Christchurch - Lichfield Street 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 Christchurch Lichfield Street VTNZ driving test is considered moderate to challenging because it starts in the heart of the CBD. Routes navigate the central city grid with one-way streets, traffic lights, tram tracks, bus lanes, and cycle lanes before heading east through suburban areas like Avonside and Stanmore. Christchurch has three VTNZ test centres: Lichfield Street (city centre), Jipcho Road (Sockburn industrial area), and Northwood (Belfast suburbs). Some learners specifically recommend Northwood over Lichfield Street as the suburban routes are less complex. However, the Lichfield Street routes avoid heavy trucks and trailers, and speed remains fairly uniform throughout. Candidates who familiarise themselves with the routes have achieved full marks on the first attempt. Canterbury Full licence pass rates range from 57% to 79% depending on age group.

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.

The centre has five routes for both Restricted and Full licence tests. Routes start from the VTNZ centre at 240 Lichfield Street and cover a large area extending east and south. A sample Full licence route is approximately 8.4 km and takes about 23 minutes. Key streets include Gilmours Lane, Lichfield Street, Cashel Street, Hereford Street, Worcester Street, Gloucester Street, Armagh Street, then Chester Street into the Avonside area via Avonside Drive and Woodham Road. Return routes pass through England Street, London Street, Stanmore Road, and Alexandra Street. Other streets that appear on routes include Fitzgerald Avenue, Colombo Street, Ferry Road, Nursery Road, and Byron Street. The Restricted test route is longer at approximately 18 km and includes a parallel park or three-point turn manoeuvre. 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) The CBD one-way street system established in 1969 - Tuam Street runs eastbound, St Asaph Street runs westbound, and several north-south streets like Barbadoes and Madras are also one-way. Entering the wrong way is an immediate fail. (2) The Christchurch Bus Interchange sits at the corner of Lichfield and Colombo Streets near the test centre, creating heavy bus traffic at the start of your route. (3) Cycle lanes and separated cycleways throughout the CBD require careful head checks when turning left. (4) Heritage tram tracks run through Cathedral Square, High Street, and Cashel Street areas - while the tourist tram is slow, the tracks themselves require awareness. (5) Frequent speed zone changes between the city centre (30-50 km/h) and suburban areas (50 km/h). (6) The volume of intersections, traffic lights, and give-way situations in the grid layout. Starting in the CBD means you face complex traffic immediately upon leaving the centre.

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 Lichfield Street include: failing to shoulder check when changing lanes or turning in the CBD (critical error), not following the correct give-way rules at grid intersections, failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs (you should count to three mentally), incorrect or late indicator use when turning or changing lanes, driving too fast or too slow (more than 10 km/h below the posted speed limit for an extended period is a critical error), poor observation at busy intersections, entering a bus lane during operating hours ($150 fine in real life and a critical error on the test), and not checking for cyclists in cycle lanes when turning left. Two critical errors or one immediate error results in automatic failure. The examiner records observations continuously throughout the test.

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 Lichfield Street VTNZ centre is open for driver licensing Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Being a city centre location, traffic is noticeably heavier during the morning rush (8:00-9:30 AM) and afternoon rush (3:00-5:00 PM). The recommended booking window is between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM for the calmest CBD traffic conditions. Saturday morning sessions may have lighter traffic but limited availability. Theory tests are available until 3:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM on Saturdays, but are held at AA Riccarton separately. Book through the VTNZ website or call 03 365 3388. If you prefer quieter suburban routes, consider the Northwood centre in Belfast instead.

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.

Christchurch has three VTNZ centres with distinct characteristics. Lichfield Street (Google 3.9 stars, 1,026 reviews) is the city centre location offering the most urban driving experience with CBD grid streets, one-way systems, bus lanes, cycle lanes, and tram tracks. Jipcho Road in Sockburn (Google 3.4 stars) is in an industrial area with wider roads, less traffic, but includes a bridge section with a speed change. Northwood in Belfast (Google 3.8 stars) has the simplest suburban residential routes and is the most recommended by Chinese learner communities. Despite being the most complex centre, Lichfield Street reviewers note that routes avoid heavy trucks and trailers, and speed stays fairly uniform. One reviewer at Lichfield Street mentioned that examiners are generally professional, with specific praise for testing officers Dimitrios and Hope for clear instructions. Rangiora is also available further north for those willing to travel.

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 Christchurch - Lichfield Street centre is at 240 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City 8011, in the heart of the CBD near the Bus Interchange. Phone: 03 365 3388. On test day: (1) Arrive early and park with your car facing outward at the centre. (2) Register at the front desk kiosk by entering your name, licence plate, and vehicle details, then wait. (3) The examiner will call your name, collect your photo licence, have you enter your email and sign. (4) Vehicle safety check covers front and rear indicators, brake lights, WOF and rego validity, handbrake, horn, and mirrors. (5) You must bring your own vehicle with current WOF and road tax - expired documents mean the test cannot proceed. (6) Drive the CBD grid streets and eastern suburban routes beforehand multiple times. (7) Key driving tips: constantly check centre and side mirrors, always shoulder check when turning or changing lanes, use indicators correctly, obey all signs, maintain appropriate speed (45-54 km/h is the sweet spot in 50 km/h zones), and come to a complete stop at stop signs.

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.

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 New Zealand government confirmed in 2025 that the Full licence practical driving test will be eliminated, with the new system expected to take effect from January 2027. Under the new rules, drivers will spend longer on their Learner licence before progressing. However, the Restricted licence practical driving test will remain. This means until 2027, both Restricted and Full practical tests are still conducted at Lichfield Street. If you currently hold a Restricted licence and plan to sit your Full test, it may be worth completing it before the system changes. Restricted test candidates will continue to need practical test preparation regardless of the changes. The VTNZ Lichfield Street centre also offers theory testing on weekdays until 3:00 PM and Saturdays until 11:00 AM.

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.