Scam alerts: we’ve seen an increase in scam texts and emails claiming to be from us, asking for payments.
Check our example scams or report a scam to us

NZTA App: our mobile app provides a simple and secure way to access your driver licence and vehicle information.
Learn more and download the NZTA app

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi logo

Learner licence demerit points and fines

The Government has proposed changes to the graduated driver licensing system. 

Any changes will not happen until July 2026. Until then, you still need to follow the current process to get your learner, restricted or full licence. 

The changes will be open for consultation from 14 April 2025 on the Ministry of Transport website. 

Consultation for changes to graduated driver licensing system - Ministry of Transport website (available from 14 April 2025)(external link)

This page focuses on things you need to know to help avoid demerit points and fines while on a learner licence.

Demerit points and fines

Here's what you need to know about demerit points and fines:

  • They're issued if you commit a driving offence.
  • The amount will depend on the severity of the offence.
  • You could be disqualified, have your car impounded, or even be imprisoned. 
  • If you reach 100 demerit points over a two year period, you will automatically lose your licence.
  • If you lose your licence, you'll have to wait even longer before you can apply for your restricted licence.

Learner licence offences

  Demerit points Fine
Driving without a supervisor 35 $100
Not displaying L plates 25 $100 

Alcohol

  Demerit points Fine
Under 20
Driving with:
  • blood alcohol up to 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres, or
  • breath alcohol up to 150 micrograms per litre
 50 $200
Driving with:
  • blood alcohol over 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres, or
  • breath alcohol over 150 micrograms per litre
 No demerits or set fines, but:
  • your vehicle will be impounded,
  • you will be given a 28 day suspension, and
  • you will face criminal charges.
20 and over
Driving with:
  • breath alcohol between 250 and 400 micrograms per litre, or
  • blood alcohol between 50 and 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres
 50 $200
Driving with blood alcohol between 50 and 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres AND refusing an evidential breath test 50 $700 

Driving with:

  • breath alcohol over 400 micrograms per litre, or
  • blood alcohol over 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres

No demerits or set fines, but:

  • your vehicle will be impounded,
  • you will be given a 28 day suspension, and
  • you will face criminal charges.

Other demerit points and fines

There are other demerit points and fines that apply to all drivers, not just learner drivers.

See a list of demerit point offences 

Find out about other driver licence offences and penalties

Traffic and travel information
Driver licences
Vehicles
Roads and rail
Commercial driving
Safety
Walking, cycling and public transport
Planning and investment