Stage 3 – Full New Zealand Driver's Licence

From the NZ Transport Agency

Learn everything you need to know about getting your full driving licence in New Zealand, sit your test and pass successfully.

Jump To:
Who Can Apply For A Full Driver's Licence?

How Do I Apply For A Full Licence?

 How Much Does a Full Licence Cost?

What Can You Drive on a Full Driver's Licence?

Who can apply for a full NZ Driver's License?                               

You must be at least 18 years of age before you can apply for your full driving licence. If you have completed an approved advanced driving skills course, such as our Street Talk Defensive Driving Course,  this is reduced to 17 ½.

If you are under 25 years of age, you can apply after you have held your restricted driver's license for:

• at least 18 months; or
• at least 12 months if you have completed an approved advanced driving skills course.

Note: you must have held your restricted licence for at least six months before completing this course.

If you are 25 years of age or over, you can apply after you have held your restricted driver's licence for:

• at least six months, or
• at least three months if you have completed an approved advanced driving skills course.

For information about approved courses in your area, contact the NZTA's driver licensing contact centre on 0800 822 422. Or complete your approved course through A1 Driving School. Check out our Street Talk defensive driving course dates, locations and prices.

How do I apply for a full car Licence?

To get your full driving licence you need to pass the practical driving test.

To book your full licence practical driving test you must either:

• visit a driver licensing agent and:
  • present evidence of your identity
  • present evidence of your address
  • book a time to take the full licence practical driving test
  • pay for the full licence practical driving test and the full licence application
  • meet the eyesight requirements
  • present a medical certificate if required
  • provide a signature
  • have your photograph taken

OR

• book your practical driving test over the phone or internet. For information and instructions on how to book over the phone or internet, see About the practical driving tests.
  
  If you choose this option you must arrive at the test location 30 minutes before your test, or visit a driver licensing agent prior to your test, to complete the requirements listed above.

View the Full Licence Test Guide (Class 1) by NZTA

How much does a full New Zealand Driver's Licence cost?

It will depend on which class of licence you are applying for. If it is a Full licence (class 1 or 6) it can cost approximately $110. For full pricing please see the nzta.gov.nz website.

What can you drive on a full car Licence in NZ?

There are different licence classes & depending on the class will depend on the type of vehicle you can drive. Find out more from the nzta.govt.nz. 

Once you hold a  New Zealand Full driver’s license, you will be legally able to drive either an automatic or manual transmission car.

For more information about what the full license practical driving test involves see our guide to getting your licence.

WHAT IS TESTED ON THE FULL NZ LICENSE TEST?

During the full license test, students will be required to verbally identify moving and potential moving hazards, then respond to the testing officer what they are going to do about the hazards. 

This could include but is not limited to:

• Pedestrians
• Vehicles
• Cyclists
• Animals

Testing officers need to be sure that the student has the ability to appropriately multi task by being able to verbally identify hazards while maintaining a safe standard of driving. 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING IN PREPERATION FOR A FULL LICENSE TEST?

Students are required to supply a car for the full license test, either automatic or manual transmission, depending on the students preference. Ensure you have your current driver’s license and prescription glasses or contact lenses which may be required for driving.
Students need to ensure the car is road worthy, has a current warrant of fitness and registration.

For more information on how to prepare your car for the full license test, check out our videos below.