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We're aware of false information on some websites claiming changes are coming for drivers over 65, including that they will have to renew every 2 years. This is incorrect. Always check the NZTA website for the most up-to-date information. |
When you're turning 75 or over, you'll need to get a medical certificate before you can renew your driver licence.
Your licence will expire on your 75th birthday, on your 80th birthday, and every second birthday after that.
You must renew your driver licence on or before its expiry date if you want to keep driving.
You can renew your licence up to 6 months before it expires.
We'll send you a reminder and an application form about 6 months before your licence is due to expire.
You'll need to make an appointment with your doctor to get a medical certificate. You may also need to see a specialist or take a test, so allow plenty of time.
We'll send you another reminder about 2 months before your licence is due to expire if you still haven't renewed it.
You'll need a Medical certificate for driver licence each time you renew your licence, so you'll need to visit your health practitioner. This could be your usual doctor (GP), a registered nurse or nurse practitioner.
Tell your health practitioner the certificate is for your driver licence. You'll have to pay for the appointment yourself.
They'll ask questions about your medical history, complete a physical examination, and check your memory and thinking process. They'll consider any changes in your physical abilities, thinking, health, and eyesight that might impact your driving.
They'll give you one of the following results:
You're able to drive safely in all conditions.
Your doctor will give you a medical certificate to take with you to renew your licence.
You're able to drive safely, but only if you do, or don't do, specific things. For example, you might need to wear glasses or not drive at night.
Your doctor will give you a medical certificate with the conditions on it. Take this with you to renew your licence.
You need to see a specialist for more testing. Your doctor will tell you what kind of specialist. It could be an optometrist to test your eyes, or an occupational therapist to check you can safely cope with complex driving situations.
If you pass, you're able to drive safely and can renew your licence. The specialist will give you a medical certificate to take with you to renew your licence.
Your doctor may ask you to do a driving test in a car with a testing officer.
The doctor will give you a medical certificate with a requirement to sit an on-road safety test. Take the certificate with you to a driver licensing agent, and they'll start your renewal application and book the test.
The test is included in your renewal fee. There's no fee to change, cancel or rebook the test. You can sit the test more than once if you need to with no extra fees.
If you live in an area that doesn't have testing officers, you'll need to request an on-demand test. Check our agent list to see if you need to do this in your area. You'll need to apply to renew your licence and present your medical certificate at the agent first. It can take up to 3 months to get a test booking, so make sure you do this early.
Find your nearest driver licensing agent
Prepare for the on-road safety test
If you pass the test, you're able to drive safely. The testing officer will give you a temporary driver licence to use until your photo driver licence arrives in the mail.
You're not able to keep yourself and others safe when driving. It's no longer safe or legal for you to drive, and you must stop driving immediately. Your doctor will let NZTA know, and you won't be able to renew your licence.
Not being able to renew your licence can be upsetting. Take some time to process this news. There are many options for people who don't drive.
If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, NZTA may need to review your medical certificate and determine whether you can continue to drive before your licence can be renewed. See our Medical reviews page for more information.
Once you've got your medical certificate, you'll need to visit a driver licensing agent in person.
The certificate is only valid for 60 days, so make sure you take it to an agent before the 60 days runs out.
Find your nearest driver licensing agent
Take the reminder letter and your current New Zealand photo driver licence with you. You'll also need:
If none of your details have changed, you only need to complete part of the application form:
If any of your details have changed, you'll also need to write them on the form. You can leave the rest blank.
If you received your reminder by email, you can just show the agent the reminder on your mobile phone. If you don't have the application form, you can get one at the agent.
Visit an agent with:
You'll need to complete an Application for new, reissue or renewal of driver licence (DL1) form. You can download the form and take it with you, or fill in the form at the agent.
If you don't have your reminder letter and licence, you'll need to fill in the whole form.
Download the application form to renew your driver licence (DL1) [PDF, 174 KB]
Every 10 years you must have a new photo and signature taken by the agent. This is when you renew your licence at age 75, 86 and every 10 years after that. You don't need a new photo every other time, but you can choose to get one if you want.
When your renewal is complete, the agent will give you a temporary licence which is valid for 21 days. Keep this on you whenever you’re driving until your new driver licence arrives in the mail – within 2 to 3 weeks.
The on-road safety test checks you still have a good knowledge of the road rules and continue to use safe driving skills. It takes about 30 minutes.
Staying safe: a refresher course for senior road users is a classroom-based course that aims to maintain and improve safe driving practices.
During the course you will re-familiarise yourself with traffic rules as well as increase knowledge about other transport options available to keep you mobile for as long as possible.
See if any courses are available in your area
Driving as a senior [PDF, 14 MB]
Supporting senior drivers [PDF, 2.9 MB]
Download Factsheet 57: Senior drivers licence renewal [PDF, 235 KB]
