Module 2: Understanding your learner licence
The graduated licence journey
Read-aloud isn't available in this browser. Try Chrome, Edge or Safari, or your device's built-in screen reader.
What you will learn
Describe the three stages of a New Zealand car licence.
- The three licence stages
- Which tests you sit
- Changes announced for 25 January 2027
Three stages
How it worksNew Zealand uses a graduated driver licensing system. You start with a learner licence (always supervised), move to a (some solo driving with conditions), and finish with a full licence.
Read-aloud isn't available in this browser. Try Chrome, Edge or Safari, or your device's built-in screen reader.
View official source (opens in a new tab)Changes from 25 January 2027
How it workshas announced changes that take effect on 25 January 2027. For example, there will be no full licence practical test, and the learner period for people under 25 becomes 12 months. Until that date, the current rules apply.
Read-aloud isn't available in this browser. Try Chrome, Edge or Safari, or your device's built-in screen reader.
View official source (opens in a new tab)Knowledge check
A few quick questions – no timer, no pressure.
How many questions are in the car learner licence theory test, and how many must you answer correctly?
Summary
- Learner → restricted → full.
- Each stage has conditions and minimum times.
- Some rules change on 25 January 2027 – check the Licence Guide for today's rules.
Read-aloud isn't available in this browser. Try Chrome, Edge or Safari, or your device's built-in screen reader.
How do you feel about this topic?
- Official sourceView official source: Theory test for learner licence (opens in a new tab)NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
- Official sourceView official source: Road Code – Stage 1: learner licence (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