About the restricted licence

A restricted licence is the second step of the three-stage process to get a full driver licence.

It's time to build your practical driving skills to become a safe driver and pass your driving test!

Book and pay for all driver licence tests at your local AA Licensing Agent.

driver licence at AA about the restricted licence 1

Please make sure you're prepared for your test.

Wait times for driver licence tests have increased since Waka Kotahi NZTA changed the fees, so make sure you prepare well for your driver licence test. If you don't pass, you may need to wait a while to get another slot. If you get a test booking and can't use it, please make sure you cancel. Even an hour's notice will mean someone else can use the slot.

To help you prepare for your driver licence tests, please see the resources and training offered by AA Driving School.

What you are allowed to do on your restricted licence

The law is very clear about what you can and can’t do on a restricted licence. Here are the main points to help keep you safe and legal.

1. You must have your restricted licence with you

  • You cannot drive a car if you do not have your licence with you

2. You can drive on your own with limitations

  • If you drive between 10pm and 5am, you must have a supervisor with you

3. A supervisor must: 

  • sit in the front passenger seat
  • have held a full licence for at least two years
  • be in the car if you are carrying passengers

4. The only passengers you can carry without a supervisor are:

  • your spouse
  • child who is financially dependent on you or your spouse
  • your parent or guardian
  • relatives who live with you and who are beneficiaries
  • someone you look after as their primary caregiver

5. If you sat the restricted test in an automatic

  • You are only allowed to drive automatic vehicles, unless you have a supervisor with you. 

6. Adhere to alcohol limits

  • If you are under 20 years of age, there is a zero alcohol limit. That means if you drive after drinking alcohol you can be charged with drink driving, which could result in losing your licence
  • If you’re 20 or older, you must be within the adult alcohol limit. 

When can you sit your restricted licence test?

You must be at least 16 ½ years and have held a learner licence for at least six months before you can book to sit your restricted licence test. 

Get ready for your restricted licence test.

Get your restricted licence the AA way.

driver licence at AA about the restricted licence 2

Come to your local AA Licensing Agent for all your driver licence needs

At your local AA Licensing Agent you can:

  • Apply for and renew a driver licence
  • Pay all driver licensing fees
  • Book all driver licence tests and pay the fee for every test
  • Do the learner licence test 
  • Have your driver licence photo and signature taken

Find AA Licensing Agent on map

Find AA Licensing Agent from list

 

Save up to $125* on driving lessons – become an AA Member today!  

If you’re 19 years old and under, an AA Youth Membership only costs $50 per annum and you’ll receive $50 off your AA Driver’s Seat Starter Session!

Join now

 

 
STANDARD PRICE
AA MEMBER PRICE
AA MEMBER SAVES*

AA Driver's Seat Starter Session (1hr)

$80

$30

$50

Lesson, Practice Test, Coaching (per 1hr)

$80

$65

$15

AA Driver's Seat Package (5 x 1hr sessions)

$400

$275

$125

 

Never worry about being stranded on the roadside

Locked out of your vehicle, need a jump-start, replacement battery, wheel change or even emergency fuel drop?

New AA Members enjoy six free AA Roadside callouts per year – our national AA Service Response Centre operates 24/7 and we’re usually by your side within the hour.

Don’t have a car yet? Don’t worry, your AA Membership covers whichever car you are in – even if you are in a friend's car! PLUS AA Membership also gives you access to a wide range of exclusive AA Member Benefits and discounts.

Learn more

 


*Terms & Conditions apply. $125 discount applies to 5 lesson package only. $15 discount applies to individual lessons up to a maximum of 10 lessons. AA Members save $50 on AA Driver’s Seat Starter Sessions. Discounts are not transferrable.