The Government has announced changes to the car driver licensing system from 25 January 2027.
Until then, follow the current process to get a car licence.
From Learner to Restricted Licence (Class 1)
Turn Left Driving School can help you:
We offer single and package driving lessons:
1 hour lessons: $80 / hr
2 hour lessons: $160 / 2hr (recommended)
Package up 5x lessons $360 (4x lessons @ $80/hr and 5th lesson only $60/hr.
(you can book this i.e. 2× 2hr lessons and 1× 1h lesson - as it suits your timeline.
Restricted Mock Test - $160 / 2hr
Vehicle hire for actual driving test - $60 / test
We cover all you need to pass your practical restricted licence - when you are ready we can also book you in for a ‘mock’ test on the actual available routes for VTNZ Silverdale and VTNZ Albany. Learning from an experienced (ex-DTO) is the way to go!
Cost: $80 / hour
Silverdale/Orewa/HBC area Mon-Wed 9am-3pm
meet up at school, bus-stop, home, VTNZ Silverdale
Albany in-person: Thu-Sat 9am-3pm
meet up at school, bus-stop, home, VTNZ Albany or office @ Unit 8, 59 Paul Matthews Road, Albany
Cash / AfterPay / Bank transfer / Eftpos in-store
You must be at least 16.5 years old and have had a learner licence for at least 6 months before you can apply for your restricted licence.
The Government has announced changes to the car driver licensing system from 25 January 2027.
Until then, follow the current process to get a car licence.
A restricted licence is the second step of the three-stage process to get a full driver licence.
You must be at least 16 ½ years old before you can apply for your restricted licence.
You also must have held your learner licence for at least 6 months.
Make sure you’ve practised your driving
You’ll need to pass a practical driving test to show that you can drive safely on New Zealand roads.
The more time you spend behind the wheel, the better.
Don’t forget to keep the road rules in The official New Zealand road code fresh in your mind.
What you need to do
Book your test
You need to pay for your test at the time you book it.
Go to a driver licensing agent to make your application.
You’ll need to:
fill in an application form(external link)
provide proof of your identity
pass the eye test
let the agent take your photo and signature
pay the restricted licence application fee (if you haven’t already).
The application fee includes your first restricted licence practical test, and a second test if you need it. The more prepared you are for the test, the more likely you are to pass and not have to re-sit.
There are a few important things to remember
Make sure you have your learner licence with you.
Bring L plates for the car you sit the test in (you’ll have to make sure they’re displayed on the car correctly).
The car must have a current licence (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF).
If your car runs on diesel, make sure its road user charges (RUC) label is current.
Make sure you have enough fuel to complete the test.
Make sure the passenger seat is clean and tidy for the testing officer.
You’re still on your learner licence until you pass your test and are given a temporary restricted licence, so you’ll need a supervisor to be in the car with you when you drive to the test.
The car you sit the test in must be up to WoF standard
This means if you took your car for a WoF today it’d pass. Having a current WoF doesn’t mean your car is still up to WoF standard.
Here are some of the things you should check before your test:
tyres and wheels
lights
indicators
wipers
body condition (eg dangerous damage like rust or missing bumper).
What the test includes
The test will take about an hour and will include:
meeting the testing officer
a pre-drive safety check (this is where the testing officer checks that your vehicle is up to WoF standard)
a 45 minute practical driving test (where your driving skills are tested)
giving you your results with feedback.
Make sure you understand the important conditions of driving on a restricted licence and stick to them.
It’s about keeping our road users safe
To keep you safe while you’re still learning, there are some conditions you must follow while on your restricted licence:
Between 5am and 10pm you can drive on your own.
Between 10pm and 5am you can only drive if you have a supervisor in the front passenger seat.
If you’re driving without a supervisor, you can only take a passenger if they are:
your spouse or partner (for example the person you live with as if you’re married or in a civil union)
a child who is financially dependent on you or your spouse (for example you’re their parent or guardian) and who normally resides with you or your spouse
your parent or guardian
relatives that live with you and are on a social security benefit
someone you look after as their primary caregiver.
Be prepared to show evidence to a police officer if requested.
If you sit your restricted practical test in an automatic vehicle, you’ll have a condition on your licence that means you can only drive automatic vehicles. This condition doesn’t apply if you have a supervisor with you.