In administering the driver licensing system, Waka Kotahi has agreements with overseas jurisdictions allowing drivers to easily transfer/move between driver licensing systems. These countries are categorised as ‘exempt countries’ as they have been assessed by Waka Kotahi as having comparable driver licensing and testing systems to New Zealand.
This means if the driver is from an exempt country and has held that licence for two years, they may not be required to sit any theory or practical tests depending on the class of licence. Waka Kotahi has assessed the driver licensing system of the host country is of comparable standards to New Zealand. Drivers from exempt countries may need to pay only a conversion fee if no tests are required.
Note: This process applies to Class 1 or 6 only, a different process applies for the conversion of a heavy vehicle (class 2-5) licence.
If the licence has been held for less then two years, the applicant either needs to provide documentation from the licensing authority to confirm it has been held for more than two years or the applicant can sit a practical New Zealand test instead.
If an overseas licence holder is from a non-exempt country, a practical and theory test must be passed before a driver can convert to a NZ licence. An application is made at a specialist overseas conversion site, which is then sent to Waka Kotahi to be assessed. At this point, Waka Kotahi confirms the identity of the applicant and once approved, the applicant is sent a New Zealand driver licence with a supervisor condition (similar to the Class 1L) and the applicant can book a practical test. Once passed, the applicant is sent a Class 1F licence.
Once an overseas licence holder from a non-exempt country has applied to convert to a New Zealand driver licence and passed a theory test, a unique licence number is assigned. At this point, the driver can no longer drive on their overseas licence. They become subject to New Zealand learner licence conditions, including only being able to driver with a supervisor who holds a current full New Zealand driver licence, for a period of two of more years. Unless agreed to by the supervisor, there is no ability to carry passengers.
Waka Kotahi is also seeking feedback through this consultation process on whether a further change is required to allow an overseas licence holder to continue to drive on their overseas licence until they successfully pass a practical test to gain a Class 1F licence. This reflects the intent of the proposed Rule, to both enable overseas licence holders to continue to be eligible to drive in New Zealand and to provide sufficient time for those wishing to convert.
The applicant would apply at a specialist overseas conversion site (such as an AA Centre or a VTNZ station) and present their relevant identity documents. After passing a theory test, the application will be sent to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to be assessed.
If the application is approved, the applicant will be sent a New Zealand driver licence (with a supervisor condition) and will be able to book a practical test. After passing the practical test, the applicant will receive a New Zealand driver licence in the mail.
If the application is not approved, Waka Kotahi will send a letter outlining why an application was declined, and explaining what to do next.
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