Get ready for your full licence test
Everything you need for the full licence practical test — who's eligible, what to expect on the day, and how an AA practice test can help you prepare with confidence.
When you're read to sit your test, book it at an AA Driver Licensing outlet.
Are you ready to book?
Before you book your full licence test, make sure you tick all of these. Being well prepared gives you the best chance of passing.
- You're 18+ (or are 17 1/2 and have completed an approved advanced driving course such as the AA Defensive Driving Course).
- You've held your restricted licence for the required time - 18 months, or 12 months with a Defensive Driving Course. If you're over 25, it's 6 months or 3 months with an approved course.
- You've had plenty of supervised on-road practice and feel confident to sit your test.
On the day
A few simple things make the big day go smoothly.
- Bring your current restricted licence, you can’t sit the test without it.
- Bring corrective lenses if required on your licence.
- Arrive early so you’re calm and on time.
- The test will take 30 minutes (including 20 minutes of driving).
- Use a safe, road-legal car with a current WoF and registration.
- An NZTA Driver Testing Officer will carry out the test.
- You will be expected to apply hazard and detection responses, demonstrate advanced driving in complex situations, and maintain safe habits across diverse road conditions.
Prepare to pass
Practising with a qualified AA Driving Instructor is the best way to know you're ready, and AA Members save along the way.
Need to change or cancel your test?
Visit your AA Driver Licensing outlet or call 0800 822 422 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm). No further fee is required if you change or cancel a booked test.
Frequently asked questions
You can prepare for your full licence test by taking an AA Practice Full Test. Our qualified instructor will provide feedback, evaluate your preparedness for the real full licence test, and explain what to expect during the test.
AA Driving School is operated by AA Driver Training Limited. AA Driving School provides driving lessons, Road Code practice tests, licence test preparation, and the AA Defensive Driving Course. Official driver licence tests are conducted by NZTA-authorised testing agents. The New Zealand Automobile Association (Incorporated) separately acts as an agent of NZTA for the learner licence theory test.