The time you can drive on an overseas car licence has changed from 12 months to 18 months. Time limit extended for driving on an overseas car licence Further action to tackle driver licence wait times | Beehive website(external link) |
This page tells you who can drive on New Zealand roads, and what you need to have while driving.
You can drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver licence if:
You can drive using an overseas car licence for up to 18 months from your last date of entry into New Zealand. You can use an overseas motorcycle or truck licence for up to 12 months.
If you don't meet all of these requirements, you must apply for a New Zealand driver licence to drive in New Zealand.
Find out how to get a New Zealand licence if you don’t meet the criteria
You can drive using a car licence for a maximum period of 18 months from your last date of entry into New Zealand. You can use an overseas motorcycle or truck licence for up to 12 months.
Each time you arrive in New Zealand you can drive for a further 18-month period (car licence) or 12-month period (motorcycle and truck licence).
As the holder of a valid and current overseas driver licence, you're considered to hold a New Zealand driver licence of a class that allows you to drive the motor vehicles you are allowed to drive under your overseas licence:
Please note that New Zealand licence classes are not an exact match to those that apply overseas. See here for information on the New Zealand class definitions to help you work out which vehicles you can drive on your overseas driver licence. If your car, motorcycle or heavy vehicle (truck) licence has specified weights or limits which differ from New Zealand classes (eg higher), we recommend that drivers adhere to the equivalent New Zealand weight limits or, if unsure, obtain a New Zealand driver licence.
All drivers must know the road rules, what the road signs mean and how to drive safely. You can find out more in The official New Zealand road code.
Look at the Road code online
Test your knowledge of the New Zealand Road code on the Practice website(external link)
Read a copy of Driving in New Zealand
If you're planning on staying in New Zealand, we recommend you get a New Zealand driver licence. If your overseas licence is still current or has expired less than 12 months ago you can apply to convert it to a New Zealand licence.
Find out how to convert an overseas licence to a New Zealand driver licence
New Zealand road rules and driving behaviours may be different to those in your home country. For example:
Find an approved translator
Download Factsheet 56: New residents and visitors – driving in New Zealand [PDF, 233 KB]
Read a copy of Driving in New Zealand