About driver licences

Stage 3 - full licence

Who can apply for a full licence?

You can apply for your full licence after you've held your restricted licence for:

• at least 18 months if you're under 25 years old
• at least 12 months if you're under 25 years old and have completed an approved course. You must have held your restricted licence for at least six months before completing this course
• at least six months if you're 25 or older
• at least three months if you're 25 or older and have completed an approved course.

For information about approved courses in your area, phone the NZTA's driver licensing contact centre on 0800 822 422.

How do I apply for a full licence?

To get your full licence you need to pass the full licence practical test.

To book your full licence practical test you must either:

• visit a driver licensing agent and:
  • present evidence of your identity
  • present evidence of your address
  • book a time to take the full licence practical test
  • pay for the full licence practical test and the full licence application
  • meet the eyesight requirements
  • present a medical certificate if required
  • provide a signature
  • have your photograph taken

or

• book your full licence practical test over the phone or internet.
  
  If you choose this option, you must arrive at the test location 30 minutes before your test, or visit a driver licensing agent prior to your test, to complete the requirements listed above.

For more information about what the full licence practical test involves, see full licence practical test.