Date-aware
Licence requirements guide
Learner, restricted and full licence rules – showing what applies today and what's changing.
Licence requirements can change. Check the official NZTA website before applying or booking a test.
Showing rules for 30 September 2026 (today in New Zealand). Big changes to car licences have been announced for 25 January 2027.
Learner licence
Rules in force
Minimum age
Minimum age In forceYou must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner licence.
In simple words: You need to be 16 or older.
Theory test for learner licence ↗Road Code – Stage 1: learner licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Theory test
Required tests In forceYou must pass an eyesight check and a computer-based theory test. The car theory test has 35 multiple-choice questions and you need at least 32 correct to pass.
In simple words: Pass an eyesight check and a 35-question test. You need 32 or more right.
Theory test for learner licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Supervisor
Licence conditions In forceYou may only drive with a supervisor sitting in the front passenger seat. Your supervisor must hold a full New Zealand licence for the type of vehicle you are driving and must have held it for at least 2 years (or an equivalent overseas licence held for at least 2 years, where the official conditions allow it).
In simple words: You always need a supervisor next to you. They must have had a full licence for at least 2 years.
Conditions of a learner licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
L plates
Licence conditions In forceAn L plate must be displayed on the back of the vehicle so it is clearly visible to traffic behind you.
In simple words: Put an L plate on the back of the car.
Conditions of a learner licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Passengers
Licence conditions In forceYou may carry passengers only if your supervisor agrees.
In simple words: Other people can ride with you only if your supervisor says yes.
Conditions of a learner licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
How long you hold a learner licence
How long this stage lasts In force until 24 January 2027You must hold your learner licence for at least 6 months before you can sit the restricted practical test.
In simple words: Wait at least 6 months before the restricted test.
Road Code – Stage 1: learner licence ↗Changes to getting a car licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
How to apply
Application process In forceStudy the official Road Code, then apply at an NZTA driver licensing agent. You'll need proof of identity, an eyesight check and the application fee. Check the NZTA website for the current fee and documents before you go.
In simple words: Study, then go to a licensing agent with your ID. Check NZTA for the fee.
Apply for a car licence ↗Theory test for learner licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Fees
Fees In forceFees change from time to time. NZTA publishes the current learner licence application and test fees, including what happens if you need to resit the theory test.
In simple words: Check the NZTA website for the latest fees.
Theory test for learner licence ↗Apply for a car licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
After you pass
What happens after passing In forcePractise regularly with your supervisor in a range of conditions. When you have held your learner licence for the minimum period, you can book the restricted practical test.
In simple words: Practise lots with your supervisor. Then book your restricted test.
Road Code – Stage 1: learner licence ↗Drive – free learning tools from NZTA ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Announced future changes
These don't apply yet. They are shown so you can plan ahead.
How long you hold a learner licence (from 25 January 2027)
How long this stage lastsAnnounced – from 25 January 2027From 25 January 2027, if you are under 25 the minimum learner period changes from 6 months to 12 months. If you are 25 or over it stays at 6 months.
In simple words: From 25 January 2027: under 25 = 12 months. 25 or older = 6 months.
Changes to getting a car licence ↗The roadmap to your car licence from 25 January 2027 (PDF) ↗Driver licensing system – Ministry of Transport ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Restricted licence
Rules in force
Restricted practical test
Required tests In force until 24 January 2027You must pass the restricted practical driving test in a car. The test checks your observation, control and decision-making in real traffic.
In simple words: Pass a driving test with an NZTA testing officer.
Practical driving tests ↗Road Code – Stage 2: restricted licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Night-time driving
Licence conditions In forceYou can drive on your own between 5am and 10pm. Between 10pm and 5am you may only drive if a supervisor is sitting in the front passenger seat.
In simple words: Alone: 5am to 10pm only. At night you need a supervisor with you.
Road Code – Stage 2: restricted licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Passengers
Licence conditions In forceYou can't normally carry passengers unless your supervisor is with you. Limited exceptions apply, for example children who live with you and are in your (or your spouse or partner's) care, and some relatives who live with you. Check the official conditions for the full list of exceptions.
In simple words: No passengers unless your supervisor is in the car. There are a few exceptions for family members who live with you.
Road Code – Stage 2: restricted licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
How long you hold a restricted licence
How long this stage lasts In force until 24 January 2027If you are under 25 you must hold your restricted licence for at least 18 months (12 months if you complete an approved advanced driving course). If you are 25 or over, the minimum is 6 months (3 months with an approved course).
In simple words: Under 25: 18 months (or 12 with a course). 25 or older: 6 months (or 3 with a course).
Road Code – Stage 2: restricted licence ↗Changes to getting a car licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
After you pass
What happens after passing In forceKeep to your restricted conditions. Breaking them can lead to a fine and demerit points. Use this stage to build experience in different conditions, ideally still with a supervisor some of the time.
In simple words: Follow your restricted rules and keep practising.
Road Code – Stage 2: restricted licence ↗Restricted drivers – building your driving skills ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Announced future changes
These don't apply yet. They are shown so you can plan ahead.
Restricted practical test (from 25 January 2027)
Required testsAnnounced – from 25 January 2027From 25 January 2027 the hazard-perception part of the current full licence test moves into the restricted practical test.
In simple words: From 25 January 2027 the restricted test will include hazard spotting.
Changes to getting a car licence ↗The roadmap to your car licence from 25 January 2027 (PDF) ↗Driver licensing system – Ministry of Transport ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
How long you hold a restricted licence (from 25 January 2027)
How long this stage lastsAnnounced – from 25 January 2027From 25 January 2027 the restricted period for drivers under 25 becomes 12 months, and for drivers 25 or over it stays at 6 months. You won't be able to shorten it with an advanced driving course. If you are under 25 and get demerit points, 6 months is added to your restricted period each time.
In simple words: From 25 January 2027: under 25 = 12 months. 25 or older = 6 months. No course shortcut. Demerit points add 6 more months if you're under 25.
Changes to getting a car licence ↗The roadmap to your car licence from 25 January 2027 (PDF) ↗Driver licensing system – Ministry of Transport ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Proposed – not yet confirmed
Zero alcohol for all learner and restricted drivers (date not yet confirmed)
AlcoholNot yet law – date not confirmedThe Government has announced a zero alcohol limit for all learner and restricted drivers, regardless of age. This needs a separate law change and its start date has not been confirmed. Until it takes effect, the current age-based limits apply.
In simple words: Planned: no alcohol for any learner or restricted driver. Not law yet – no date confirmed.
Changes to getting a car licence ↗The roadmap to your car licence from 25 January 2027 (PDF) ↗Driver licensing system – Ministry of Transport ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Full licence
Rules in force
Full licence practical test
Required tests In force until 24 January 2027Until the changes on 25 January 2027, you must pass the full licence practical driving test to move from a restricted to a full car licence.
In simple words: For now, you must pass a full licence driving test.
Full licence practical driving test (class 1 – car) ↗Changes to getting a car licence ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Zero alcohol if under 20
Alcohol In forceIf you are under 20, the legal alcohol limit is zero – you must not drive after drinking any alcohol, whatever licence you hold.
In simple words: Under 20? No alcohol at all before driving.
Road Code – Alcohol and drug limits ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
After you get your full licence
What happens after passing In forceA full licence removes the learner and restricted conditions, but all road rules still apply. Demerit points, alcohol limits and other penalties apply to every driver.
In simple words: No more L or R rules. All the road rules still apply.
General Road Code (car drivers) ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Announced future changes
These don't apply yet. They are shown so you can plan ahead.
No full licence test (from 25 January 2027)
Required testsAnnounced – from 25 January 2027From 25 January 2027 you won't need to sit a practical test to get your full car licence. When you have completed your restricted period, you apply for your full licence. NZTA says this also applies if you failed a full test before the change.
In simple words: From 25 January 2027 there is no full licence test. Finish your restricted time, then apply.
Changes to getting a car licence ↗The roadmap to your car licence from 25 January 2027 (PDF) ↗Driver licensing system – Ministry of Transport ↗Last checked 29 September 2026
Eyesight check for full licence (from 25 January 2027)
Application processAnnounced – from 25 January 2027From 25 January 2027 NZTA says you won't need an eyesight check to get your full licence, and the full licence application fee will reduce. Check NZTA for the confirmed fee.
In simple words: From 25 January 2027: no eyesight check for your full licence, and a lower fee.
Changes to getting a car licence ↗The roadmap to your car licence from 25 January 2027 (PDF) ↗Driver licensing system – Ministry of Transport ↗Last checked 29 September 2026