Step 2: Your Restricted Licence
The Restricted Licence is the second stage in the graduated licensing system.
It allows you to drive independently, but with certain restrictions aimed at ensuring you continue to build safe driving habits.
In order to pass and move onto the final stage, you will need to pass a practical test.
Roadmap:
Your Restricted Licence
Applying
Eligibility
To be eligible for a restricted licence, you must:
Be at least 16½ years old.
Hold a valid learner licence for a minimum of 6 months.
Test day requirements
Your learner licence.
L plates on your vehicle.
A vehicle that is up to warrant of fitness (WoF) standards.
A supervisor with you (you are still on your learner licence until you pass the test).
Steps to Apply
Book the Practical Test: Either online or through a driver licensing agent such as AA, VTNZ, or VINZ. Our directory of centres can help you choose a preferred location.
Prepare: Practice in various conditions and reviewing the New Zealand Road Code.
Pay the Application Fee: The fee for the restricted licence is NZD $167.50, which includes the cost of your first practical driving test. If you need to retake the test, a fee of NZD $102.80 applies per retest.
Complete the application: Visit a driver licensing agent to complete the application process, which includes:
Filling out an application form.
Provide proof of identity (passport, birth certificate etc.).
Take an eye test.
Having your photo and signature taken.
Preparing for the Restricted Licence Practical Test
Here’s how to get ready to pass first time:
Gain Sufficient Driving Experience
You should practice driving in various road conditions, including:
Urban and rural roads.
Busy intersections, roundabouts, and motorways.
Different weather conditions.
Both day and night conditions.
Know the Road Code
You will be expected to know and follow the New Zealand Road Code during your test. Make sure you are familiar with:
Road signs, traffic signals, and road markings.
Right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts.
Speed limits and how to adjust for varying road conditions.
Practice Test Routes
It’s a good idea to practice on the roads around your testing centre. This will help you become familiar with the local traffic conditions and road layouts.
Our app lets you practise real test routes to boost confidence on test day.
Take Professional Driving Lessons
Consider taking a few lessons with a professional driving instructor. Instructors can give you valuable feedback on areas where you may need improvement, such as:
Lane changes and merging onto busy roads.
Navigating complex intersections.
Parking and other manoeuvres.
Use Online Resources
Online resources can help you prepare for the test, such as the Drive website and the Drive Go app, which offer practice tests and tutorials for both the theory and practical aspects of the test.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Enrolling in a defensive driving course can be beneficial as not only will it sharpen your driving skills, but it can also reduce the time you need to hold your restricted licence before progressing to your full licence.
There are currently 2 approved defensive driving courses in New Zealand:
Ensure Your Vehicle is Ready
Make sure the car you use for your test is roadworthy and up to Warrant of Fitness (WoF) standards. Check the tyres, lights, indicators, and windscreen wipers before the test day.
Additionally, ensure your L plates are properly displayed and your vehicle is properly registered and insured.
Stay Calm and Focused
On the day of the test, stay calm and focus on driving smoothly and safely. Listen carefully to the instructions given by the testing officer, and don't rush.
The Practical Test
The test is comprehensive and ensures you can handle different driving tasks:
Pre-Drive Safety Check
Prior to the driving part of the test, the testing officer will inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s roadworthy. Key items they will check include:
Tyres and wheels: Ensuring no visible damage and adequate tread depth.
Lights and indicators: Verifying that all lights function properly.
Wipers and windscreen: Checking for visibility and functionality.
Duration and Structure
The test typically lasts about 45 minutes and includes several driving tasks that assess your skills in different traffic environments.
The on-road section will involve tasks such as:
Lane changes and merging onto busy roads.
Turning at intersections, including right turns at roundabouts.
Navigating roads with speed limits between 50–100 km/h, depending on the test route.
Skills Assessed
The test is designed to evaluate key driving skills, including:
Safe driving techniques: Maintaining correct speeds, observing road signs, and following road rules.
Hazard detection: Identifying and responding to potential hazards like pedestrians, cyclists, or parked cars.
Lane discipline: Performing safe lane changes and merges, particularly in multi-lane roads and at intersections.
You will need to demonstrate that you can:
Control the vehicle smoothly, especially during manoeuvres such as parking, stopping, and turning.
Obey traffic signals and road signs, including proper use of indicators when turning or merging.
Restricted Licence Conditions
Once you have your restricted licence, you can drive more independently, but there are still several important conditions you must follow:
Driving Hours
You are allowed to drive on your own between 5 AM and 10 PM.
Between 10 PM and 5 AM, you must have a supervisor with you in the car who holds a full, valid licence for at least two years.
Passenger Restrictions
You cannot carry passengers unless you have a supervisor in the car with you.
There are exceptions to this rule for:
Your spouse or partner.
Children under your or your spouse’s care.
Your parent or guardian.
Relatives living with you who are financially dependent on you.
If you are carrying other passengers, they must be supervised by a licensed driver.
Vehicle Type
If you passed your restricted licence test in an automatic vehicle, you are only allowed to drive automatic cars unless a supervisor is present. To drive a manual vehicle unsupervised, you must pass the test in a manual car.
Alcohol Limits
If you are under 20 years old, you must adhere to a zero alcohol limit - meaning you cannot drive with any detectable alcohol in your system. For drivers 20 years or older, the regular adult alcohol limit applies.
Penalties for Violating Conditions
If you break any of these restricted licence conditions, you may receive:
35 demerit points.
A fine of $100.
Continued violations could lead to the suspension of your licence or other penalties.
After Passing
You’re one step closer to obtaining your full driver’s licence…
Receiving Your Restricted Licence
You will be issued a temporary restricted licence, which is valid until your official licence card arrives in the mail (within 7–10 business days).
Gaining Driving Experience
Although you can now drive unsupervised, it’s important to continue gaining experience in different driving conditions (e.g. night driving, highways, urban and rural roads).
Aim to drive regularly and safely to build confidence as you work towards qualifying for your full licence.
Time Requirement for a Full Licence
You must hold your restricted licence for a minimum period before applying for a full licence:
18 months if you do not take a defensive driving course.
12 months if you complete an approved defensive driving course.
For drivers aged 25 or older, the required holding period is reduced to 6 months.