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September 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
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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.
Changes in 2027
The Government has announced updates to the driver licensing system that will take effect from 25 January 2027.
Restricted licence timeframes are changing
The 18-month restricted period for under-25s is being cut to 12 months. The 6-month period for those 25 and over is not changing.
Advanced driving courses will no longer shorten your restricted time
Right now, completing an approved course (like AA Defensive Driving or Street Talk) reduces your restricted wait. From 25 January 2027, this will no longer apply. The restricted period will be fixed at 12 months (under 25) or 6 months (25+), with no course-based reduction. If you're planning to sit a course to shorten your wait, do it before the changeover.
No more full licence test
As above, the practical test to move from restricted to full will be removed. Once you've held your restricted licence for the required time, you can move straight to a full licence.
