New Zealand · Theory test

The class 2 practical test in NZ, and your full licence

It’s a 30-minute drive with a testing officer, who watches your driving and decides whether it’s good enough for a full licence. You can sit the class 2 practical test in NZ once you’ve held your learner licence for at least 6 months, and it works the same way for classes 3, 4 and 5.

6 monthsLeast time on your learner licence
2 yearsYour supervisor’s time on a full licence
30 minutesHow long the practical test takes

Read the full licence page Free practice test

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Learning before the test

On a learner licence you can only drive with a supervisor. They must have held a full New Zealand licence for the class you’re driving for at least two years.

Read about the road code →

How does the class 2 practical test work in NZ?

To sit it, you first apply for your full licence at a driver licensing agent. There, you:

Fill out the DL1 application form
Show evidence of your identity, and that your eyesight meets the standard
Have your photo and signature taken
Bring a medical certificate, if you need one
Pay the full licence application fee

See how to book it →See the full licence fee →

The other way: an approved course

An approved course for the class takes the place of the practical test, with no minimum time on your learner licence.

Read about approved courses →

After your full licence

Each class after this one has its own wait before you can apply for its learner licence, and the wait depends on your age. Each class page gives it.

See the class 4 licence →See the class 3 licence →

Sources: NZTA and 1 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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