So you’re at your local driver’s licence agency office, excited to finally apply for your driver’s licence. But the moment you get to the front of the line, you are told that you don’t have all the right documents and can’t complete the application process. 

Fear not! You’re not the only one who’s faced this disappointment. 

But don’t get crushed just yet! Applying for a driver’s licence in New Zealand is a simple and direct process. 

There is one main method of applying for a driver’s licence. We’ll guide you through it below.

How to Apply for a Driver’s Licence in New Zealand 

Difficulty	Medium ●●●○○
Number of steps	4
Time to apply for licence	Varies per person
Things you need	• DL1 application form Personal documents  • A mobile phone with data or WiFi/computer  • A valid credit card/cash • A form of transport to get to the local driver’s licence agency office

Step 1: Figure out which driver’s licence you are applying for. 

Before you rush to book an appointment with the NZ Transport Agency, you need to know exactly which licence you are planning to apply for. 

The applications for the different licences in New Zealand also will cost you a fee. To help you out, we’ve listed the licences you can apply for along with their fees!

Licence Classes

Cars (class 1)

Heavy vehicles (classes 2 to 5 )

Motorcycles (class 6)

Types of Driver’s Licences

Green Licence: qualified in one class of licence  Yellow Licence: restricted phrase license  Blue Licence: learning to drive licence

Types of Driving Licences	Application Fee	Test Fee
Learner Licence (class 1 or 6)	48.20 NZD	45.70 NZD
Restricted Licence (class 1 or 6)	48.20 NZD	86.60 NZD
Full Licence (class 1 or 6)	49.60 NZD	59.90 NZD
Learner Licence (class 2 to 5)	48.20 NZD	45.70 NZD
Full Licence (class 2 to 5)	49.60 NZD	59.90 NZD

Step 2: Complete your driver’s licence form. 

The driver’s licence application form is available online on the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website. Here’s how to find and use it.

1. Go to the website!

2. In the drop-down menu at the top of the webpage, click on “Resources.”

3. Once the resources page loads, in the search bar, type out “driver’s licence.” In the category box below the search bar, click on “Forms”.

4. After you click search, a few different applications will show up. Scroll down until you find the DL1 Application, as shown below. 

5. Click on “DL1 Application for issue or renewal of driver licence”. You will see this page appear: 

6. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the hyperlink for the application form. 

7. Now you can download and print out your form to fill it out! 

Step 3: Gather all your necessary documents before going in person to a local driver licencing agent. 

To apply for a driver’s licence in New Zealand, you must be at least 16 years old, and have lived in the country for at least six months. 

You will need to have the following with you: 

• A completed driver’s licence application form
• Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Medical certificate completed by a registered doctor  (if undergoing health issues)
• Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them 
• Credit card or cash to pay the fee

Medical Requirements

If you have any of the conditions below, you need to make it clear on the application form and gather the necessary medical certificate from your doctor. 

• Diabetes
• Locomotive joint or limb problems
• Strokes
• Nervous or mental disorders
• High blood pressure
• Seizures, fits, convulsions, epilepsy
• Serious injuries 
• Visual disturbances (eg cataracts, double vision, glaucoma)
• Cerebral vascular accidents/disease
• Cognitive impairment
• Any other condition that may affect your ability to drive safely

Eyesight Requirements 

They won’t let you on the road if your vision isn’t accurate. So, to give evidence that you meet the eyesight requirements you can do either of these things: 

• Pass an eye exam at a driving licencing agency
• Show a valid medical or eyesight certificate that is no older than 60 days

An optometrist or other healthcare professional who is registered in New Zealand must issue the certificate. You will be required to present a certificate if you are unable to pass the agency’s eyesight test.

Step 4: Determine which local driver’s licence agency office you will apply at. 

The best way to figure out which driver’s licence agency office near you is by checking online at the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website. 

1. Go to the website and click on “driver’s licences”. 

2. Click on “Getting a licence”. 

3. Click on the hyperlink: “Find a driver licensing agent in your area.” 

4. Now you can select which driver’s licensing agency is near you. When you scroll down, you’ll see a bunch of different options, so choose which one is best for you.