Stage 2 – Restricted Licence

From: www.nzta.govt.nz

Learn everything you need to know about getting your restricted licence and the restricted licence test in New Zealand.

Jump To:
Who Can Apply For A Restricted Licence?
How Do I Apply For A Restricted Licence?
What Are The Conditions Of A Restricted Licence?

Who can apply for a restricted licence?

You can apply for your restricted licence once you have mastered the driving skills you will need to pass the restricted licence test.

You must:

• be at least 16 ½ of age and
• have held your learner licence for at least six months.

How do I apply for a restricted licence and how do I book the restricted licence test?

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

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

1. visit a driver licensing agent:
   
   • present evidence of your identity
   • have your photograph taken
   • present evidence of your address
   • book a time to take the restricted licence practical driving test
   • pay for the restricted licence practical driving test and the restricted licence application
   • meet the eyesight requirements
   • present a medical certificate if required
   • provide a signature
2. book your restricted licence practical driving test over the phone or internet. For information and instructions on how to book by 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.

For more information about what the restricted licence practical driving test involves, see Booking practical driving tests via phone or internet.

What are the conditions of a restricted licence?

• You must always have your restricted licence with you when you're driving.
• You can drive on your own, but not between 10pm and 5am.  If you drive between these times you must have a supervisor in the front passenger seat who holds a full New Zealand car licence with no supervisor condition, and has held it (or an equivalent overseas licence) for at least two years.
• If you sat the restricted test in an automatic vehicle, your restricted licence will say that you can only drive automatic vehicles (unless accompanied by a supervisor).
• You cannot normally carry passengers, unless you have a supervisor with you.  The only passengers you can carry without a supervisor are:
  • your spouse, or the person you live with as if you were married or with whom you are joined in a civil union
  • children who live with you and are under the care of you or your spouse (that is, you or your spouse are their parent or guardian
  • your parent or guardian
  • relatives who live with you and who are on a social security benefit
  • someone you look after as their primary caregiver
• There is a zero alcohol limit if you are under 20. That means if you drive after consuming even one drink you can be charged with drink driving. If you have an alcohol level of less than 150 micrograms per litre of breath and less than 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood you could be fined and given 50 demerit points. If your alcohol limit is higher, you could be disqualified from driving, given 50 demerit points and either fined or imprisoned.
  If you're 20 or older, the legal alcohol limit is 400 micrograms per litre of breath or 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.
• Breaching the restricted conditions of your driver licence could result in you receiving 35 demerit points and a fine of $100. If you breach any other conditions of your driver licence you could receive 25 demerit points and be subject to a fine of $400. See page 142 for more information on demerit points.

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