North Shore 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 North Shore VTNZ driving test is considered moderate in difficulty within the Auckland region. The Full licence pass rate is approximately 68%, well above the Auckland average of around 49%. The test centre is located at 120 Sunnybrae Road in Glenfield, on Auckland's North Shore. Routes primarily cover the Hillcrest residential area with hilly terrain, featuring unique challenges such as double roundabouts (small and large roundabout combination) and steep downhill sections. There are approximately 3 main test routes that examiners choose from randomly, each taking about 16 minutes. Some practical tests may also be conducted from a secondary location at Takapuna Rugby Club on Northcote Road.

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.

North Shore test routes start from the VTNZ centre on Sunnybrae Road and cover a wide area. The core testing zone includes Sunnybrae Road, Archers Road, the Hillcrest residential streets, Chivalry Road area, Roberts Road, and extends west to Glenfield Road, south to Coronation Road, and north to Wairau Road. For the Full licence test, routes may extend to include motorway sections via Tristram Avenue, Northcote, and Esmonde Road, potentially reaching the Barrys Point Road area in Takapuna before returning to the test centre. Speed zones range from 30 km/h to 100 km/h depending on the route. 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) Double roundabouts unique to this centre, requiring correct give-way and gap selection at the large roundabout and proper indicator use at the small roundabout; (2) Steep downhill sections where speed control is critical and one of the most common failure points; (3) Uphill starts requiring smooth clutch and brake coordination on the hilly terrain; (4) Residential streets with oncoming vehicles where give-way rules for passing parked cars apply, including correct indicator use when borrowing the opposing lane; (5) Multiple STOP signs on and off Coronation Road requiring a complete stop. The combination of double roundabouts and steep downhill grades is considered the signature difficulty of this 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 North Shore include: incorrect give-way and gap selection at double roundabouts (critical error), losing speed control on the steep downhill section, failing to use indicators correctly at small roundabouts (different rules from large roundabouts), not following give-way rules when passing parked cars on narrow residential streets, incorrect lane borrowing and indicator procedures, poor uphill start technique causing rolling back, failing to make a complete stop at STOP signs near Coronation Road, and inadequate mirror and blind spot checks. In New Zealand, exceeding the speed limit by 5 km/h for more than 5 seconds is a critical error, and exceeding by 10 km/h can result in instant failure. Two critical errors or one immediate error results in automatic failure.

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 North Shore VTNZ centre offers driver licensing Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The best time to sit your test is between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM when traffic is lighter. Avoid school drop-off and pick-up times as several schools are near the test routes, and variable 40 km/h school zone speed limits apply during those periods. Saturday hours until 3:00 PM are among the longest of any Auckland test centre, making it a good option for weekend bookings. With over 1,500 Google reviews, this is a very busy centre, so book well in advance. Auckland average wait times are approximately 81 days for Restricted and 69 days for Full tests. Book through the VTNZ website or call 09 444 4848.

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.

The North Shore test routes include multiple speed zones that require careful management. Residential streets in Hillcrest are generally 50 km/h, but candidates must reduce speed on steep downhill sections to maintain control. Variable 40 km/h school zone limits apply near several schools during mornings and afternoons. When approaching a stopped school bus, you must slow to 20 km/h. Some areas near Coronation Road and Archers Road may have temporary speed limits due to ongoing intersection upgrade works. For Full licence tests, motorway sections via Tristram Avenue and Esmonde Road can reach 100 km/h. Driving too slowly is also penalised: staying more than 10 km/h below the posted limit for an extended period counts as a critical error. Always follow posted signs as limits may have been recently updated.

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.

North Shore (Google 3.5 stars, 1,533 reviews) has a Full licence pass rate of approximately 68%, which is above average for Auckland. Highbrook leads Auckland at around 73%, while Glen Innes sits at 61% and Manukau City at 64%. Compared to flatter centres, North Shore's hilly terrain with double roundabouts and steep grades adds unique challenges. However, the quieter residential routes through Hillcrest can be easier than busy commercial centres. The Chinese learner community has extensively documented all routes with detailed maps, and some candidates have reported passing the Full test with minimal practice hours after thorough route preparation. The centre is the main VTNZ test location for Auckland's North Shore, serving the large population in Glenfield, Hillcrest, and surrounding suburbs.

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.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your test time. Your vehicle must have a current Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and current registration (Rego). All stop lights, indicators, brake lights, and signals must be in working order, or the test will not proceed. Bring your current learner or restricted licence (photo ID), and your test booking confirmation. If sitting the Restricted test, your supervising driver must accompany you. The vehicle must have working seatbelts for all occupants. For the Restricted test, you will need to demonstrate parallel parking (reverse park within 300 mm of the kerb) or a three-point turn if no suitable parking space is available. The Full test focuses on higher-speed driving and motorway sections without low-speed manoeuvres.

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.

Key tips for passing at North Shore: (1) Practise the Hillcrest residential area extensively before your test, especially the double roundabouts and steep downhill sections; (2) Perform head checks (blind spot checks) every time you move the vehicle, change lanes, turn, merge, or park; (3) Come to a complete stop at every STOP sign, particularly on and around Coronation Road; (4) Use the 12-second rule to scan ahead for hazards; (5) Check mirrors every 10 to 15 seconds on straight roads; (6) On narrow residential streets with parked cars, signal and give way to oncoming traffic correctly; (7) Control your speed on downhill sections using engine braking and gentle braking; (8) Book a pre-test lesson with a local driving instructor who knows the North Shore routes. Multiple Chinese driving instructors operate in the Glenfield area and have shared detailed route maps on social media.

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.