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Driving in NZ


Driver License

Do you hold a current and valid driver license from a country other than New Zealand, or an international license?

If no then you will need to apply for a New Zealand driver license.

If yes, then you can drive in New Zealand for up to a maximum of 12 months from the date of your arrival in New Zealand.

What happens at the end of the twelve months?

It is advised that you start your application for a New Zealand driver license soon after your arrival in New Zealand, to ensure that at the end of the twelve months you will legally be able to drive.

If you have not been issued with a New Zealand driver license within the 12 month period you will not legally be able to drive in New Zealand.

For more information on driving in New Zealand as a foreign driver, and how to apply for a New Zealand driver license, we recommend visiting the Land Transport New Zealand website factsheet.

 

Driving Offenses and Their Penalties

New Zealand has very strict regulations for driving and policed well.

Drink-Driving is considered a serious offense and penalties are high.  New Zealand has a lower tolerance of alcohol % in blood levels to other countries, we recommend reading the Land Transport New Zealand factsheet for more information on this topic.

Speeding is also policed closely and fines are issues according to the speed exceeded in the allowed speed limit of the zone.  Again, we recommend reading the Land Transport New Zealand factsheet for more information.