Driving on an overseas licence and converting to a New Zealand licence

NZ Transport Agency Waka KotahiVerified 14 Oct 2026Official pages checked daily

When you first arrive in New Zealand, you can drive on your overseas licence, but only for a limited time. If you want to keep driving, you need to convert it to a New Zealand licence. Important: from 1 November 2026, new arrivals can drive a car on an overseas licence for 12 months instead of 18 months. Licences from some countries need a theory test and a practical driving test to convert. Check whether your country is one of them.

Key facts

Current time limit for driving a car on an overseas licence: Up to 18 months from your arrival in New Zealand, if you stay continuously (Class 1 car licence)¹
When the 18-month rule ends: It ends from 1 November 2026. If you arrived between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2026, you still get 18 months²
Standard time limit (motorcycles, trucks and other non-car classes): Up to 12 months from your arrival in New Zealand, if you stay continuously. After the 18-month rule ends, new arrivals driving a car also get 12 months¹
If your licence is not in English: You must carry an accurate English translation whenever you drive¹
Who can provide the English translation: A diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate; the authority that issued your licence; or a translation service approved by NZTA¹
List of approved translation services: The NZTA website has a list of approved translation services (Approved translators)³
International Driving Permit (IDP): You cannot use it on its own. You must also carry the original overseas licence it is based on¹
Licence requirement for conversion: Your overseas licence must be current, or have expired within the 12 months before you apply¹
Countries and regions exempt from the theory test (car and motorcycle licences): Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (China), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States¹
When you do not need a practical test: If you have held a current licence from a country or region on the list above for at least 2 years. Licences from Croatia, Hong Kong (China) and South Korea are exempt from the practical test only when converting to a car (Class 1) or motorcycle (Class 6) licence¹
Licences from countries not on the exempt list (for example, mainland China): Not exempt. You must pass a theory test and a practical driving test to convert. Check whether your own country is on the exempt list¹
Supervisor requirements: Has held a New Zealand full licence for at least 2 years; or holds a New Zealand full licence and has held an equivalent overseas full licence for at least 2 years. The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat¹
Converting at age 75 or over: You need a medical certificate issued in New Zealand¹

Who is this for, and what are the requirements?

People who hold a current overseas licence (or one that expired no more than 12 months ago) and want to drive in New Zealand long term, for example new residents and people on work visas or student visas
Short-term visitors: you can drive on your overseas licence within the time limit. If your licence is not in English, carry an English translation, or carry an International Driving Permit together with your original licence
The time limit is based on how long you have stayed in New Zealand continuously. Once the limit is reached, or if your overseas licence expires, is suspended or is revoked, you can no longer drive on it

How do I do it? Steps and process

Work out how long you can drive
If you arrived between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2026, you can drive a car for up to 18 months of continuous stay. If you arrive on or after 1 November 2026, the limit for cars is 12 months. For motorcycles, trucks and other classes, the limit has always been 12 months. To keep driving, convert to a New Zealand licence before your time runs out.
Get an English translation of your licence
If your licence is not in English, you need an accurate English translation. Carry it whenever you drive, and hand it in when you convert. You can get one from a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, from the authority that issued your licence, or from a translation service approved by NZTA (see the Approved translators page on the NZTA website).
Check whether you need to sit tests
Check whether your country or region is on the exempt list. If it is not (for example, mainland China, Macau and Taiwan are not on the list), you must pass a theory test and a practical test. If it is, you do not need the theory test, and if you have held your licence for at least 2 years you may not need the practical test either. Some places (Croatia, Hong Kong and South Korea) are exempt only for car or motorcycle licences.
Apply at a driver licensing agent
Apply to convert at an NZTA-authorised driver licensing agent. Fill in the application form, show your proof of identity, your original overseas licence and the English translation, pass an eyesight test, and pay the fee. Check the NZTA website to find out which agents handle overseas licence conversions, whether you need to book, and how much it costs.
Pass the theory test
If you need a theory test, pass it first. You can study using the official NZTA Road Code. After you pass, you will get a New Zealand licence with a supervisor condition.
Drive with a supervisor, then sit the practical test
While your licence has a supervisor condition, a qualified supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat whenever you drive, until you pass the practical driving test.
Get your full New Zealand licence
After you pass the practical test, the supervisor condition is removed. Once you have a New Zealand licence, you can no longer drive in New Zealand on your overseas licence.

What documents do I need?

Your original overseas licence (current, or expired no more than 12 months ago)
An accurate English translation of your licence (if it is not in English)
Proof of identity: a New Zealand passport; or an overseas passport plus one supporting document (your overseas licence can be the supporting document)
A completed driver licence application form
If you are 75 or over, or applying for a heavy vehicle class such as trucks (Class 2–5): a medical certificate issued in New Zealand

What should I watch out for?

You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) on its own. Always carry it with your original licence.
A common mistake: once you pass the theory test and get a New Zealand licence with a supervisor condition, you can no longer drive alone on your overseas licence. Until you pass the practical test, you must have a supervisor with you. Find one early.
Theory and practical tests need to be booked. If you wait until your time limit is nearly up, you may run out of time. Start early.
If you arrived between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2026 and have stayed in New Zealand since, you still get 18 months. If you arrive on or after 1 November 2026, you get 12 months. If you leave and come back, or your situation is unusual, ask NZTA directly.
Fees, licensing agents and booking methods can change. Check the NZTA website before you go.
This page summarises public information only. It is not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, rely on NZTA's official answer.

What has changed recently?

2026-11-01
The temporary 18-month rule ends: if you arrive on or after 1 November 2026, you can drive a car on an overseas licence for up to 12 months. If you arrived between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2026, you still get 18 months. Coming soon
2024-11-01
The time limit for driving a car (Class 1) on an overseas licence was temporarily extended from 12 months to 18 months.

Common questions

How long can I drive in New Zealand on my overseas driving licence?

For a car (Class 1), you can drive for up to 18 months if you arrived between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2026, or up to 12 months if you arrive on or after 1 November 2026. For motorcycles, trucks and other classes, the limit is 12 months. The limit counts from your arrival and is based on your continuous stay.

How do I convert my overseas licence to a New Zealand driver licence?

Apply at an NZTA-authorised driver licensing agent. Fill in the driver licence application form, show proof of identity, your original overseas licence and an English translation if needed, pass an eyesight test and pay the fee. Check the NZTA website for which agents handle conversions, whether you need to book, and the cost.

Do I need to pass a theory test and a practical test to convert my licence?

It depends on where your licence is from. If your country or region is not on the exempt list, for example mainland China, you must pass both tests. If it is on the list, you do not need the theory test. You may also skip the practical test if you have held a current licence from that country for at least 2 years.

My licence is not in English. Where can I get an English translation?

You can get an accurate English translation from a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or from the authority that issued your licence. You can also use a translation service approved by NZTA. The NZTA website has a list on its Approved translators page. Carry the translation whenever you drive.

Can I drive in New Zealand with only an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

No. You cannot use an International Driving Permit on its own. You must also carry the original overseas licence it is based on whenever you drive.

I heard the 18-month overseas licence rule is changing to 12 months. Does it affect me?

It depends on when you arrived. If you arrived between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2026 and have stayed in New Zealand since, you still get 18 months for a car. If you arrive on or after 1 November 2026, you get 12 months. If you leave and come back, or your situation is unusual, ask NZTA directly.

Which countries do not need a theory test to convert their licence?

For car and motorcycle licences, the exempt list is Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (China), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. Mainland China, Macau and Taiwan are not on the list.

Can I convert my overseas licence if it has expired?

Yes, but only if it expired within the 12 months before you apply. Otherwise your overseas licence must be current. Bring the original licence when you apply at an NZTA-authorised driver licensing agent.

Answers are based on the verified content of this page — the official source always prevails.

Where can I check the official information?

Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand Legislation) · legislation.govt.nz
Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2024Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand Legislation) · legislation.govt.nz
Getting around in New ZealandImmigration New Zealand · immigration.govt.nz

Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Tell us →

Still have a question? Ask

The AI answers using this guide and official New Zealand government websites.

Buying a used car: checks, change of ownership and your rights

When you buy a used car in New Zealand, the most important question is who you buy from. If you buy from a dealer, you are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) and other laws. If something goes wrong, the dealer must fix, replace or refund. If you cannot agree, you can go to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal. If you buy from a private seller, you have almost none of these protections. Before you buy, always check for money owing and whether the car is stolen, and have it inspected. After the sale, both the buyer and the seller must tell NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) about the change of ownership as soon as possible. Do this within 7 days if you can.

Road rules and traffic fines

In New Zealand you drive on the left. The give way rules may be different from the rules in your home country. You can be fined for holding a phone while driving, for not wearing a seatbelt, and if a child is not in a child seat. Speeding, using a phone while driving and drink driving can also give you demerit points as well as a fine. If you get 100 points or more within 2 years, your licence is suspended for 3 months. You usually need to pay a fine (infringement notice) within 28 days, or dispute it in writing before the final due date. From 1 October 2026, two new rules apply: leave at least 1.5 metres when passing, and give way to buses.

Taking the bus: transport cards and discounts

Each region in New Zealand runs its own public transport, so each city uses a different transport card. Auckland uses AT HOP. Wellington uses Snapper (Metlink). Christchurch is moving to Motu Move, the new national system. Many other regions use Bee Card. Children, students and Community Services Card holders can get discounts. SuperGold Card holders (65 and over) travel free at off-peak times. For most discounts, you need to load the concession onto a transport card. If you just tap your bank card, you usually pay the adult fare.

Vehicle registration (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF)

To drive on New Zealand roads, your vehicle needs a valid rego and a valid WoF. Rego is the vehicle licence, the label on your windscreen, and you pay to renew it regularly. A WoF (warrant of fitness) is a regular safety check. Diesel, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles also need RUC (road user charges). Important: from 1 November 2026, WoF frequency changes a lot. Many light vehicles aged 4–14 years will need a WoF only every 2 years.