Visit the nz transport agency or call their driver licensing helpline on 0800 822 422. Where you can and cant use your new zealand driver. Replace your driver licence if its been lost or stolen. Once youve passed your test, well send you a new zealand driver licence without a supervisor. Find out what you need to do to convert your overseas license to a new zealand license and how we can help. If you want to convert your overseas driver licence, you will need to go to a specialist overseas driver licence conversion site. The transport agency extracted data on overseas licence holders involved in crashes from cas. You must present your physical overseas driver licence.
Remember your overseas licence can only be used for the first 12 months of driving in new zealand, after this you must apply for a conversion if you wish to continue driving in the country. I f you have a current and valid overseas driver licence, then you can drive in new zealand for a maximum period of 12 months from the date you arrive in new zealand if your overseas licence is not in english, you must also carry with you an official translation issued by a translation company approved by the nz transport. Feb 21, 2011 if you do have a current and valid overseas driver licence orinternational driving permit, you can drive using that for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in new zealand. Any visitor to new zealand with a current, valid overseas private driving licence can drive for 12 months using that licence before they have to change it to a new zealand licence. For information about which countries are recognised, or how to become a recognised country for new zealand please visit. The new zealand driver licence is valid in most countries with an international drivers permit. No way nzta can tell if overseas licences real or not. Theres a different process if you want to get a northern ireland driving licence.
An international drivers permit idp allows you to drive a vehicle in another country, as long as you also have a valid drivers license issued by your state. A new zealand driver licence holder is treated the same as a driver with an interstate licence see below. Complete an application for conversion of an overseas driver licence form or get a copy from any driver licensing agent. If you have a full drivers licence from overseas, youre able to drive with this licence for your first three months as a resident or permanent visa holder after this you wont be able to drive until you get your licence converted. Also provides tips for new residents, visitors and kiwi driving overseas.
Check with the nz transport agency nzta for updates on covid19 and available nzta and agent services. You can also legally drive in new zealand for up to 12 months if you have an international driving permit that is issued in english or translated into english, provided that you also carry the current driver licence that the permit is based on. Pay the replacement driver licence fee overseas driver licence conversion. Converting to a new zealand driver licence waka kotahi nz. To legally drive in new zealand you need either three things. If you do have a current and valid overseas driver licence orinternational driving permit, you can drive using that for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in new zealand. Australian high commission new zealand with nonresident accreditation to niue.
While some information is gathered on whether the driver on an overseas licence is a shortterm visitor, student, or migrant, this is not always known. New zealand s driver licence was found to have a power ranking of 71. Find out the requirements for international drivers here. You may be eligible to take a hazard perception test hpt and driving test without being issued a nsw learner licence call us on 22 or visit a service centre or registry to discuss your personal situation.
It will also help you connect your overseas license to nz. If you have a current and valid overseas driver licence, then you can drive in new zealand for a maximum period of 12 months from the date you arrive in new zealand if your overseas licence is not in english, you must also carry with you an official translation issued by a translation company approved by the nz transport. Our drive for new zealand to be the safest country in the world. The provider must notify the registrar of motor vehicles when this occurs.
Aug 01, 2016 apply to convert your overseas driver licence at an authorised overseas conversion driver licensing agent. Feb 28, 2019 what documents do i need to get my driver s license in nz. If you have an overseas driver licence and youve been in new zealand more than a year, you need to convert to an nz driver licence to keep driving here legally. Some countries have a minimum driving age of 17 or 18 with restrictions for drivers who have held a licence fewer than two years. This can be done by the road transport department in your home country.
To obtain an idp a person must be 18 years of age or over, hold a full current licence. If youll be in new zealand for more than a year, you need to gain a new zealand driver licence. Convert your overseas driver licence nz government govt. All old style new zealand driver licences booklet or paper have now been expired for more than five years.
Note overseas participants who hold an overseas full motorcycle licence and fail a preprovisional test or a prelearner course, may have the recognition of their overseas licence withdrawn. Your current new zealand drivers licence please note. A diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate. Your overseas licence needs to be current and valid. Planning on driving in new zealand as a profession. Find out how to exchange your nonbritish driving licence for a british licence. Overseas learners and provisional motorcycle licence. If youre just visiting, heres some information about our road rules. Do you need an international drivers license to rent a vehicle and drive in new zealand. New zealand citizens or new zealand driver licence holders exemptions. The authority that issued your overseas licence an international driving permit may be. A filled out application form for conversion of an overseas licence dl5. Its recommended that drivers of heavy vehicles respect the weight limits of their overseas licence.
The law states that only a current new zealand driver licence can be accepted as an approved form of id. Can you drive in new zealand on an overseas licence. Where you can and cant use your new zealand driver licence. The reason given was the translation must be done in nz. Driving in new zealand information for new residents and visitors.
Renewal of australian drivers licences while overseas. New zealand recognises certain overseas countrys driver licences. Once youve received your new zealand photo driver licence, you can return to a specialist overseas conversion site and book your practical test. A road safety critic says there is no way to tell if many overseas documents used to get new zealand driver s licences are real. At your nearest aa centre or aa driver and vehicle licensing agent. If your overseas drivers licence has been issued in new zealand and you are unable to produce your new zealand drivers licence document, a certificate of particulars or a letter verifying your licence details will be accepted. If you have a resident visa or have become an australian citizen and have lived in queensland for 3 months, you will need to get a queensland driver licence. Driving on a foreign licence in australia driver knowledge test. Applying for a licence in australia or new zealand austroads. Drivers with overseas licences can convert them to new zealand. Replace your driver licence if its been lost or stolen if you lose your licence or its been stolen, replace it as soon as you can you can be fined for driving without it. If you get too many demerit points, well send you a notice telling you that your authority to drive in.
For some overseas visitors, this is not that big a deal. Apply for a nsw licence as a temporary overseas visitor. If your overseas driver license is not in english, you need to have a copy of english translation. Drivers licence new zealand ministry of foreign affairs. If you only have an expired new zealand driver licence booklet, paper or photographic you cannot use it to drive in new zealand. Overseas and interstate licence transport and motoring. If your overseas licence is not in english, you must also carry with you an official translation issued by a translation company approved by the nz transport agency nzta. You cant convert to a new zealand licence using only an international driving permit. Drivers licence new zealand ministry of foreign affairs and. If youre here for a year or more, you need a new zealand driver licence. Can you drive overseas using a new zealand driver licence. Visiting nsw licence roads roads and maritime services. Find out how to complete your application through the aa.
You may need to pass a knowledge or driving test, depending on where your overseas licence was issued. For a holder of an overseas driver licence who wants to apply for a nz driver licence to drive the same class or classes of vehicle. How to get an international drivers permit or license. Driving on an overseas licence in western australia.
Exemption applies to customers who present a new zealand driver licence or new zealand passport to the roads and marines services. If you have a current and valid overseas driver licence, then you can drive in new zealand for a maximum period of 12 months from the date you arrive in new zealand. To requalify your licence if it has been expired more than five years, you must apply at a driver licensing agent. This means you cant drive using your old new zealand driver licence. As the holder of a valid and current overseas driver licence, you are considered to hold a new zealand driver licence of a class that allows you to drive the motor vehicles you are allowed to drive under your overseas licence. Application is to be made in writing to the police infringement bureau for the return of your overseas licence or permit after the mandatory 28 day suspension period has ended.
Nzta approved driving licence translations for use in new zealand as an approved driving license. So be sure to leave plenty of time before the 12 months is up to allow for the processing time and any possible hitches you might encounter. New zealand licence holders currently outside new zealand and who need to replace their driver s licence loststolen can do so by completing the new zealand transport agency form dl2a external link. New zealand licence holders currently outside new zealand and who need to replace their drivers licence loststolen can do so by completing the new zealand transport agency form dl2a external link. Where to go for an overseas conversion on 1 august 2016, the nz transport agency strengthened the requirements to convert an overseas driver licence to a new zealand driver licence. Or is there anyone who has been here for a while and still hasnt converted. However, if you also hold a current and valid overseas driver licence you may be able to drive on your overseas driver licence for up to 12 months from your last date of entry. Applying for a replacement nz licence from overseas. Your foreign licence or driver permit is current and valid. If youre a temporary overseas visitor to nsw and you hold an overseas driver licence, you can apply for a nsw licence if you wish. Moving to nsw licence roads roads and maritime services. Due to covid19, new queensland residents have more time to obtain a queensland driver licence.
International driving licences and permits new zealand. If you have taken up residence in queensland and are driving on a valid interstate or overseas driver licence, you wont be required to obtain a queensland driver licence during the covid19 emergency period. Converting to a new zealand driver licence waka kotahi. If you are just visiting australia, you can drive the same type of vehicle as your current licence allows, but you must drive according to any conditions on your overseas licence. If you havent upgraded from a paper driver licence to a photo driver licence, you are strongly advised to do soas soon as possible. These driver records were matched with visitor arrivals and departures data by statistics nz. The changes may affect temporary visitors to wa and those that move permanently to wa. If your overseas licence ceases to be valid, you may be eligible to apply for an australian licence. How to convert your overseas driver licence to a new zealand licence. If you have a full drivers licence from overseas, youre able to drive with this licence for your first three months as a resident or permanent visa holder after this you wont be. To renew your australian drivers licence while in new zealand, contact the relevant driver licensing authority in australia. Visitors to new zealand who hold overseas drivers licences may be required to take a. It outlines what is required and also lists which countries are exempt from sitting the theory andor practical test. The authority that issued your overseas licence an international driving permit may be acceptable as a translation.
Visitors dont need a new zealand driver licence to drive in new. If your overseas licence is still current, or expired less than 12 months ago, you can apply to convert it to a new zealand licence. Initially the licensing agent refused to accept my translation copy. If youre a resident of australia rather than a visitor, youre able to drive in nsw on an overseas licence for 3 months. An international driving permit idp may be obtained from the automobile association.
Driving on new zealand roads waka kotahi nz transport agency. Oct 25, 2012 if youll be in new zealand for more than a year, you need to gain a new zealand driver licence. Why you need an international driving permit for new zealand. This means that if you are under 18 years of age you will only be able to convert your licence to the equivalent new zealand licence your age allows within new zealand. This video will help you pass your class1 learners, restricted and full test. Mar 10, 2016 the new zealand driver licence is valid in most countries with an international drivers permit.
The department of transport dot is considering changes rules and regulations relating to to persons driving in western australia wa on an overseas drivers licence. If youre paying by debit or credit card, you can call us on 0800 822 422 to book your test. Application is to be made in writing to the police infringement bureau for the return of your overseas licence or permit. If you have an overseas driver licence or international driving permit and youve been in new zealand more than a year, you need to convert to. Where to go for an overseas conversion nz transport agency. Within this 3 month period however, youll need to visit a service centre and transfer your overseas licence to a nsw driver licence. A translation of your overseas licence or permit can be issued by. The transport agency and the ministry of transport analysed the anonymised, matched records in the statistics nz secure datalab facility. Compliance or traffic compliance is an alternative to paying a traffic infringement fee or prosecution for a limited number of offences child safety restraints, wof warrant of fitness, cof certificate of fitness, minor vehicle defects, driver licences, cycle helmets, cycle lighting and vehicle licensing where an infringement offence notice ion has been issued.
Replace your driver licence if its been lost or stolen nz. If youre driving in queensland on an overseas car licence, you may drive vehicles allowed under a queensland class c licence. Can you drive in new zealand using a foreign licence. You must also carry your current new zealands driver licence with you when you travel. To find out more about the three month rule go to rules for new nt residents and visiting drivers. You are exempted from all the temporary overseas visitor licensing arrangements and you may be issued with a licence of normal validity period. So you want to convert your overseas licence to a new zealand.
If a full overseas licence has expired, participants must pass the road rule test and attend a pre learner course. Most countries allow you to use an idp for a maximum of 12 months. This means that, even if you have your full driver licence at 17 years and 6 months in new zealand, if you go to most european and scandinavian countries you must check the restrictions. International driving permits for driving overseas aa new zealand. There are two outcomes to this assessment your application has been accepted congratulations. If you are planning to earn money from driving and that career option needs a licence endorsement for example as a taxi driver, tow truck driver, forklift driver or bus driver you will have to convert your overseas licence into a new zealand driver licence and get the driver licence endorsement. Vehicle drivers from overseas may use their current overseas driver licence for a maximum of 12 months after their arrival in new zealand, or they may use an international driving permit idp for 12 months. What documents do i need to get my drivers license in nz.
When using your overseas licence to drive in victoria, all the road rules and laws apply to you. If youre a visiting car licence holder, you can drive those vehicles covered by a nsw class c driver licence. Before you start to drive in new zealand please study the nz roadcode. You can drive in new zealand without a new zealand driver licence if. If youre converting a motorcycle licence you dont need to have a supervisor. Driving permits for driving overseas aa new zealand. How soon did you convert your overseas drivers license after you first landed in nz. It is also recognized as a valid form of identification in over 175 countries as well as by many major car rental companies internationally.
Renewing or replacing your nz driver licence aa new zealand. Apply to convert your overseas driver licence at an authorised overseas conversion driver licensing agent. Renewing your licence waka kotahi nz transport agency. So you want to convert your overseas licence to a new. Your licence will show the letter q on the front of the card and evidence of permanent residency status not provided will be printed on the back of the card. Converting overseas driving licence to new zealand one. How to translate an overseas driving license for new zealand nz.
An idp can only be issued to a full licence holder who is over 18 years of age. A road safety critic says there is no way to tell if many overseas documents used to get new zealand drivers licences are real. For more information on overseas licence conversions call 0800 822 422 or visit the nzta website. Driving in queensland on an interstate or overseas licence. You can legally drive in new zealand if you have your full valid driving license from home accompanied by an international driving permit for up to 12 months. If youre a visiting motorcycle licence holder, you can ride motorcycles covered by your overseas licence class. No way nzta can tell if overseas licences real or not, says. Transfer overseas licence for 3 months in nsw, you can drive on a current overseas licence. A new zealand licence is valid for use for a limited period of time in many countries. Transfer your interstate or overseas licence you must transfer your interstate or overseas driver licence within three months of living in the northern territory nt. You own a drivers licence or a driving permit from another country.
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