Get ready for your restricted licence test
Prepare for your restricted licence practical test with AA. Learn what the test involves, the common faults to avoid, and how a practice test with an AA Instructor helps you pass. When you're ready to sit your test, book it at an AA Driver Licencing outlet.
Before you book your test
You need to make sure you're eligible and ready. You'll need the right level of driving skill and on-road experience to pass.
- Be at least 16½ years old.
- Held your learner licence for at least 6 months.
- Be confident with the driving skill and on-road experience the test requires.
What happens on test day
A Driving Testing Officer will carry out the practical driving test. Here's how the test works.
Check in
Arrive early to the location of your test, and remember to bring your learner licence and L plates.
Vehicle check
The Testing Officer makes sure your car is safe and roadworthy. This includes having a valid vehicle licence (rego) and Warrant of Fitness.
Drive the route
You drive a set route while the Officer assesses your skills. The driving test is 45 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes to check the vehicle before the test and provide feedback after.
Get your result
You find out whether you passed on the day. If you are successful, you'll be issued a temporary licence until your new one is sent to you.
Common faults to avoid
These are the slip-ups that catch learners out most often.
Failing to look
The most common reason for a fail is not checking mirrors and blind spots. Make sure you do this before moving off, turning a corner or changing lanes.
Rolling through stops
Failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs, or not giving way correctly at intersections.
Speed not matched to conditions
Driving too fast for the road, or so cautiously you hold up traffic, both count against you.
Poor lane position & signalling
Drifting in the lane, or signalling too late (or not at all) before a turn or merge.
You can find a full list of critical errors and immediate fail errors on the NZTA's website.
Complete a Practice Restricted Test with a qualified AA Driving Instructor and receive honest feedback on what to work on before the real test.
Need to change or cancel your test?
If you need to change or cancel your restricted licence test, visit your nearest AA Driver Licensing outlet or call 0800 822 422 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm).
If you can no longer attend your test, please cancel as soon as possible. Even an hour's notice allows someone else to use your appointment.
No additional fee is required if you change or cancel your test booking.
Frequently asked questions
You can prepare for your restricted licence test by taking driving lessons with AA Driving School. Our qualified instructors will help you build safe driving skills, gain confidence on the road, and understand what to expect during the test.
Yes. AA Driving School offers a Practice Restricted Licence Test, which is designed to simulate the conditions of the real restricted licence test.
During the session, an AA Driving Instructor will assess your driving, identify any areas for improvement, and provide feedback to help you prepare for the actual test.
To be eligible to sit your restricted licence, you need to be 16 1/2 and have held your learner licence for at least six months. You also need to be confident that you have the driving skill and on-road experience the test requires.
AA Driving School lessons can help you with this. Once you're ready, you can book in for your restricted licence test at an AA Driver Licensing outlet.
Before you start your test, the Testing Officer will make sure your car is safe and roadworthy. This includes having a valid vehicle licence (rego) and Warrant of Fitness.
The actual test is around 45 minutes during which the Testing Officer will assess your skills. At the end of the test, you will be given some feedback and told if you have passed.
Some of the most common reasons people fail their restricted test are:
- Failing to check mirrors and blind spots
- Failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs
- Speed not matching driving conditions, and
- Poor lane position & signalling
The restricted licence practical test is conducted by an NZTA appointed Driving Testing Officer (DTO).
On the day of your test, remember to:
- Bring your current learner licence.
- Arrive on time.
- Make sure you're well prepared before sitting the test.
You won't be able to drive if you don't have your learner licence with you.
If you don't pass your restricted licence test, you'll need to book another test before you can try again.
To improve your chances of passing, it's recommended that you:
- Complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving practice (professional lessons count as three hours each).
- Consider taking lessons or a practice test with AA Driving School before your test.
Keep going on your journey
NZTA Waka Kotahi-approved test booking agent
100,000+ driving lessons completed every year
AA Driver Licensing outlets nationwide
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.