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The day of your test

Bring your restricted licence and your advanced driving course certificate if you have one.

Arrive early – at least 30 minutes before your test is due to start. Let staff know you’ve come for the test.

If you’re late, you might have to rebook for another day.

You do the test in your own car, van or ute. Please make sure the vehicle has:

  • a current licence (rego), warrant of fitness (WoF) and a road user charges (RUC) label if it’s a diesel or electric vehicle
  • enough fuel for the test
  • a tidy passenger seat for the testing officer.

Wear any glasses or contacts you need for driving.

You may have 1 support person in the car during the test, if they meet the requirements – but no kids or pets.

On the day of your practical driving test – NZTA

How the test works

The full licence test takes about 30 minutes, including 20 minutes of driving. It includes:

  • meeting the testing officer
  • the officer checking the safety of your vehicle
  • 20-minute practical driving test
  • getting your results with feedback.

Follow the testing officer’s instructions. They’ll tell you the route to drive, and when to do tasks like left and right turns, lane changes and entering a roundabout.

The officer marks your driving skills as you complete these tasks.

Several times, the testing officer will ask you to talk about the hazards you see and what you’re doing in response.

Hazard detection skills

Your test results

If you pass the test:

  • The testing officer will give you a temporary (paper) full licence. Keep it on you when you drive.
  • Your new photo driver licence will be mailed to you.
  • The testing officer may give you feedback on things you need to work on.

If you fail the test:

  • The testing officer will return your restricted licence to you.
  • They will tell you why you failed and give written feedback.
  • You get 1 free resit of the test.