Now that you have your Restricted Licence, you can start preparing for the final stage of the process – getting your Full Licence. The key to this is to practise, practise, practise! Get the ball rolling by checking out our tips to get ready 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:
You can complete the booking process:
Before your test, you must also come to one of our driver licensing branches to do the following:
What you need to bring with you:
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.
The minimum age is 18 (unless you’ve completed an approved advanced driving course, which means you can get your full licence once you turn 17½).
You must hold your Restricted Licence for a minimum time before you can get your Full Licence.
Find out more about the conditions of getting your Full Licence at nzta.govt.nz
Five must do’s before you arrive for your Full Licence test
Just like in the Restricted Licence test, you may bring a support person with you as long as they meet the requirements. If you are feeling very anxious and you think this will help you relax then we encourage you to do so. Remember that your support person must not distract you or your testing officer or you will have to re-sit the test.
Don’t worry if you don’t pass on the first go – you can always try again. Your testing officer will explain why you weren’t successful and what you should work on before re-sitting your practical driving test. You will still be able to practise on your Restricted Licence.
When you’re ready to re-sit your test you will need to make another booking and pay the additional test fee.
Be proud of yourself! It’s the testing officer’s favourite part of the day to say ‘you passed!’ and to hand you your temporary licence. Your photographic licence will be sent to you in the mail. You will have full freedom to drive your car whenever you like, wherever you like!
We'll have you road ready in no time.