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March 2026

The Full Licence

The final stage of the graduated licensing system is where you earn total freedom on the road.

Transitioning to a full licence means you can finally say goodbye to time restrictions and passenger constraints. Whether it’s a late-night drive or heading away with friends, the road is officially yours.

Timeframes

The length of time you must hold your restricted licence depends on your age:

  • Under 25: 18 months
  • 25 or older: 6 months

Advanced Driving Course

You can reach your full licence sooner by completing an NZTA-approved advanced driving course (such as AA Defensive Driving or Street Talk).

  • Under 25: Reduces your wait time to 12 months
  • 25 or older: Reduces your wait time to 3 months.

The Final Test

Currently, you must pass a 30-minute practical test. This assessment focuses on your ability to identify hazards in complex traffic situations and requires you to verbally describe those hazards to the testing officer.

Note: The Government has announced that the full licence practical test will be removed from 25 January 2027. Until that date, all drivers must still book and pass the practical test to progress.

Buying Your First Car

March 2026

Getting Your Restricted Licence

Once you have practised for at least six months and feel confident behind the wheel, you can sit your restricted practical driving test.
March 2026

Learning to Drive

Once you have your yellow L plates, it is time to get behind the wheel.

March 2026

Learner Driver Journey

Starting your driving journey is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re studying for your theory test or you’ve just bought your first set of wheels, MTA is collating this information to make the journey easy to understand and to help you stay safe and legal on New Zealand roads.