Driving in New Zealand is great fun for our visitors from overseas! If you are from overseas and you're wondering if you can drive in New Zealand, the answer is yes.
Generally, people with international licences are permitted to drive in Newland if you are a temporary visitor. If your licence is not in English, you will need to carry an official English translated licence or an International Driving Permit.
For an in-depth understanding of the rules to drive, please read the below information.
Who can drive on New Zealand roads
You can drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver licence if:
- you have a valid overseas driver's licence or an international driver permit, and
- you haven’t been disqualified or suspened from driving in New Zealand, and
- you entered New Zealand less than 12 months ago, and
- your overseas licence is in English, or you have a translated international driver permit, and
- you haven’t been granted a New Zealand driver licence since you last entered New Zealand.
If you don't meet all the above requirements, you must apply for a New Zealand driver licence to drive in New Zealand. Find out how to get a New Zealand licence if you don’t meet the criteria
There's a time limit on how long you can drive here
If you meet all the above requirements, you can drive for a maximum period of 12 months from your last date of entry into New Zealand. Each time you enter New Zealand, you can drive for a further 12-month period.
What vehicles can I drive on my overseas licence?
In New Zealand, you're considered to hold a valid licence to drive the class of vehicle you are allowed to drive under your overseas licence. Below are the equivalent class descriptions in New Zealand:
- if you have a full overseas car licence, you can drive a car or light vehicle with a gross weight of not more than 6000kg
- if you have a learner, restricted or provisional licence the weight limit will be lower,
- if you have a full overseas motorcycle licence, you can ride any size motorcycle
- if you have a learner, restricted or provisional motorcycle licence you can only ride specific motorcycles approved under the Licence Approved Motorcycle Scheme.
Please note that New Zealand licence classes are not an exact match to those that apply overseas. See here for information on the New Zealand class definitions to help you work out which vehicles you can drive on your overseas driver licence. If your licence has specified weight limits which differ from New Zealand classes, we recommend that drivers adhere to the equivalent New Zealand weight limits or, if unsure, obtain a New Zealand driver licence.
You must know the New Zealand road rules
All drivers must know New Zealand Road rules, what the road signs mean and how to drive safely. You can find out more in "The official New Zealand road code".
Look at the Road code online
Test your knowledge of the New Zealand Road code on the Practice website
Read a copy of Driving in New Zealand