Rules of the Road · New Zealand

New Zealand licence stages and restrictions

Learner licence (Class 1L)

Minimum time: At least 6 months on the learner licence before restricted (until 25 Jan 2027). Learners holding a licence on that date will need 12 months, reducible to 6 by an approved course or logged hours (NZTA notice via search snippet; NZTA page itself unread).

  • Minimum age 16; pass theory test
  • No driving alone: supervisor in front passenger seat who has held a full licence for at least 2 years (NZ, or equivalent overseas) and is in charge of the vehicle
  • L plates on front and back of the car
  • May carry passengers if the supervisor agrees
  • Carry licence; supervisor carries theirs
  • Under 20: zero alcohol; 20+: not over 250 mcg per litre of breath
  • Police can stop you driving, make you drive home, take keys, clamp or move the vehicle if conditions are breached

Restricted licence (Class 1R)

Minimum time: Minimum age 16.5 and 6 months on learner (until 25 Jan 2027). From 25 Jan 2027 an extra 6 months is added to the restricted period (NZTA notice, unread directly); demerit points between 7 May 2026 and 24 Jan 2027 may extend it (Driver Licensing Rule Sched 1AA).

  • Practical driving test (about 45 min of driving)
  • Alone only 5 am to 10 pm; 10 pm to 5 am needs a supervisor in the front passenger seat
  • No passengers without a supervisor, except spouse/partner, own child in care, parent/guardian, relative living with you on a benefit, someone you are primary caregiver for
  • If tested in an automatic: automatics only unless supervised
  • Same alcohol limits (zero under 20)

Full licence (Class 1)

Minimum time: Under 25: age 18 and 18 months on restricted (17.5 and 12 months with an approved advanced course). 25+: 6 months (3 with a course). Practical test with hazard detection until 25 Jan 2027, after which the full licence test is removed for class 1.

  • No conditions: any time, any passengers, no supervisor
  • Auto or manual regardless of test vehicle
  • Licence lasts 10 years; renewal needs eye test, no driving test

Rules and conditions are changed from time to time — check the nzta.govt.nz for the current requirements.