This page tells you what to do to get a learner licence.
To keep everyone safe on the road, you need to learn the road rules before you can get your learner licence. You’ll need to pass a test to prove that you understand the rules for driving safely in New Zealand.
You can prepare for this by reading the New Zealand road code, or by working your way through Drive’s online road code.
Drive’s online road code(external link)
You can sit practice learner tests using the officially approved questions on the Drive website.
When you feel you're ready, go to a driver licensing agent to make your application.
List of driver licensing agents
You'll need to:
The application fee includes the cost of sitting your first theory test, and a second test if you need it. The more prepared you are for the test, the more likely you are to pass and not need to re-sit it.
If you need 3 tests or more, you'll need to pay a test fee of $54.60 for each test.
If you need to change or cancel your test, there may be a fee. If you change or cancel it at least 2 whole working days in advance, the fee will be lower.
Fees to change or rebook a test
Make sure you've learned the road rules before you go, because the agent will book you in for your theory test. You might even be able to sit it straight away.
The learner licence theory test is a computer-based, 35-question, multi-choice test that assesses your knowledge of road rules and safe driving practices. You will need to get at least 32 questions right to pass.
Make sure you’ve prepared for your test by learning the road rules. If you fail your test, you’ll have to sit it again. If you fail twice on the same day, you’ll need to wait 10 working days before you can sit the test again.
On the day of the test, plan to arrive at the testing agent early. If you’re late, you might not be able to sit the test that day. Try to avoid the stress by getting there at least 10 minutes before your test is due to start.
When you arrive, let the agent know you’re there for your test. They’ll guide you through the next steps.
Make sure you have your proof of identity with you to give to the person conducting the theory test.
Find out more about acceptable proof of identity
Find out more about the theory test
Learn to drive. You'll need lots of practice to become a good, safe driver. Use a lesson plan from our Drive website(external link) to map out your next driving lesson.
You can book another theory test. There may be a fee to rebook.
Fees to change or rebook a test
If you fail the test twice on the same day, you’ll need to wait 10 working days before you can sit the test again. This is to give you more time to learn the road rules, and to make sure other people also have a chance to take their test.
Your learner licence will expire after 10 years.
Check the expiry date on the back of your photo driver licence to see when it will expire.
If you’ve held your learner licence for at least 6 months and you’re a confident, safe driver, you can apply for your restricted licence.
Getting your restricted, if you’re ready, will give you a bit more independence. It shows that you’ve gained some driving experience and you’re becoming a responsible driver to help keep everyone safe on our roads.
How to get a restricted licence
If you haven’t got your restricted before your learner licence expires, you’ll need to renew your learner licence if you want to keep driving.
There are plenty of resources you can use to study the road rules in preparation for your theory test:
Our Drive website is packed with useful tools and videos to help you learn safe driving skills.
Drive website(external link)
The New Zealand road code is available online or from most bookstores and driver licensing agents.
New Zealand road code(external link)
You can practise the official theory test online on the Drive website. By completing the chapters in the Drive road code you will be able to access official questions used in the actual test.
Drive website(external link)
All of these resources are endorsed by NZTA.
Using the official resources will give you the best chance of passing your test and becoming a great kiwi driver.
