The date your licence classes expire is shown on the back of your licence card. If you want to keep on driving after that date you will need to renew your licence before it expires.
We’ll send you a renewal reminder letter about six weeks before your photo driver licence is due to expire. You can get a renewal form online or from any driver licensing agent.
Online Renewal form(external link)
When you take your completed application form to a driver licensing agent, you will need to:
Because the effects of ageing can sometimes affect a person’s ability to drive, there are special licence-renewal conditions for older drivers.
You will need to renew your licence when turning 75 and 80 and then every two years after that.
Before your driver licence expires, the Transport Agency will send you an Application for issue or renewal of driver licence form (DL1). You’ll also receive a reminder letter that will tell you everything you need to know to get your licence renewed.
You’ll need to book an appointment with your health practitioner (for example your doctor (GP), a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, or a specialist if appropriate) to get a Medical certificate for driver licence. During your appointment, they will discuss your present state of health with you and test your eyesight.
They will recommend whether you are:
If they decide you are medically fit to drive, they will give you a Medical certificate for driver licence. You will then need to renew your licence at a driver licensing agent.
Renewing driver licences for seniors
By acting promptly to replace or renew your lost or stolen licence, you’ll reduce the opportunity for it to be used in identity crime. If you can’t get to one of our driver licensing agents, contact us to cancel your licence.
You can apply to replace your licence at a driver licensing agent, or if you have a verified RealMe identity you may be able to apply online.
To apply at an agent, you’ll need to:
Replacing your licence (more information).
If you are visiting from another country or have recently arrived in New Zealand, and you have a current and valid overseas driver licence, you can drive for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand.
Each time you visit New Zealand, you may drive for a further 12-month period on a valid overseas driver licence, as long as you stay for no more than a year at a time.
You must have your current and valid overseas driver licence with you at all times when you’re driving. If your overseas licence or driver permit is not in English, you must also carry an accurate English translation issued by:
If your driver licence is not in English, an international driving permit (IDP) - issued in accordance with a United Nations Convention on Road Traffic - may be acceptable as a translation.
If you don’t have a current and valid overseas driver licence or driver permit, then you cannot drive in New Zealand. If you want to drive, then you must apply for a New Zealand driver licence.
If you have an overseas driver licence, but want to drive for longer than one year in New Zealand, you must convert to a New Zealand driver licence. You should apply early to make sure you have a new licence before you have been in New Zealand for 12 months.
Download application form to convert your licence
If you are converting a heavy vehicle licence you will not have to sit a practical test if:
| Australia | France | Luxembourg | Sweden |
| Austria | Germany | Netherlands | Switzerland |
| Belgium | Greece | Norway | United Kingdom |
| Canada | Ireland | Portugal | United States of America |
| Denmark | Italy | South Africa | |
| Finland | Japan | Spain |
You only have to pass the theory test for the highest class of licence. For example, passing Class 5 converts all classes of licence (except Class 6).
If you have a driver licence issued in Hong Kong or South Korea and have held your licence for at least two years, you will not need to sit a practical test when applying for a car or motorcycle licence. If you are applying for a heavy vehicle licence both a theory and practical test will be required.
If you have a licence from a country not listed above you will need to pass the theory and the practical test for the highest class. For example, Class 5 converts all classes of licence (except Class 6).
If you also want to convert to a Class 6 (motorcycle) licence, additional tests and fees will be required.
Once you have been granted a New Zealand driver licence, your overseas licence is no longer valid for driving in New Zealand. This applies even if you have not yet been in New Zealand for a full 12 months.
If you have a New Zealand driver licence and you want to drive in other countries, the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) advises that international driving permits (IDPs) are recommended for most countries. Check the AA website for an up-to-date list.
Note that an IDP is not a driver licence; it is a translation of your driver licence and is only valid while the accompanying driver licence is current. Your IDP will be valid for a maximum of one year from the date of issue.
You can apply for an IDP through the AA.
