Overview
The New Zealand driving test is managed by Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) and follows a three-stage graduated licensing system. The key test most learners face is the Restricted Licence test, which you must pass to drive independently during the day. With a national average pass rate of around 55%, preparation is essential — particularly in Auckland, where the pass rate drops below 50%.
A major reform taking effect in January 2027 will eliminate the Full licence driving test entirely, making the Restricted licence test the only practical driving test you will ever need to take.
New Zealand Graduated Licensing System
Learner Licence
- Minimum age: 16 years
- How to get it: Pass the theory test (35 multiple-choice questions, must get 32 correct — available in multiple languages including Chinese)
- Restrictions: Must always have a supervisor (someone who has held a full licence for at least 2 years), must display L plates, zero alcohol
- After 2027 reform: Under-25s must hold their Learner licence for 12 months (currently 6 months)
Restricted Licence
- Minimum age: 16 years and 6 months
- How to get it: Hold Learner licence for at least 6 months, then pass the practical driving test
- Restrictions: Cannot drive alone between 10 pm and 5 am; cannot carry passengers unless a supervisor is present
- Exceptions: Spouse/partner, dependants, or for work purposes
Full Licence
- Current requirement: Hold Restricted licence for 18 months (or 12 months with an approved defensive driving course), then pass the Full licence driving test
- After January 2027: The Full licence driving test will be abolished. You will only need to meet the holding period to upgrade automatically.
What the Restricted Licence Test Covers
The test takes approximately 45 minutes and is divided into two stages. This official video from Drive (687K views) explains what the testing officer is looking for:
Stage 1 — Low-Speed Driving (About 10 Minutes)
Conducted in areas with speed limits of 60 km/h or less. This stage assesses your basic driving skills:
- Moving off and stopping
- Turning left and right
- Speed management in urban areas
- Observation at intersections
Stage 2 — Higher-Speed Driving (About 35 Minutes)
Conducted on roads with speed limits up to 100 km/h. This is the main assessment:
- Lane changing and merging
- Roundabout navigation
- Speed management at higher speeds
- Following distance
- Hazard identification and response
- A reverse parallel park or three-point turn
Six Core Competencies
The examiner assesses you across six key areas throughout the entire test:
- Speed management — maintaining appropriate speed for conditions
- Following distance — keeping a safe gap behind other vehicles
- Observation and scanning — checking mirrors, blind spots, and intersections
- Lane positioning — staying correctly positioned in your lane
- Steering — smooth, controlled steering inputs
- Signalling — correct use of indicators at the right time
How You Are Scored
- Critical errors result in an immediate fail
- Non-critical errors are accumulated — too many will result in a fail
- There is no fixed percentage pass mark; it is a competency-based assessment
Immediate Failure and Critical Errors
Immediate Failure (Test Ends Instantly)
These four categories end the test on the spot:
- Testing officer intervention — the officer has to take verbal or physical action to prevent danger
- Inability to carry out instructions — you cannot follow basic driving directions
- Collision or mounting the kerb
- Failing to give way causing evasive action — another road user has to brake or swerve because of you
Critical Errors (Heavily Penalised)
These are serious errors that will very likely result in a fail, though the test may continue:
- Speeding — including in temporary speed zones (30 km/h roadwork areas)
- Running a red light or not stopping at a stop sign
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane change — missing blind spot checks
- Loss of vehicle control
- Dangerous driving behaviour
Most Common Reasons for Failing
Based on examiner data and community feedback:
- Observation errors — Not checking mirrors frequently enough, or not making blind spot checks obvious enough for the examiner to see
- Speed management — Going too fast (especially in temporary speed zones) or too slow (holding up traffic)
- Indicator errors — Signalling too late, or failing to re-signal when the indicator cancels mid-turn
- Stop sign violations — Rolling through instead of coming to a complete stop (rolling = immediate fail)
- Give way errors at roundabouts — Not giving way to vehicles approaching from the right
- Reverse parallel parking or three-point turn mistakes — Parking too far from the kerb, or hitting it
Tips from the Community
- Your blind spot check must be exaggerated — turn your head far enough that the examiner can clearly see you looking
- Signal at least 3 seconds before any manoeuvre
- If your indicator cancels during a turn, you must re-signal immediately — failure to do so is treated as a serious error
- At stop signs, come to a complete standstill — any rolling movement counts as a failure
- At give way signs and roundabouts, you may proceed without stopping if the way is clear, but you must give way to the right
Pass Rates by Region
Data from Waka Kotahi (2023) shows significant regional variation:
Restricted Licence Pass Rates
| Region | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Taranaki | 70.6% |
| Gisborne | 68.2% |
| Wellington | 51.9% |
| Bay of Plenty | 50.9% |
| Auckland | 49.2% |
Auckland Test Centre Pass Rates
| Test Centre | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Highbrook | 73% |
| Pukekohe | 70% |
| Mt Wellington | 69% |
| North Shore (Wairau Valley) | 68% |
| Manukau | 53% |
Key insight: Examiner standards are consistent nationwide — the difference in pass rates is primarily due to road complexity and traffic density. Driving instructors advise against travelling to a rural centre if you are unfamiliar with the area, as the unfamiliarity may increase your nervousness.
Costs
| Item | Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Learner licence application (includes theory test, 2 attempts) | ~$96 |
| Restricted licence application (includes practical test, 2 attempts) | ~$168 |
| Additional practical test attempt | ~$103 per attempt |
| Full licence application | ~$99 |
| Total (Learner to Full) | ~$363 |
After the 2027 reform, the total cost will drop from $362.50 to approximately $282.50 — primarily because the Full licence fee drops from $98.90 to $25.90 (no practical test required).
Instructor Costs
- AA driving lessons: $85/hour ($70/hour for AA members)
- Private instructors: $70-$110/hour depending on location and experience
NZ-Specific Rules to Know
- Drive on the left (same as Australia and the UK)
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Open road speed limit: 100 km/h
- School zones: 40 km/h when electronic signs are active
- Give way rule: At uncontrolled intersections, give way to traffic approaching from the right
- Roundabouts: Give way to vehicles already on the roundabout (approaching from the right)
- Single-lane bridges: Follow priority signs — the larger arrow has right of way
- WoF (Warrant of Fitness): Your vehicle must have a current WoF to sit the driving test
Converting an Overseas Licence
Recognised Countries (No Test Required)
Drivers from 25 countries including Australia, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and most EU nations can convert directly without sitting any tests.
Non-Recognised Countries (Including China)
You must pass:
- The theory test (available in Chinese)
- The Restricted licence practical driving test
How long you can drive on your overseas licence: You can use your overseas car licence in New Zealand for up to 18 months, provided you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified English translation.
2027 Reform — What Is Changing
Confirmed by the government on 3 February 2026, these changes take effect on 25 January 2027 (originally planned for July 2026):
- Full licence driving test eliminated — you will only need to meet the holding period
- Learner holding period doubled for under-25s (from 6 to 12 months), but can be shortened by logging supervised driving hours or completing courses
- Hazard Perception Test moves from the Full licence stage to the Restricted stage
- Zero alcohol limit extended to all Learner and Restricted licence holders (currently only under-20s)
- Restricted holding period: 12 months (under 25) or 6 months (25+)
- Defensive driving courses will no longer shorten the Restricted holding period
- Total cost reduced from ~$363 to ~$283
How to Book Your Test
- Visit a driver licensing agent (AA Centre or VTNZ) to complete the application form, eye test, and photo
- Book your test online through the NZTA website
- You can reschedule or cancel online — there is no need to pay an agent to book for you
- Booking tips: Test slots are released periodically on the NZTA website. If no slots are available, keep checking regularly — cancellations create new openings frequently.
Tips for Passing First Time
Before the Test
- Take at least 3-5 professional driving lessons with a licensed instructor who knows the test routes
- Practice specifically around your chosen test centre
- Watch the official Drive NZ YouTube videos for test guidance (687K+ views)
- Book for a mid-morning weekday — less traffic, fewer school zones active
During the Test
- Check mirrors frequently and make it obvious
- Blind spot checks must be exaggerated — turn your head far enough to see through the rear passenger window
- Use the three-step lane change method: mirror, signal for 3 seconds, shoulder check, then move
- At stop signs, stop completely — count to 3 before proceeding
- In temporary speed zones (roadwork areas), stay well within the limit — exceeding 30 km/h in a work zone is a common instant fail
- If you make a mistake, stay calm and keep driving — one error does not mean you have failed
- If you do not understand an instruction, ask the examiner to repeat it
Information in this guide is current as of February 2026. Rules and fees may change — always check the Waka Kotahi website for the latest information.