Getting your restricted driver licence

Next steps

The AA is contracted to the NZ Transport Agency to provide driver licensing products and services. The information below is a guideline to obtaining your restricted drivers licence at the AA only. Complete, up to date, driver licensing information is available on the NZ Transport Agency website.

What is a New Zealand restricted driver licence?

A restricted licence is the second step in New Zealand's three-step driver licensing system. It involves a practical in-car driving test.

How do I get a restricted driver licence?

You can apply for your restricted driver licence after you've held a learner driver licence for at least six months.

Go to your nearest AA Centre, AA Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agent or Rural Mobile Unit to book restricted driver licence test*:

  • Take your proof of identity (e.g. learner licence)
  • Take your proof of address (e.g. bank statement**)
  • Take $105.80 fee
  • You'll need to pass an eyesight screening check
  • You'll need to have your photograph taken
    • Allow for queuing at busy times e.g. at lunch time

The restricted driver licence test takes around 30 minutes. The car you use for the test must have a current Warrant of Fitness, car registration, working brake and indicator lights. It must also have L plates on display.

*The AA cannot accept phone or online bookings for the restricted driver licence test.
** Must be an original document and less than 12 months old. (For full details refer to factsheet 20 on the NZTA website)

What happens after I sit my restricted driver licence test?*

If you pass your restricted driver licence test:

If you don't pass your restricted driver licence test:

  • You can resit your restricted driver licence test (unlimited number of times)
    • Bring proof of identity and $58.60 fee for each restricted licence test resit

*If you pass your restricted driver licence test in an automatic car, you'll only be able to drive automatic cars on your restricted licence.

More Information