Converting overseas license to New Zealand drivers license

You can drive in New Zealand with a valid overseas drivers license for 18 months, if it’s a car license. It used to be 12 months but in October 2024, it was increased to 18 months with the condition to return back to 12 months after 2 years. For motorcycle and trucks, the timeline is 12 months

If you plan to earn money from driving, you will need to convert your license to NZ and get the necessary endorsement. But in order to do that, you will need to hold a valid overseas full license. Not learners or restricted

This is the step by step process of converting your license in NZ and things to note:

Watch the short clip of the steps here.

1. The process to convert depends on which country your license is from, but typically you will need to write and pass a theory test, then do a practical test.
2. The theory test is a multi-choice test. After you pass the theory test, you’ll get a restricted full license. In NZ, there are 3 levels