Getting your full 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 full 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 full driver licence?

A full driver licence is the final step in New Zealand's three-step driver licensing system. It includes a practical in-car driving test.

How do I get a full driver licence?

If over 25 years old you must have held your restricted driver licence for:

If under 25 years old you must have held your restricted driver licence for:

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

  • Take your proof of identity (e.g. your restricted driver licence)
  • Take your proof of address (e.g. bank statement**)
  • Take $133.20 fee
  • You'll need to pass an eyesight screening check
  • You'll need to have your photograph taken
    • Allow for queuing during busy times e.g. at lunch time

The full driver licence test takes around one hour. The car you use for the test must have a current Warrant of Fitness, car registration and working brake and indicator lights.

*The AA cannot take phone or online bookings for the full 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 full driver licence test?

If you pass your full driver licence test:

  • You can drive at any time during the day or night
  • You can drive with passengers in the car

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

  • You can resit the test (unlimited number of times)
  • Bring proof of identity and $84.70 fee for each full licence test resit

More Information