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 learner driver 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 learner driver licence?
A learner licence is the first step in New Zealand's three-step driver licensing system. It's a theory test that you must pass before learning to drive.
How do I get a learner driver licence?
To get your learner licence you must:
- Be 15 years or older
- Study the New Zealand Road Code
- Sit and pass the 35-question theory test at your nearest AA Centre, AA Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agent or Rural Mobile Unit*:
- Bring your proof of identity (e.g. passport or full birth certificate)
- Bring your proof of address (e.g. bank statement)
- Bring $79 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. lunchtime
*The AA cannot accept phone or online bookings for the learner driver licence test. The test must be sat in person. Test is supervised by AA staff and subject to staff availability. To pass the learner driver licence theory test for car or motorcycle, you must get 32 or more correct answers.
What happens after I sit my learner driver licence test?
If you pass your learner driver licence test:
- You'll be given a temporary driver licence, valid for 21 days
- Your photo driver licence will be sent to you within 21 days
- You can buy learner L plates
- You can practice driving with:
- An AA Driving Instructor or
- A fully licensed supervisor who has held a full licence for at least two years and must be sitting in the front seat
- After six months you can sit your restricted licence
If you don't pass your learner driver licence test:
- You can resit the test (unlimited number of times)
- Bring proof of identity and $39.70 fee for each learner licence test resit
More Information