How to get your NZ driver licence

You’re able to drive on your overseas’ driver licence for 12 months from the last time you entered New Zealand – as long as that licence remains valid.

There are 3 reasons to get a NZ licence:

1. many jobs, notably farm jobs, require workers to have a valid licence so without that, you’re not able to fully perform your current job or are limiting future prospect job options;
2. its makes you more competitive in the labour market test when (if) you need to apply for a new visa;
3. because if you drive on an expired licence, the fines are very steep (upwards of $400)

So to help you, the following gives you some advice on getting this more quickly and successfully

Converting an existing overseas licence

Its easier and cheaper to get a NZ license by converting your “valid” overseas driver licence (DL) to a NZ licence. Valid means that your DL “must not be suspended, disqualified or revoked in the country of issue and must be either current.” 

If you let you licence become invalid or don’t convert prior to your year since last arrival to NZ, you would need to start at the Learner stage and stay on this for 6 months before you can apply for restricted.  Thus, the process is longer, more complex and expensive.

We would suggest that you study and schedule the theory test at least 2 months prior to this to get an appointment and in enough time to re-take if necessary. (its a hard test!)

What’s involved in getting my NZ DL?

The New Zealand Transport Agency has two accredited conversion sites: the AA and VTNZ.  You can go to either of their websites to find locations, requirements and costs but we’ll give you a brief here:

Steps for applying

You’ll need to sit a theory test and, if/when you pass that, you’ll have to then do a practical test.  There are some countries from which applicants are exempt from the test (see here).  This list excludes Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indian and most South American countries.

1. Step One  – Schedule the Theory Test

   • You can find a list of specialist conversion site where you can take this here
   • There are 35 multiple choice questions of which you’ll need to answer 32 correctly.  This is not an easy test so its strongly recommended you study beforehand to avoid wasting time and paying again for the test.
   • To prepare, you should know the various road rules and safe driving practices in NZ.  Some conversion sites sell reviewer tools, but you can get free tutorials online:
     • • NZTA Road Code
       • AA Road Code Quiz
       • Driving Tests
       • You Tube
       • There is also a free or paid mobile device app you can download called ‘Driving Theory Test‘
   • If you pass your theory, you’ll be issued a restricted license which will allow you to drive with supervisory conditions – generally alone during daytime hours and supervised after hours.

2. Step Two – Schedule your practical test.

   • If you aren’t from an exempt country and/or haven’t held a license for more than 2 years, you’ll need to schedule with a VTNZ or AA agent to take a driving test.