Good vision is essential to driving a vehicle safely. Most applications require proof your vision meets the standards for safe driving. This includes when you're:
applying for a new licence class or endorsement
renewing your licence
reinstating your licence after a disqualification or suspension
converting an overseas licence to a New Zealand licence.
If you’re replacing your licence, you won’t have to prove this again unless you'd like to remove a condition stating you must wear glasses or contact lenses while driving.
You can prove that your eyesight is acceptable by:
passing an eyesight check at a driver licensing agent, or
presenting an original eyesight certificate (no more than 60 days old), or
presenting an original medical certificate (no more than 60 days old).
Certificates must be issued by a New Zealand registered optometrist or health practitioner (for example, a doctor).
You cannot use an interpreter to help guide you through the eyesight check if you have trouble understanding English. If you can’t complete the eyesight check alone, you must provide an acceptable certificate.
Your licence will then have a condition that you must always wear these while driving. If you try to pass the eyesight check at an agent and fail, you must provide a satisfactory eyesight or medical certificate. Your application won’t be completed (and you won’t get a licence) until you've provided the certificate.
You’ll need to prove that your eyesight meets the standards every time you renew or apply for any driver licence or endorsement.
Sight in only one eye can dramatically affect your ability to judge distance.
If you have sight in only one eye, or have only one eye (monocular vision), you must present an acceptable certificate confirming that you’re still safe to drive.
