Stage 2 - full licence

Who can apply for a full licence?

You can apply for your class 2–5 full licence once you’ve gained the corresponding class of learner licence and:

• have held it for at least 6 months, or
• have successfully completed an approved heavy vehicle driving course.

How do I apply for a full licence?

To get your full licence for any class of heavy vehicle licence, you must:

• pass the appropriate full licence practical driving test, or
• successfully complete an approved heavy vehicle course and demonstrate your skill level to the course provider.

To apply for your full licence, you must either:

• visit a driver licensing agent and:
  • present evidence of your identity
    evidence of identity
  • book a time to take the full licence practical driving test or present your certificate from an approved heavy vehicle course
  • pay the application fee of $39.80
  • meet the eyesight requirements
    eyesight requirements
  • present a medical certificate
    medical certificate
  • provide a signature
  • have your photograph taken

Driver licensing agents

OR

• book your full licence practical test online. See below for information and instructions on how to book online.

How much does it cost?

You’ll need to pay the application fee each time you apply for a new full licence.

The application fee is the same whether you sit the practical tests or present an approved heavy vehicle course certificate. It’s free to change, cancel or rebook your test if you need to.

All fees include GST and are non-refundable.

Booking practical driving tests online

To book a practical test online you will need:

• your current driver licence
• a valid credit card to pay the fee.

You can book the following practical driving tests:

• restricted licence tests for a new class (car and motorcycle)
• full licence tests for a new class (car, motorcycle and heavy vehicles)
• on-road safety tests
• overseas conversions*
• requalifications*.

* You will still need to book your theory test at a driver licensing agent.

To book your test online:

• go to www.nzta.govt.nz/online(external link)
• click on ‘I need to book, change or cancel a practical driver licence test’
• follow the step-by-step instructions.

Make sure you read the information carefully.

When you’ve booked online, a confirmation slip will be emailed to you. It’s a good idea to print this out and keep it until your test. The online booking service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

You need to book all other tests in person at a driver licensing agent.

You will need to arrive at your test location at least 30 minutes before your test, or visit a driver licensing agent prior to your test, to:

• have your application form processed
• have your identification checked (bring your driver licence).

Depending on the type of test you are having, they may also:

• take your photograph
• collect your signature
• check your eyesight (unless you provide an eyesight certificate)
• check any other relevant certificates, such as a medical certificate or advanced driving skills certificate.

Some drivers choose to provide an eyesight certificate instead of having the eyesight check. If you don’t pass the eyesight check, or provide an eyesight certificate prior to your test time, you will not be given a temporary licence even if you pass your test. You will need to complete the eyesight requirements before your new licence can be issued.