in classes 1 and 2.

Class 4 – Heavy rigid vehicle

A holder of a Class 4 learner or full licence can drive:

• a rigid vehicle (including any tractor) with a GLW of more than 18,000 kg
• a combination vehicle consisting of a rigid vehicle with a GLW of more than 18,000 kg towing a light trailer (GLW of 3500 kg or less)
• vehicles covered in classes 1 and 2, but not Class 3.

In addition, a holder of a full Class 4 licence can drive:

• a special-type vehicle that runs on wheels and has a GLW of more than 18,000 kg. (If you're always going to be operating this type of vehicle at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h, you can use a Class 2 licence.)

Class 5 – Heavy combination vehicle

A holder of a Class 5 learner or full licence can drive:

• a combination vehicle with a GCW of more than 25,000 kg
• a vehicles covered in classes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Class 6 – Motorcycle

A holder of a Class 6 learner, restricted or full licence can ride:

• a motorcycle
• a moped or all-terrain vehicle.

Notes

Holders of Class 2 and Class 4 licences are allowed to tow light trailers (GLW of 3500 kg or less) behind rigid vehicles of those classes. Don't count the weight of the trailer in any gross combined weight calculations.

An articulated special-type vehicle can be driven on a Class 2 or Class 4 licence, depending on its weight. This is because its handling characteristics are determined by it being a special-type vehicle, not because it's articulated.

If you're a tractor driver, you simply need to hold the right class of licence for the weight of the tractor. You don't need a W or any other special-type endorsement.

Definitions

Gross laden weight (GLW) is the greatest of the following:

• any weight specified (following the latest modification, if applicable) as a vehicle's GLW by the vehicle's manufacturer
• any weight specified as the GLW of a particular vehicle (or a vehicle of its kind) by the Director of Land Transport
• the weight of a vehicle together with any load it is carrying, including any equipment and accessories.

Gross combined weight (GCW) is the sum of the GLW of the vehicles that make up a combination vehicle.

On-road weight means the total weight of the vehicle and load at any particular time.

Special-type vehicles are motor vehicles that are forklifts, or vehicles that run on rollers or self-laying tracks. It also includes motor vehicles that run on wheels but that aren't passenger vehicles, trade vehicles, tractors, fire engines or vehicle recovery vehicles.

Licence endorsements

To safely drive some kinds of vehicles, or to provide certain kinds of services, you need to have special knowledge or training. A licence endorsement on your driver licence shows that you have completed whatever courses or qualifications you need for that endorsement.

The types of endorsement you can get on your New Zealand driver licence, and what they allow you to do, are shown in the table below.

Endorsement	Allows you to
F	Drive a forklift
P	Drive a passenger service vehicle, eg, a bus or taxi
V	Drive a tow truck
D	Drive a vehicle that is carrying dangerous goods
T	Drive a special-type vehicle that runs on tracks
R	Drive a special-type vehicle that runs on rollers
W	Drive a special-type vehicle that runs on wheels
I	Be a driving instructor
O	Be a driver testing officer

To find out how to apply for endorsements, phone Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422 or visit the Licence endorsements section of our website.

Identification for driver licensing

When you apply for each stage of your licence, licence endorsement, or when you renew your licence, you will need to present evidence of your identity and evidence of your address.

The reason you need to present identification is so Land Transport NZ can prevent people from getting a driver licence fraudulently.

Only certain kinds of identification and evidence of address can be used for driver licensing purposes. These are detailed below.

Evidence of your identity

You'll need to present one of the following kinds of identification, confirming your full name and date of birth:

• a New Zealand driver licence that is current or has expired within the last two years
• a New Zealand or overseas passport that is current or has expired within the last two years
• a full birth certificate issued in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau. (Note: older-style birth certificates that do not include your parents' details are no longer accepted by Land Transport NZ as evidence of identity)
• a New Zealand photo firearms licence that is current or has expired within the last two years
• one of the following certificates issued under the Citizenship Act 1977:
  • a certificate of New Zealand citizenship
  • a certificate confirming New Zealand citizenship
  • a certificate confirming registration of New Zealand citizenship by descent
• a current certificate of identity issued under the Passports Act 1992
• a current refugee travel document issued by or on behalf of the government of New Zealand
• a current certificate of identity as defined by the Immigration Act 1987
• a New Zealand Police or New Zealand Defence Force photo identity card issued to non-civilian staff that is current or has expired within the last two years.

Evidence of your address

You'll also need to show evidence of your address. Suitable documents include:

• an account statement issued within the last 12 months by your bank, building society, credit union or credit card company, which has your name and address on it
• a telephone, gas or electricity account issued within the last six months, which has your name and address on it
• other acceptable evidence of your address issued within the last 12 months, which has your name and address on it – check with Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422.

Confirmation of name change

If you want to change the name on your photo driver licence (or if the name on your identification documents does not match the name currently on your photo driver licence) you must provide documentation confirming your change of name. This could be one of the following:

• your marriage or civil union certificate
• a dissolution of marriage or civil union order
• a change of name by statutory declaration (issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages)
• a deed poll of change of name (issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages)
• other suitable evidence of name change (such as adoption papers).

Eyesight requirements

You need to show that your eyesight meets the required standard each time you apply:

• for a new licence class or endorsement
• to renew existing licence classes or endorsements.

To do this you can:

• present a satisfactory eyesight certificate issued by a New Zealand-registered optometrist (this certificate must be no more than 60 days old)
• present a satisfactory medical certificate issued by a New Zealand-registered medical practitioner (this certificate must be no more than 60 days old)
• pass an eyesight screening check at a driver licensing agent.

Note: eyesight screening machines at driver licensing agents eliminate the need for many drivers to be tested by an optometrist or medical practitioner. However, if you don't pass this screening check then you must provide one of the above certificates before your application can proceed. This means you will not be able to sit any practical tests until you have returned to the agent with your certificate. Some drivers choose to provide a certificate instead of undertaking a screening check.

Medical certificates

You need to present a medical certificate if you:

• are 75 years of age or over and are renewing your licence (see below for more information)
• are renewing a P, V, I or O endorsement or licence classes 2 to 5, and have not provided a medical certificate for those classes or endorsements in the last five years
• have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive and your medical condition has worsened (or a new condition has been diagnosed) since your last medical certificate was presented
• are requested to by Land Transport NZ (regardless of when you last presented a medical certificate).

A medical certificate for driver licensing purposes must:

• be the original
• be issued by a New Zealand-registered medical practitioner
• be no more than 60 days old
• state that you are safe to drive, or set out the conditions under which you can drive.

The cost of a medical certificate will vary from doctor to doctor. (You are responsible for meeting these costs.)

Ask for a Land Transport New Zealand medical certificate (your doctor will have copies).

Renewing your driver licence

Driver licences are usually issued for 10 years. The date your licence expires is shown in section 4b on the photo side of your licence. If you want to keep on driving after that date you will need to get your licence renewed before it expires.

You should receive a renewal pack in the mail before your licence expires. The pack includes a personalised application form. If you don't receive a pack, you can get a renewal application form from any driver licensing agent.

When you take your completed application form to a driver licensing agent you will need to:

• present evidence of your identity
• present evidence of your address
• pay the fee
• meet the eyesight requirements
• present a medical certificate, if required
• provide a signature
• have your photograph taken.

Renewing your licence from age 75 onwards

Because the effects of ageing can sometimes affect a person's ability to drive, there are special licence-renewal conditions for older drivers.

You will need to renew your licence at ages 75 and 80 and then every two years after that.

Before your driver licence expires, Land Transport NZ will send you an Application for renewal of driver licence form. You'll also receive a brochure that will tell you everything you need to know to get your licence renewed.

You'll need to book an appointment with your doctor to get a Medical certificate for driver licence. During your appointment your doctor will discuss your present state of health with you and test your eyesight.

They will recommend whether you are:

• medically fit to drive
• medically fit to drive with conditions (such as corrective lenses, time-of-day restriction, distance restriction)
• medically fit to drive but referred for an On-road Safety Test
• to be referred to a specialist (such as an optometrist or occupational therapist driving assessor) for further assessment – your doctor will advise you of the results
• not medically fit to drive.

If your doctor decides you are medically fit to drive, he or she will give you a Medical certificate for driver licence. You will then need to renew your licence at a driver licensing agent.

For more information, contact Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422.

Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged licence

If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged, you will need to visit a driver licensing agent to replace it.

You will need to:

• complete an application form
• present evidence of your identity
• present evidence of your address
• pay the fee
• hand in your old licence (if you have it) or sign a declaration that your old licence has been lost or stolen.

For more information, phone Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422.

International drivers

If you are an international driver in New Zealand, and you have a current and valid driver licence or international driving permit (IDP), you can drive for a maximum of 12 continuous months from the date you arrive in New Zealand. (Each time you visit New Zealand, you may drive for a further 12-month period on a valid international licence or IDP, as long as you stay for no more than a year at a time.)

Note: if your licence or IDP isn't in English, you must carry an accurate English translation issued by:

• a translation service approved by Land Transport NZ (contact Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422 for a list of approved translation services), or
• a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or
• the authority that issued your licence.

Note: if your driver licence is not in English, an IDP in English may be acceptable as a translation.

If you don't have a current and valid international driver licence or IDP then you cannot drive in New Zealand. If you want to drive then you must apply for a New Zealand driver licence.

Converting to a New Zealand driver licence

If you have an international driver licence but want to drive for longer than one year in New Zealand, you must convert to a New Zealand driver licence. You should apply early to make sure you have a new licence before you have been in New Zealand for 12 months.

Application forms are available from driver licensing agents or contact Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422.

You will need to pass a theory test to make sure you have a good knowledge of the road rules and you may have to pass a practical driving test. This test is the same as the full licence practical test.

Some countries require similar driving skills and have similar licensing systems to New Zealand. Because of this, you don't have to sit the practical test if:

• you have a driver licence from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, and
• your licence is current (or has expired within the past 12 months), and
• you've held that licence for more than two years.

For more information, contact Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422.

International driving permits

If you are a New Zealand driver licence holder and you want to drive in other countries, the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) advises that international driving permits (IDPs) are recommended for most countries. Check the AA website for an up-to-date list.

Note that an IDP is not a driver licence; it is a translation of your driver licence and is only valid while the accompanying driver licence is current. Your IDP will be valid for a maximum of one year from the date of issue.

You can apply for an IDP through the AA. Look in your phone book for your local branch or visit their website at www.aa.co.nz.

< previous | next >

Last updated: 25 September 2007