Module 1: Full licence eligibility and requirements
Getting your full licence
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What you will learn
Know which requirements apply to you for a full licence, based on today's date.
- Current requirements
- Announced changes from 25 January 2027
- Where to check
Current system
How it worksUnder the current system you must hold your for a minimum period (18 months if you're under 25, or 12 with an approved advanced course; 6 months if you're 25 or over, or 3 with a course) and then pass the full licence practical test.
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View official source (opens in a new tab)From 25 January 2027
How it workshas announced that from 25 January 2027 you won't need a practical test to get a full car licence. Under-25s will hold a for 12 months (with 6 months added each time they get ), and over-25s for 6 months. Advanced driving courses will no longer shorten the restricted period.
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View official source (opens in a new tab)Knowledge check
A few quick questions – no timer, no pressure.
According to 's announced changes, what happens to the full licence practical test from 25 January 2027?
Summary
- Until 24 Jan 2027: minimum restricted period + full test.
- From 25 Jan 2027: no full test (announced).
- Check before applying.
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How do you feel about this topic?
- Official sourceView official source: Road Code – Stage 2: restricted licence (opens in a new tab)NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
- Official sourceView official source: Full licence practical driving test (class 1 – car) (opens in a new tab)NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
- Official sourceView official source: Changes to getting a car licence (opens in a new tab)NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
- Official sourceView official source: The roadmap to your car licence from 25 January 2027 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi