About driver licences
Stage 2 – restricted licence
Who can apply for a restricted licence?
You can apply for your restricted licence:
- after you've held your learner licence for at least six months
- once you have mastered the driving skills you will need to pass the restricted licence practical driving test.
How do I apply for a restricted licence?
To get your restricted licence you need to pass the restricted licence practical driving test.
To book your restricted licence practical driving test you must either:
- visit a driver licensing agent and:
- present evidence of your identity
- present evidence of your address
- book a time to take the restricted licence practical driving test
- pay for the restricted licence practical driving test and the restricted licence application
- meet the eyesight requirements
- present a medical certificate if required
- provide a signature
- have your photograph taken
OR
- book your restricted licence practical driving test over the phone or internet. For information and instructions on how to book by phone or internet, see About the practical driving tests.
If you choose this option, you must visit a driver licensing agent prior to your test to complete the requirements listed above.
For more information about what the restricted licence practical driving test involves, see Booking practical driving tests via phone or internet.
What are the conditions of a restricted licence?
- You must always have your restricted licence with you when you're driving.
- You can drive on your own, but not between 10 pm and 5 am. If you drive between these times you must have a supervisor in the front passenger seat who holds a full New Zealand car licence, and has held it for at least two years.
- If you sat the restricted test in an automatic vehicle, your restricted licence will say that you can only drive automatic vehicles (unless accompanied by a supervisor).
- You cannot normally carry passengers, unless you have a supervisor with you. The only passengers you can carry without a supervisor are:
- your spouse, or person you live with as if you were married or with whom you are joined in civil union
- children who live with you and are under the care of you or your spouse (that is, you or your spouse support them financially)
- relatives who live with you and who are on a social security benefit
- someone you look after as their primary caregiver.
- If you're under 20 years old, the legal alcohol limit is 30 mg/100 ml of blood. This is effectively a zero limit – consuming even one drink may mean you can be charged with drink-driving. If you're 20 or older, the legal alcohol limit is 80 mg/100 ml of blood.
Last updated: 25 September 2007