Wiri VTNZ Driving Test Routes Book Test

You can book your restricted licence practical test online through the NZTA (Waka Kotahi) website. Enter your licence number, date of birth, and last name to book and pay. You can also reschedule or cancel online. Alternatively, visit an AA Centre or VTNZ location in person. Before booking, you must visit a driver licensing agent to complete your application form, eye test, and photo. Booking slots can fill up quickly — keep refreshing the website as spots are released regularly.

The Wiri VTNZ driving test is considered moderately easy. Located in Auckland's southern industrial area on Roscommon Road, the routes feature wide, straightforward roads that are generally easier to navigate. The restricted licence pass rate is 56% and the full licence pass rate is 59%. The wide industrial roads and moderate traffic make Wiri a solid choice, and it is notably easier to book than North Shore or Silverdale centres. The main challenge is the industrial environment with frequent large trucks on Roscommon Road and surrounding streets like Wiri Station Road and Hobill Avenue. The centre has a Google rating of 4.3 stars from around 888 reviews, among the highest of any Auckland VTNZ centre. Testing officers such as Dimitrios, Muga, Garry, and Tian Yi have been praised for clear instructions and a calm, professional approach.

New Zealand uses a three-stage Graduated Driver Licensing System. Stage 1: Learner licence (age 16+, pass theory test with 32/35 correct). Stage 2: Restricted licence (held learner 6+ months, pass practical driving test). Stage 3: Full licence (held restricted 18 months, or 12 months with approved defensive driving course, pass full licence test). Major reform: From January 25, 2027, the full licence practical test will be removed, and learner holding periods will change.

To sit the restricted licence test you must: be at least 16.5 years old, have held your learner licence for at least 6 months, and have completed your application at a driver licensing agent (including eye test and photo). You must bring a safe, registered vehicle with a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF). The test is in two stages: Stage 1 (about 10 minutes, up to 60 km/h) assessing basic skills, and Stage 2 (about 35 minutes, up to 100 km/h) assessing comprehensive driving ability across 6 core competencies.

Wiri has 5 documented restricted licence routes and 1 full licence route, all starting from the VTNZ centre at 103 Roscommon Road. Routes cover the Wiri industrial area and surrounding residential streets. The shorter routes are around 6 km (about 19 minutes) and the longer ones around 10 km (about 25 minutes). Roscommon Road is the main road at 60 km/h, while surrounding streets such as Wiri Station Road, Hobill Avenue, Dalgety Drive, and Mayo Road are all 50 km/h zones. Some routes include U-turn manoeuvres and pass through the Puhinui area. The restricted test has two stages: Stage 1 (10 minutes of simple driving up to 60 km/h) and Stage 2 (35 minutes including roundabouts, multi-lane right turns, and merging). AUDrive provides all available test routes for this centre.

The restricted licence application (including the practical test) costs $167.50 NZD and includes up to 2 test attempts. Additional re-sits cost $102.80 each. The learner licence application (including the theory test) costs approximately $96.20 and also includes 2 attempts. The full licence application costs $98.90. Total cost from learner to full licence is currently about $362.50. After the January 2027 reform, this drops to approximately $282.50.

From January 25, 2027: the full licence practical test will be removed for class 1 licences. Under-25 learner holding period doubles from 6 to 12 months (reducible with supervised hours or approved courses). Defensive driving courses will no longer shorten the restricted period. Zero-alcohol limit expands to all learner and restricted holders (currently only under-20). A hazard perception test moves from the full licence stage to the restricted stage. Demerit point violations extend the restricted period by 6 months.

Key challenges include: (1) Speed limit transitions between Roscommon Road (60 km/h) and surrounding streets (50 km/h), requiring you to slow down promptly when turning off the main road; (2) Large trucks are common in this industrial area and can be intimidating when sharing lanes or passing through intersections; (3) Yellow traffic light decisions near bridge underpasses, where the light may change unexpectedly and hesitating can cause you to stop over the line (a critical error); (4) U-turn manoeuvres on some routes, where larger vehicles may struggle with kerb clearance on the opposite side; (5) Roundabout entries requiring correct lane selection and observation; and (6) Maintaining appropriate speed in 50 km/h zones (driving more than 10 km/h below the limit for an extended period is also a critical error).

The national average restricted licence pass rate is approximately 55%, varying significantly by region. According to Waka Kotahi 2023 data: Auckland has the lowest at 49.2%, followed by Bay of Plenty (50.9%) and Wellington (51.9%). Provincial areas do much better: Gisborne (68.2%) and Taranaki (70.6%). Within Auckland, pass rates also vary by test centre: Highbrook (73%), Pukekohe (70%), Mt Wellington (69%), North Shore (68%), and Manukau (53%).

Restricted licence holders cannot drive between 10pm and 5am unless accompanied by a supervisor (full licence holder of 2+ years). You also cannot carry passengers unless a supervisor is present. Exceptions apply for your spouse/partner, dependents, or if driving is required for work. During daytime hours (5am-10pm), you can drive alone but without passengers. Important: driving on a learner licence without a supervisor is illegal and carries fines of $400+.

Common reasons for failing at Wiri include: exceeding the speed limit (especially failing to slow from 60 km/h on Roscommon Road to 50 km/h on side streets), failing to give way at intersections (the number one cause of immediate failure nationally at 24%), hesitating or stopping incorrectly at yellow traffic lights, insufficient mirror and shoulder checks before turning or changing lanes, poor U-turn execution (mounting the kerb on the opposite side), not coming to a complete stop at stop signs (you should count to three), and driving too slowly (more than 10 km/h below the limit). Two critical errors or one immediate error results in automatic failure. You get one free resit if you fail.

Yes. Drivers from 25 recognised countries (Australia, UK, USA, Canada, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, etc.) can convert directly without tests. Drivers from non-recognised countries including China must pass the theory test (35 questions, 32 correct to pass) and the restricted licence practical driving test. You can drive on your overseas car licence for up to 18 months in NZ with an IDP or certified English translation.

Chinese licence holders must: 1) Get a certified English translation (NAATI or NZ-approved translator, about $30-$50). 2) Visit a driver licensing agent with your Chinese licence, translation, passport, and proof of NZ address. 3) Pass the theory test (35 questions, 32 correct, available in Chinese). 4) Pass the restricted licence practical driving test ($167.50 application fee includes 2 attempts). You can drive on your Chinese licence + IDP/translation for up to 18 months after arriving.

The Wiri VTNZ centre is open for driver licensing Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Wiri is notably easier to book than many other Auckland centres such as North Shore or Silverdale. Current average waiting times are approximately 81 days for restricted tests and 69 days for full tests. Mid-morning between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM typically has the best conditions with less truck traffic in the industrial area. Saturday testing is available and may have lighter industrial traffic. Book through the VTNZ website (vtnz-booking.appointy.com), by calling 09 268 6500, or emailing [email protected].

The test takes approximately 45 minutes total in two stages. Stage 1 (about 10 minutes): driving in areas with speed limits up to 60 km/h, assessing basic vehicle control and driving skills. Stage 2 (about 35 minutes): driving on roads with speed limits up to 100 km/h, assessing comprehensive driving ability. You are assessed on 6 core competencies: speed management, following distance, observation and scanning, lane positioning, steering, and signalling. A pre-drive check covers demister, handbrake, and indicators.

Critical errors (instant fail) include: failing to give way at intersections or to pedestrians, running a red light or not stopping completely at a stop sign, exceeding the speed limit (including temporary speed zones like 30 km/h roadworks), unsafe lane changes without blind spot checks, following too closely, any dangerous driving action, causing a collision or near miss, and any situation requiring examiner intervention. A single critical error means immediate fail regardless of other performance.

Wiri has a restricted pass rate of 56% and full pass rate of 59%, placing it in the moderate range for Auckland. Compared to Highbrook (73%, often considered the easiest), Wiri is harder, but compared to Manukau (53%) or Glen Innes (60%), it is on par or slightly easier. Takanini (65%), the nearest neighbouring centre, has a higher pass rate but features unique challenges like a railway crossing and a solid white line trap. Wiri's key advantages are its wide industrial roads, easier booking availability, Saturday testing, and generally well-regarded testing officers. The multilingual staff (including Samoan, Tongan, and Hindi speakers) and the testing officer Tian Yi, who uses hand gestures to assist non-native English speakers, are particularly appreciated by diverse candidates.

The most common fail reasons are: poor observation (not checking mirrors frequently enough — you should check mirrors every 8-10 seconds even on straight roads, and always before braking), speed management errors (especially in temporary 30 km/h roadwork zones), not stopping completely at stop signs (rolling through = fail), incorrect signalling (indicators must be on for 3+ seconds; if the indicator auto-cancels during a turn, you must re-signal), and inadequate shoulder checks before lane changes.

If you fail, you receive feedback on areas to improve. Your $167.50 application fee includes up to 2 test attempts, so your first re-sit may be covered. Additional re-sits cost $102.80 each. There is no limit on attempts. Most candidates pass within 1-3 attempts. Tip: arrive 2 hours early to practise in the test area. One candidate spent $110/1.5 hours on lessons plus $70 for a test companion, but found that self-practice near the test centre was more effective.

The VTNZ Wiri centre is at 103 Roscommon Road, Wiri, Auckland 2104, in Auckland's southern industrial district near the junction of State Highways 20 and 1. Take the Roscommon Road exit off SH20 (Southwestern Motorway). Nearby landmarks include Z Roscommon Road Service Station, NZ Post APC, and various truck dealerships. On-site parking is available for cars and larger vehicles. By public transport, bus routes 361 and 365 serve the area, and Puhinui Train Station is approximately 10 minutes away by car. The centre is open for driver licensing Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

New Zealand drives on the left side of the road, the same as Australia and the UK. If you are from a country that drives on the right (such as China, USA, or most of Europe), pay special attention at intersections and when turning. At uncontrolled intersections, give way to the right. At roundabouts, give way to traffic from your right already on the roundabout. One-lane bridges have priority signs — the larger arrow has right of way.

An approved defensive driving course teaches advanced safe driving skills and hazard awareness, costing approximately $150-$200 NZD from AA or other approved providers. Currently, completing one reduces your restricted holding period from 18 to 12 months. However, after the January 2027 reform, defensive driving courses will no longer shorten the restricted period. The course is still valuable for improving driving skills, but the time-saving benefit will be removed.

Before your test at Wiri: (1) Arrive at least 30 minutes early with your learner licence, as the centre can be busy; (2) Ensure your vehicle has a current WoF, registration, sufficient fuel, L plates displayed, and a tidy passenger seat for the testing officer; (3) Practise the test routes around Roscommon Road and surrounding streets to familiarise yourself with speed zones and the industrial environment; (4) Pay special attention to the 60-to-50 km/h speed limit transitions; (5) Practise U-turns and parallel parking (or three-point turns), allowing yourself the full 2 minutes without rushing; (6) Practise yellow light decision-making, as hesitation is a common error; (7) Consider hiring a local instructor for a 2-hour route familiarisation session. The centre does not publish official routes, but AUDrive provides route maps based on real test experiences.

The learner licence theory test has 35 multiple-choice questions and you must get at least 32 correct to pass (91%). Questions cover road rules, traffic signs, safe driving practices, and hazard awareness. The test is available in multiple languages including Chinese. Study using the official Road Code on the NZTA website. The application fee of approximately $96.20 includes up to 2 test attempts. You can sit the test at an AA Centre or NZTA agent location.

You must bring a safe, registered vehicle with a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and valid registration (rego). Diesel or electric vehicles also need a current road user charges label. The vehicle must have working seatbelts, lights, indicators, brakes, mirrors, and a visible speedometer. No dashboard warning lights should be showing. If you test in an automatic, your licence will be restricted to automatic vehicles only.

The restricted licence test at Wiri takes approximately 1 hour total, with 45 minutes of actual driving. Stage 1 (10 minutes) covers simple tasks on roads up to 60 km/h: left and right turns at intersections, a reverse parallel park or three-point turn, and lane changes. Stage 2 (35 minutes) adds roundabout entries, multi-lane right turns, merging, and driving on higher-speed roads. The testing officer assesses six key skills: observation (checking around for hazards), signalling, gap selection, speed choice, following distance (2-second or 4-second rule), and road position. If you pass, you receive a temporary paper restricted licence. If you fail, you get one free resit with written feedback explaining why you failed.

Key tips from successful candidates: choose a test centre with higher pass rates (Highbrook 73% vs Manukau 53% in Auckland); arrive 2 hours early to practise nearby; make all shoulder checks exaggerated so the examiner sees you turn your head; check mirrors every 8-10 seconds even on straight roads and always before braking; at stop signs, come to a complete stop (wheels must stop moving); signal for at least 3 seconds before any manoeuvre; if your indicator auto-cancels, re-signal immediately; in 30 km/h roadwork zones, stay under the limit and accelerate gradually after.