New to driving? We’re here to help

Restricted Stage

A restricted licence is the second step of the three-stage process to get a full driver licence.

You must be at least 16 ½ years old before you can apply for your restricted licence and have held your learner licence for at least six months.

You’ll need to pass a practical driving test to show that you can drive safely on New Zealand roads.

The best way to prepare is by learning all the skills you need to pass. The more time you spend behind the wheel, the better.

Road crashes are the second greatest cause of death for 16-24-year-olds, and the leading cause of serious injury for young drivers.

Drive Go is designed to help young drivers learn the skills they need to pass their practical driving tests and to develop the right habits for a lifetime of safe driving.

Download the Drive Go app for free and get access to all the skills you need to know to pass the restricted licence test the first time.

For more info go to www.drive.govt.nz. 

Why have a learner licence?

Whatever your motivation, a learner licence is the first stage on your journey to a full driver’s licence, and to becoming a safe, confident, skilled driver.

The best way to prepare for the learner licence test is by working your way through Drive’s Road Code.

Drive’s online road code allows you to track your progress and complete chapter tests. These are like mini practice tests and a great way to check you’re on the right track.

By completing chapter tests, you’ll also get free access to official practice tests. If you’re consistently getting every answer correct in the practice test, that’s a good sign you’re ready for the real thing.

For more info go to www.drive.govt.nz. 

Passing your full licence test is easy if you have prepared well. The common feedback from testing officers and instructors is that people think they can wing it and then fail. This test should be easy to pass if you know the road signs and rules well, have passed the restricted test and kept practising good driving habits. Go to www.drive.govt.nz to get help preparing for the full licence test.