Frequently asked questions

Land Transport (Driver Licensing) (Covid-19-Temporary Extension of Deemed Licences) (‘the Amendment Rule’) is a document prepared for public consultation that proposes to extend the 12-month grace period for overseas licence holders to drive in New Zealand.

The proposed Rule change will be made under Sections 152 to 158 (inclusive) of the Land Transport Act 1998, which allows the Minister of Transport to make Land Transport Rules relating to a wide variety of issues, including those covered by the proposed Rule.

The changes are necessary for a range of reasons, including:

• Minimising the economic and social disruption caused by COVID-19
• To allow visa holders to drive legally without needing to convert their licence, unless their overseas licence has expired.
• To give visa holders time to convert their licence if they wish to stay in New Zealand beyond 31 December 2021
• To allow the driver licensing system time to adjust to the additional demand caused by COVID-19 border restrictions

The proposed amendment would extend the 12-month grace period for all overseas licence holders on a temporary visa to drive in New Zealand to up to 24 months (depending on the date of their arrival into New Zealand).

All drivers on temporary visas who entered New Zealand between 1 January 2019 and 16 December 2020 will be covered by the eligibility extension. This includes the following visa types:

• Essential Skills visa
• Long Term Skill Shortage List Work visa
• Working Holiday visa
• Work to Residence visa
• Family visa
• Partnership visa
• Student visa
• Visitor visa
• Recognised Seasonal Employer visa

These people intended to reside in New Zealand on a temporary basis and are only likely to have remained because of the ongoing travel restrictions. Prior to COVID-19 many overseas licence holders would travel overseas within the 12-month grace period. This would restart the clock and allow them to continue to drive with an overseas licence for a further 12-month period when they re-entered New Zealand. These people may be socially and financially disadvantaged if they are no longer able to drive in New Zealand.

The extended eligibility period would be in place for a year from when the Amendment Rule comes into force. After one year, the Amendment Rule would expire, and the eligibility period would revert to 12 months.

This proposal does not increase the risk to road safety, as under the current rule, individuals who leave New Zealand for whatever reason, are regarded as having a New Zealand licence for 12 months when they re-enter the country.

Based on road safety data, overseas licence holders represent a small proportion of overall crash statistics, being at fault in around 4% of all crashes. This figure has remained consistent over the past decade, despite the 45% increase in international visitors.

New Zealand residents and Australian citizens, who are treated as New Zealand residents are excluded. These licence holders are expected to go through the conversion process.

Subject to approval by the Minister of Transport, the proposed Rule change is likely to come into effect on 16 December 2020.

We welcome your comments on the proposed change set out in the Amendment Rule.

When you provide your feedback, it would be helpful if you would consider and comment on the following:

• Would any groups or individuals be disadvantaged by the proposals, and how?
• Are there any implementation or compliance issues that need to be considered?
• Would you or your organisation incur any costs if the proposals were implemented?
• Wherever possible, when making your comments please provide examples to illustrate your point.

You can make a submission in one of the following options:

1. Online form
You can submit your comments using the online submission form:

Online submission form(external link)

2. By email
Email your submission to rules@nzta.govt.nz
Be sure to include ‘Temporary Extension of Deemed Licences Amendment Rule 2020’ in the subject line.

3. By post
Include a signed copy of your submission and post to this address:

Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule: Amendment 2020
Regulatory Policy Team, Systems Integrity
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141

An email outlining Rule changes is sent to the groups and individuals who have registered their interest in Rules that have been amended. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will advise relevant industry groups of the changes. Any relevant factsheets or other information material available on its website will be updated to reflect the changes brought about by the amendment Rule.

You can sign up to our Rules mailing list. If you wish to receive information about Land Transport Rules please enter your details online at

Registration of interest in Land Transport Rules

Alternatively, contact us on rules@nnzta.govt.nz

Final rules are available on the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website

Land transport rules

Printed copies of Land Transport Rules can be purchased from selected bookshops throughout New Zealand that sell legislation.

The Rules, except the Road User Rule, can also be purchased from the Rule printers and distributors, Blue Star Works, phone 0800 504 704 or email nzta.support@bluestargroup.co.nz

The Road User Rule is available from Legislation Direct (telephone (04) 568 0005). Rules can also be inspected at any office of the NZ Transport Agency.