Driver licensing/driving

My driver licence has or is about to expire, can I still drive?

Yes, you can still drive.  To have your driver licence renewed, you can visit a driver licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) as they are now able to open under Alert Level 2. Please be aware that there may be wait times due to current demand and the Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines that must be followed. For the agents, this includes wiping the eye test and theory testing machines after each use. Please continue to be patient with those providing services as they adjust to working differently. Some people have circumstances that require priority by our agents and we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. You may also want to consider delaying your visit if it is not urgent and avoid the busy midday period. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

Remember, if your driver licence expired after 1 January 2020, or endorsement expired after 1 March 2020, it is temporarily extended. As you have additional time to renew it, you don’t need to stress or rush unnecessarily.

Information about the temporary extensions in place

I’ve lost my licence or it’s been stolen, what should I do?

The online and manufacturing services for replacement driver licence cards have resumed and you can now order a replacement licence online.

Apply for a replacement driver licence card using RealMe(external link)

You can also visit a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) as they are now able to open under Alert Level 2. Please be aware that there may be wait times due to current demand and the Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines that must be followed. For the agents, this includes wiping the eye test and theory testing machines after each use. Please continue to be patient with those providing services as they adjust to working differently. Some people have circumstances that require priority by our agents and we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. You may also want to consider delaying your visit if it is not urgent and avoid the busy midday period. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

If your licence has been stolen, you can report it to Police(external link)

I’m waiting on a licence/endorsement application to be processed. Will I still get it?

Licensing and endorsement applications are now being processed, following all driver licensing facilities being closed under Alert Levels 3 and 4. Teams are working at reduced capacity so please be patient as processing may take slightly longer than normal.

Can I get permits or an extension of a permit for my heavy vehicle?

Our permitting team is currently processing 50MAX, Over length, Over dimension and Overweight permits within the usual time frame. HPMV Higher Mass permits are currently take 20 working days to process and cannot be extended at this time.

Are you granting any extensions to expiring driver licenses or P, V, I, O or D Endorsements?

To have your driver licence or P, V, I, O or D endorsement renewed, you can visit a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) as they are now able to open under Alert Level 2. Please be aware that there may be wait times due to current demand and the Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines that must be followed. For the agents, this includes wiping the eye test and theory testing machines after each use. Please continue to be patient with those providing services as they adjust to working differently. Some people have circumstances that require priority by our agents and we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. You may also want to consider delaying your visit if it is not urgent and avoid the busy midday period. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

Remember, if your driver licence expired after 1 January 2020, or endorsement expired after 1 March 2020, it is temporarily extended. As you have additional time to renew it, you don’t need to stress or rush unnecessarily.

Please note that photo driver licences and unique ID cards for small Passenger endorsements and Vehicle Recovery endorsements are posted separately.

Information about the temporary extensions in place

How do I renew my driver licence or my P, V, I, O or D endorsement, if it has expired or expires while restrictions were in place for COVID-19?

To have your driver licence or P, V, I, O or D endorsement renewed, you can visit a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) as they are now able to open under Alert Level 2. Please be aware that there may be wait times due to current demand and the Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines that must be followed. For the agents, this includes wiping the eye test and theory testing machines after each use. Please continue to be patient with those providing services as they adjust to working differently. Some people have circumstances that require priority by our agents and we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. You may also want to consider delaying your visit if it is not urgent and avoid the busy midday period. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

Remember, if your driver licence expired after 1 January 2020, or endorsement expired after 1 March 2020, it is temporarily extended. As you have additional time to renew it, you don’t need to stress or rush unnecessarily.

Please note that photo driver licences and unique ID cards for small Passenger endorsements and Vehicle Recovery endorsements are posted separately.

Information about the temporary extensions in place

I completed a course before Alert Level 4. Can I get this credited to my licence now?

Yes, you can as it remains valid. You can visit a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) as they are now able to open under Alert Level 2. Please be aware that there may be wait times due to current demand and the Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines that must be followed. For the agents, this includes wiping the eye test and theory testing machines after each use. Please continue to be patient with those providing services as they adjust to working differently. Some people have circumstances that require priority by our agents and we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. You may also want to consider delaying your visit if it is not urgent and avoid the busy midday period. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

My suspension or disqualification is due to end or has ended. Can I now renew my licence?

Yes, you can now renew your licence at a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) as they are now able to open under Alert Level 2. Please be aware that there may be wait times due to current demand and the Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines that must be followed. For the agents, this includes wiping the eye test and theory testing machines after each use. Please continue to be patient with those providing services as they adjust to working differently. Some people have circumstances that require priority by our agents and we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. You may also want to consider delaying your visit if it is not urgent and avoid the busy midday period. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

I have my learner licence. Can I resume my driving lessons under Alert Level 2?

If you are learning to drive with a member of your family or friend, you can resume lessons while considering how you follow the Government’s guidelines for public health and safety.

If you are learning to drive with a professional driving school, please contact them directly to see if they have resumed lessons, and the health and safety guidelines they have in place.

I have completed a course certificate to renew or apply for my  P, V, I, O or D endorsement. Now that the agents are open, what do I need to do?

You can take your course certificate and any applications details into a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) as they are now able to open under Alert Level 2. We will take the impacts of COVID-19 and the alert levels into consideration for the validity of certificates presented. Remember to provide all the necessary documentation to ensure your application is processed without further delay.

Please be aware that there may be wait times due to current demand and the Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines that must be followed. For the agents, this includes wiping the eye test and theory testing machines after each use. Please continue to be patient with those providing services as they adjust to working differently. Some people have circumstances that require priority by our agents and we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. You may also want to consider delaying your visit if it is not urgent and avoid the busy midday period. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

Please note that photo driver licences and unique ID cards for small Passenger endorsements and Vehicle Recovery endorsements are posted separately.

My business is opening for the first time under Alert Level 2. What should I remind my drivers about?

Firstly, remember to ensure you have a plan in place for how you will keep workers safe. The WorkSafe website has helpful information available. Please remember to take extra care as accidents often occur after a long break.

Please check your vehicles are safe to operate. At a minimum, vehicle owners need to self-inspect their vehicles using the TWIRL procedure (tyres, windscreen, wipers, mirrors, indicators, rust and lights) to assess their vehicle’s safety, using the guidance on our website.

Drivers of heavy vehicles should also follow the inspection guidelines on our website as a minimum safety check.

If any vehicle is unsafe, either don’t drive it or arrange for a WoF/CoF.

Fatigue is one of the most critical aspects for you to be aware of after a long break from being behind the wheel. Here’s some advice in preparation for returning to work:

• Rest up and start sleeping at the same times you do when you’re working.
• Take regular exercise so you are fit and healthy when you return to work.
• Check your work schedules to ensure you can realistically manage your time. This includes being able to drive to the speed limit and taking your regular breaks. Speak with your employer or dispatcher if you require changes to the schedule.
• Check what facilities are open for taking breaks - many toilets and cafes may not be open so pre-plan. Most councils provide this information on their websites.

When you start work, remember the following:

• Make sure you get enough sleep.
• Take food and drink with you as not all facilities are open.
• The worse time for fatigue to hit is 2-6am, so avoid driving during this time if you can. We also recommend you plan more breaks to begin with.

If you are distracted by other things going on in your life, take an additional break.

WorkSafe guidelines(external link)

TWIRL safety check

Heavy vehicle maintenance guidelines [PDF, 303 KB]

I’m returning to work as a commercial driver after being at home during lockdown. What should I be aware of?

Fatigue is one of the most critical aspects for you to be aware of after a long break from being behind the wheel. Here’s some advice in preparation for returning to work:

• Rest up and start sleeping at the same times you do when you’re working.
• Take regular exercise so you are fit and healthy when you return to work.
• Check your work schedules to ensure you can realistically manage your time. This includes being able to drive to the speed limit and taking your regular breaks. Speak with your employer or dispatcher if you require changes to the schedule.
• Check what facilities are open for taking breaks - many toilets and cafes may not be open so pre-plan. Most councils provide this information on their websites.

When you start work, remember the following:

• Make sure you get enough sleep.
• Take food and drink with you as not all facilities are open.
• The worse time for fatigue to hit is 2-6am, so avoid driving during this time if you can. We also recommend you plan more breaks to begin with.
• If you are distracted by other things going on in your life, take an additional break.

My practical test was booked during the lockdown period. When is my new test?

Driver testing will recommence from Monday, 18 May 2020. Your practical test is currently being rescheduled and you will receive a notification and any details you need to know within the next few days. Please be patient while this is finalised. No further fees apply to this reschedule.

Please note, any changes to the rescheduled test booking must be done within 48 hours, otherwise standard fees will apply.

Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines will be in place so sitting your practical test may look a little different than it did before COVID-19. Your testing officer will take you through this and it won’t affect the test itself.

My learner licence theory test was booked before the lockdown period. When is my new test?

Driver licence theory tests will recommence from 14 May 2020. Your theory test is currently being rescheduled and you will be contacted within the next few days. Please be patient while this is finalised. No further fees apply to this reschedule.

Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines will be in place and these will be clearly indicated by the licensing agent.

I want to book a practical test online. Can I do this now?

Yes you can. The practical test booking system is now available for new bookings. If you experience any technical difficulties due to the current demand on the system, please be patient and try again later, or visit a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ and others). If your application is not urgent, we are encouraging people to delay visiting an agent to allow them time to adjust to working differently and at reduced capacity. If your request is urgent (eg it affects your ability to work), we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

I’ve been disqualified/suspended and have a court order. How do I apply for a limited licence?

You can apply for a limited licence at a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) as they are now able to open under Alert Level 2. Please be aware that there may be wait times due to current demand and the Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines that must be followed. For the agents, this includes wiping the eye test and theory testing machines after each use. Please continue to be patient with those providing services as they adjust to working differently. Some people have circumstances that require priority by our agents and we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. You may also want to consider delaying your visit if it is not urgent and avoid the busy midday period. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

I want to book my learner licence theory test. What do I do?

Driver licence theory tests will recommence from 14 May 2020. Licensing agents (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) are prioritising the rescheduling of customers who had booked a theory test before Alert Level 4.

You can book your test by visiting a licensing agent, however we are encouraging people to delay visiting an agent unless it is for an urgent application. This allows the agents time to adjust to working differently and at reduced capacity. If your request is urgent (eg it affects your ability to work), we recommend you plan your visit with plenty of extra time so you are not under any pressure if you do need to wait. Please check our website or the agents website to ensure you take everything you need in with you.

Government COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines will be in place and these will be clearly indicated by the licensing agent.

My learner/restricted licence has or will expire before I sit my practical test. What do I do?

If your expired licence has no conditions on it (beyond the standard licensing conditions), you can present the expired licence to the Testing Officer and it will be treated as current. If you have extra conditions imposed, please ensure you have your licence renewed at a licensing agent (such as AA, VTNZ, and others) before sitting your test. A temporary paper licence or new licence can then be presented to the Testing Officer.

I have an expired medical certificate, eyesight certificate or dangerous goods endorsement course certificate as I was unable to submit it as part of a driver licence application prior to Alert Level 4. Can I still submit the expired certificate?

Prior to visiting a driver licensing agent, please contact Waka Kotahi on 0800 822 422 and we will consider on a case by case basis if the certificate can be used. In some situations, a new certificate may be required.

I had a theory driver licence test booked before Alert Level 4 but I no longer want to sit the test. Will I get a refund?

As you booked your theory test directly with a licensing agent, we recommend you contact them to discuss this.

I had a practical driver licence test booked before Alert Level 4 but I no longer want to sit the test. Will I get a refund?

To get a refund, you will need to complete an Application for refund of driver licence fee (DL13) and send it to us as noted on the form. Once assessed, an approved refund will be direct credited to your nominated bank account.