New Zealand · Theory testWhat changes on 25 January 2027
Drive says the government is changing the car driver licensing system (class 1) on 25 January 2027, and that the steps it describes for learner, restricted and full licences apply up to then. This page doesn’t cover the rules from that date, so if your test is on or after 25 January 2027, check NZTA’s page on the changes first.
One rule reaches back before the change. If you hold a restricted licence and get demerit points between 7 May 2026 and 24 January 2027, Drive says your restricted period may be extended when the new system comes in.
How does the restricted licence driving test work in NZ?
Under Drive’s rules for the system before 25 January 2027, you can sit it once you’re at least 16 and a half and have held your learner licence for at least 6 months. It takes about an hour, including 45 minutes of driving in two stages, and the testing officer tells you the route and the tasks as you go.
| Stage | Driving | Roads |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 10 minutes | Up to 60km/h |
| Stage 2 | 35 minutes | 50 to 100km/h |
Stage 1 checks the basics, such as turns at intersections and a reverse parallel park or 3-point turn. If it goes well, Stage 2 adds roundabouts, multi-lane roads, merging and higher speeds. You fail with more than one critical error in Stage 1 or more than two across the test, and any immediate failure error, such as driving through a Stop sign or red light, ends it on the spot.
Your car and what to bring
You bring the car, and the testing officer checks it’s roadworthy before you start. Make sure you have:
- A valid licence (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF) on the car
- A road user charges (RUC) label, if it’s a diesel or electric vehicle
- Enough fuel, and a tidy front passenger seat for the officer
- L plates on display, for the restricted test
- Your learner or restricted licence, and any glasses you drive in
- A supervisor to drive there with you, if you’re on a learner licence
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. One support person may ride along if they meet the requirements, but no children or pets.
Restricted licence conditions
Drive lists these conditions for a restricted licence under the system before 25 January 2027:
- From 10pm to 5am you drive only with a supervisor in the front passenger seat
- No passengers without a supervisor, apart from your spouse or partner, a child you live with and care for, your parent or guardian, a relative on a benefit who lives with you, or someone you’re the primary caregiver for
- If you passed in an automatic, you drive only automatics unless a supervisor is with you
- You carry your restricted licence whenever you drive
Breaking a condition can mean 35 demerit points and a $100 fine, and 100 demerit points within two years means you lose your licence.
The full licence test
Under Drive’s rules for the system before 25 January 2027, how long you wait depends on your age, and an approved advanced driving course shortens it. Under 25, you also need to be at least 18, or 17 and a half with the course.
| Your age | Restricted for | With the course |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | 18 months | 12 months |
| 25 or over | 6 months | 3 months |
The test takes about 30 minutes, with 20 minutes of driving. Its key difference is hazard perception: several times, the officer asks you to say what hazards you see and what you’re doing about them. You may make one critical error, and not stopping fully at a Stop sign is an immediate failure. Fail either practical test and you get one free resit. A full licence lasts 10 years, and you won’t need another driving test to renew it.
Fees and booking
Drive lists the restricted licence application fee as $167.50 and the full licence application fee as $98.90. Its factsheets give both at 1 October 2023 prices and say they can change.
Booking works differently from the learner test, and the booking page has the steps.
Sources: Drive · NZTA and 7 more. Checked October 2026.
- Drive (NZTA and ACC): Preparing for and booking the restricted licence test ↗
- Drive (NZTA and ACC): Doing the restricted licence test ↗
- Drive (NZTA and ACC): After the restricted licence test ↗
- Drive (NZTA and ACC): Preparing for and booking the full licence test ↗
- Drive (NZTA and ACC): Doing the full licence test ↗
- Drive (NZTA and ACC): After the full licence test ↗
- Drive (NZTA and ACC): Restricted licence guide (PDF factsheet) ↗
- Drive (NZTA and ACC): Full licence guide (PDF factsheet) ↗
- NZTA: Changes to getting a car licence ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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