Indefinite disqualifications

If you are convicted by the courts (under section 65 of the Land Transport Act 1998 or section 30A of the Transport Act 1962) for repeat driving offences involving drugs or alcohol, you will be indefinitely disqualified. You’ll have to prove you’ve dealt with your drug or alcohol problem before you can apply to have your indefinite disqualification ended. 

Step 1: Go to an approved drug and alcohol assessment centre 

If you received a letter from the Transport Agency about getting your licence back, take it with you to the assessment centre. 

After assessing you, the assessment centre will prepare a report on how well you’re managing your drug or alcohol problem. The assessment centre will send a copy of that report to the Transport Agency. 

Find an approved drug and alcohol assessment centre in your area

Step 2: Apply to have your indefinite disqualification ended 

Write to:

Medical Section
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 11777
Palmerston North 4442.

Say in the letter that you’re asking for your indefinite disqualification to end.

The Transport Agency will look at your letter and the assessment centre’s report, along with any other information that might be relevant. 

If you have served the minimum disqualification period of 1 year and 1 day, and the Transport Agency is satisfied that you’re managing your drug and/or alcohol problems and that you are fit to hold a licence again, you’ll be sent a letter confirming this, and telling you how to reinstate your driver licence. 

Step 3: Apply for your licence to be reinstated and sit and pass the driver licence tests 

After the Transport Agency has ended your indefinite disqualification, you will be unlicensed and not entitled to drive until you have reinstated your licence. 

Find out how to reinstate your licence

Download Factsheet 55: Driving offences and penalties [PDF, 76 KB]