Overseas Conversions

If you are from another country and you have a current international driving permit, or a current overseas driver licence, then you are qualified to drive in New Zealand those classes of vehicle covered by your permit/licence for up to 12 months from the date you enter the country. If you intend to stay longer and wish to drive here, you should apply for a NZ driver's licence as soon as possible after your arrival.

If your overseas licence is still current or expired less than 12 months ago you can apply to convert it to a New Zealand licence. Depending on the country you have come from, you may have to pass the theory test and/or the practical full licence driving test.

If your driver's licence is from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland the United Kingdom or the United States of America, you may not have to sit the practical driving test.