Once you have your full licence you can start driving without conditions.

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Driving on a full NZ driver licence

Your full licence has none of the restricted licence conditions. So you can drive at any time of day or night. You can carry passengers and don’t need a supervisor.

You can drive an automatic or a manual on your full licence, regardless of what you used for previous tests.

A NZ driver licence lasts for 10 years. Your driver licence card will show an expiry date on the back. You’ll get a renewal reminder in the mail. Renewing your licence involves some paperwork, a fee and an eye test. You won’t need to do a driving test again.

You never stop learning and you’re likely to face new driving scenarios as you gain experience. Keep up to date with road rules.

If you drink or use drugs, don’t drive

There are specific laws around alcohol and drug use while driving:

  • Zero alcohol is the law for all drivers under 20. One drink will put you over the limit.
  • Drivers aged 20 or over: you must not drive with more than 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, or more that 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
  • Any and all illicit drug use before driving is illegal.
  • If you use counter, prescription or traditional healing medication, it is important to discuss with a health care professional how it may affect your ability to drive safely.

Alcohol and drugs, including some medicines from your doctor, can seriously affect your driving. Even a small amount can slow reaction time and affect your senses. Plan ahead. Catch a lift with a sober friend or call for a ride instead.

Other types of driver licences

A full licence lets you drive a car or other light vehicles such as a van, ute or small truck.

You need a separate motorcycle licence to ride motorbikes, and you need a heavy vehicle licence to drive large trucks or buses.

There are also extras called endorsements you can apply for. For example:

  • P endorsement lets you carry paying passengers, for example, if you’re driving a taxi, shuttle or app-based service.
  • F endorsement allows you to drive forklifts on the road.

Driver licences – NZTA