Renew your driver licence
Check your photo driver licence to see when your classes expire. The table on the back shows the issue and expiry date of all the classes and any endorsements you may hold. Older licence cards had the number ‘4b’ on the front showing when the licence expires and the number ‘8’ on the back showing the expiry of any endorsements held.
Go to your nearest AA Centre, AA Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agent or Rural Mobile Unit to renew your licence. It will take approximately 15 minutes. We can't process licence renewals by phone or online.
You'll need to:
- Bring evidence of your identity, e.g. your existing photo licence or current NZ passport
- Pay the licence renewal fee
- Pass an eyesight screening check
- Have your photograph taken
Learner and restricted driver licences
Learner and restricted driver licences are issued for five years, and the renewal process for these is different. You can renew up to 90 days before your expiry date, and you’ll have to sit and pass another theory test.
Many five-year learner and restricted licence holders received a two-year extension, announced in November 2019 – these licence holders can apply at their local AA for a replacement driver licence card showing the new expiry date – see ‘Replace a lost or stolen driver licence’ below.
Find out more about changes to learner and restricted licence expiry dates on the NZTA website.
If your licence expiry date has been extended and you are going to sit a practical driving test, a temporary licence will be issued to you to cover the day you sit the test. However, the temporary licence must be presented alongside your plastic driver licence.
Older drivers - age 75+
When you turn 75, you'll need to renew your licence. This licence will be valid for five years and you’ll need a medical certificate each time you renew your licence. In some cases, you may have to sit an on-road test. When you turn 80 your licence will be valid for two years.
Further information regarding driver licence renewal for seniors can be found on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website via this link – Renewing for Seniors.
If you have questions about driver licensing rules or restrictions, please contact the NZTA Driver Licensing helpline - 0800 822 422.
Check to see if you are eligible for a FREE in-car coaching session with the AA.
Eyesight screening check
When applying for or renewing any driver licence or endorsement, you'll need to prove your eyesight meets the required standard. You can undergo a basic eyesight screening check at your nearest AA Centre, AA Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agent or Rural Mobile Unit.
The equipment used in the test is a screening device which 96.9% of all motorists pass each year. The remaining 3.1% may or may not have a problem with their eyes. If this is the case you'll need to provide an eyesight certificate from your doctor or optometrist.
Read more about the eyesight screening check on the NZTA website.
Replace a lost or stolen driver licence
Go to your nearest AA Centre, AA Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agent or Rural Mobile Unit to replace your driver licence. This also applies to learner or restricted licence holders who want to get a replacement driver licence to reflect their new expiry date.
You'll need to:
- Bring your current NZ passport or evidence of your identity, e.g. full birth certificate
- Pay the replacement driver licence fee
Overseas driver licence conversion
For a holder of an overseas driver licence who wants to apply for a NZ driver licence to drive the same class or classes of vehicle.
Find out how to complete your application through the AA.
