Can I drive in New Zealand?
Do you have a current and valid* overseas driver licence?
*A current and valid overseas driver licence means that your licence allows you to legally drive in your own country. If you are disqualified from driving or your licence is currently suspended, expired or revoked, then you are not allowed to drive in New Zealand.
A current and full motor vehicle driver’s licence is required and must be produced upon vehicle collection. Should a foreign licence be in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an accredited English translation. The translation must be provided by a NZ Transport Agency authorised translation service or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas licence (an International Driving Permit may be acceptable as a translation if in English).
This information applies to licences for cars, motorcycles and heavy motor vehicles only.
No — I don't have a current overseas driver licence
If you don't have a current overseas driver licence, you cannot drive.
You must apply for a New Zealand driver licence.
Yes — I do have a current overseas driver licence
If you do have a current overseas driver licence, you can drive using that for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand. (Note: if your overseas licence or permit isn't in English, you must carry an accurate translation.
Each time you visit New Zealand, you can drive for a further 12-month period on a valid overseas licence, as long as you stay for no more than a year at a time.
What happens after one year?
If you are using an overseas licence, you must convert to a New Zealand driver licence before one year has passed. (Apply for a conversion early, to make sure you have a new licence before the one year is up.)
This information was sourced from Land Transport October 2006.
Land Transport New Zealand Please visit the Land Transport New Zealand website for more information