Full Licence

Prepare for your Full Licence test in three steps:

1. Practise for your test

The first thing to remember when practising driving for your Full Licence is that you are still learning. This is particularly important to keep in mind when you are driving in high risk conditions, such as in fast-moving city traffic and on uneven terrain. We recommend continuing to drive with your coach until you feel at ease driving unaccompanied.
As well as driving with your coach, it’s also a good idea to continue getting professional driving lessons. A defensive driving course is a great way to find out your driving strengths and weaknesses and brush up on your skills. Your Driver Testing Officer may have mentioned some areas where you needed a bit more practise, so it’s a good idea to get your instructor to help you with these so you won’t be pulled up on them in your Full Licence test.

There are limitations for drivers on their Restricted Licence. While practising, you must:

• Drive accompanied by a Full Licensed driver (who has had their Full Licence for a minimum of two years) between 10pm and 5am or when carrying passengers at any time.
• The only passengers who may accompany you without a Full Licensed driver with you are:
  o A parent or guardian
  o Children who are under your care
  o Relatives who live with you and who are on a social security benefit
  o People that you are the primary caregiver of
• Always carry your Restricted Licence with you while driving
• Only drive an automatic car if you sat the Restricted test in an automatic, unless you are accompanied by a supervisor

2. Complete the booking process

You can complete the booking process:

• At one of our driver licensing VTNZ stations or any of the other NZ Transport Agency’s driver licensing agents.
• Online at NZ Transport Agency’s website
• Or over the phone at 0800 822 422

Before your test, you must also come to one of our driver licensing branches to do the following:

• Your photographic Restricted Licence or if you are on a temporary licence, you will need to bring your current New Zealand passport or two other approved forms of identification as well
• A medical certificate (if required)
• The filled out application form (DL1) – you can do this ahead of time here
• Any prescription glasses or contact lenses you currently wear (if applicable)

What you need to bring with you:

• Fill out the application form (if you haven’t already)
• Complete an eyesight screening check* or present your eyesight certificate
• Have your photo taken and sign your autograph for your licence
• Book a time to do your practical test (if you haven’t done so prior)
• Pay for your test (if you haven’t done so prior). View current costs.

3. Sitting your test

The Full Licence practical test should take around half an hour, which includes checking your car and giving you feedback at the end. The test will involve you demonstrating safe and competent driving in a variety of different situations in a busy environment.