Getting Your Restricted Licence

Passing this gives you significantly more freedom, though it does come with specific conditions regarding passengers and night driving. The test itself is a practical drive that lasts about an hour.

Preparing for your Test

Check your car

The vehicle you use for the test must be roadworthy. The testing officer will check for a current WoF and registration and ensure all indicators and brake lights work perfectly.

Note: If your car isn't quite ready, you can find an MTA member nearby. They can help with repairs, buying a car, fuel and much more!

Book online

You can book your practical test online through the NZTA portal, but please note you will still need to visit a driver licensing agent (like AA or VTNZ) before your test day to complete the application process, which includes passing an eyesight check and having a new photo taken.

Test day details

Bring your supervisor

Since you are still on a learner licence until you pass, you must have a supervisor drive with you to the testing site.

Arrive early

Aim to be there at least 30 minutes before your appointment. If you are late, your test may be cancelled and you might lose your fee.

What to bring

You must have your current learner licence with you. If you need glasses or contact lenses for driving, make sure you are wearing them.

L plates

Ensure your L plates are clearly displayed on the front and rear of your vehicle for the trip to the test. The testing officer will ask you to remove them once the test begins.

The drive

During the test, you will be assessed on your ability to detect hazards, your gap selection and how safely you navigate intersections and roundabouts.

Restricted Licence conditions

When you pass, you must follow these rules:

Time limits

You can drive on your own between 5am and 10pm.

Passengers

You cannot carry passengers unless you have a supervisor with you (certain exceptions apply for dependants).

Who counts as a "dependant"? The passenger rules can be a bit confusing. You can carry the following people without a supervisor:

• Your spouse or partner
• A child who is financially dependent on you or your spouse/partner and normally lives with you
• Relatives who live with you and receive a social security benefit (e.g. Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, or Supported Living Payment)
• Someone you are the primary caregiver for.

Automatic vs manual

If you sit your test in an automatic car, your restricted licence will be "endorsed," meaning you can only drive automatics. If you pass in a manual, you can drive both!

Helpful resources

• Book your driver licence test: NZTA Booking Portal >>
• Prepare for you test day >>
• Free NZ Road Code quizzes and practice tests >>

Changes in 2027

The Government has announced updates to the driver licensing system that will take effect from 25 January 2027.

For under 25s

The learner licence period will increase from six to 12 months (though this can be reduced back to six months by completing an approved learner driving course or logging 60 supervised driving hours).

Full licence test

The practical test to move from a restricted to a full licence will be removed. Instead, once you have held your restricted licence for the required time, you can move straight to your full licence without sitting another test.

Note: getting demerit points while on your restricted licence will extend this required time by six months per event. See our full breakdown of the 2027 changes for details.

What this means if you are learning right now

If you complete your mandatory six months and pass your restricted practical test before 25 January 2027, you will move onto your restricted licence under the current rules.

Because many learner drivers will be trying to sit their test before the new rules kick in, practical testing slots in late 2026 and January 2027 are expected to fill up fast.

• Plan ahead: NZTA Waka Kotahi opens practical test bookings up to 90 days in advance. Once you know when your six-month period ends, book early through the [NZTA online portal] to lock in your preferred date and location
• If you miss the deadline: If you sit your test after the changes take effect on 25 January 2027, you will automatically move onto the new 12-month system. If you want to shorten that wait, you can complete an approved practical driving course to reduce your mandatory learner period back down to six months.
• Find out how more about the 2027 changes and how under-25s can shorten the new 12-month learner period >>