Do I need to convert my foreign driver license to a New Zealand license?

Yes, if you plan to stay in New Zealand long-term. Here's everything you need to know about driving with a foreign license and converting to a New Zealand driver license:

Driving on Your Foreign License:

First 12 Months:

You can drive on your valid foreign driver license for up to 12 months from your first arrival in New Zealand, provided:

1. Your foreign license is current and valid
2. You carry your foreign license AND either:

• International Driving Permit (IDP), OR
• Certified translation of your license (if not in English)

1. The license covers the vehicle type you're driving

Important: The 12-month period starts from your first arrival in NZ, not from when you get a visa or each time you enter the country.

Critical Safety Note:

New Zealand drives on the LEFT side of the road. This is the leading cause of serious injury and death for tourists and new immigrants, particularly those from right-hand driving countries (USA, Europe, Canada, most of Asia).

After 12 Months:

After 12 months, you must convert your foreign license to a New Zealand driver license to continue driving legally.

How to Convert Your Foreign License:

Step 1: Check if Your Country Has a Conversion Agreement

New Zealand has license conversion agreements with certain countries. If you're from one of these countries, the process is easier:

Easier Conversion (Restricted Practical Test Only):

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

For these countries: You only need to pass a restricted practical test (easier test focused on NZ road rules and left-side driving).

Step 2: Complete the Application Process

Requirements:

1. Valid foreign driver license
2. Proof of identity (passport)
3. NZ address proof
4. Pass eyesight test
5. Pass theory test (if from non-agreement country)
6. Pass practical driving test

Theory Test:

• 35 questions, multiple choice
• Must score 32/35 (91%)
• Covers NZ road rules, signs, safe driving practices
• Available in multiple languages
• Cost: NZD $48.20

Practical Test:

• Restricted test if from agreement country (30-45 minutes)
• Full test if from non-agreement country (45-60 minutes)
• Tests NZ-specific rules, left-side driving, road positioning
• Examiner rides with you
• Cost: Varies by testing agent (~NZD $100-150)

Total Cost:

• Theory test: NZD $48.20
• Practical test: NZD $100-150
• License fee: NZD $55.80 (1 year), $115.60 (2 years), $170.40 (5 years), $266.50 (10 years)
• Total: Approximately NZD $300-400

Step 3: Book and Take Tests

1. Study the NZ Road Code (available free online or buy book)
2. Book theory test at AA (Automobile Association) or VTNZ
3. Pass theory test
4. Book practical test
5. Pass practical test
6. Apply for NZ license at AA or PostShop

Timeline:

• Study time: 1-4 weeks depending on familiarity
• Theory test: Book within days, results immediate
• Practical test: May need to wait 1-4 weeks for appointment
• Total process: 2-8 weeks typically

New Zealand Driving Challenges:

Left-Side Driving:

• Wipers and turn signals reversed (common to turn on wipers instead of signals!)
• Look right first when crossing roads
• Roundabouts go clockwise
• Practice in quiet areas first

Road Conditions:

• Many winding, narrow roads
• One-lane bridges common (give way to side with red arrow)
• Gravel roads in rural areas
• Mountain passes can be challenging
• Journey times much longer than maps suggest

NZ-Specific Road Rules:

Give Way Rules:

• At roundabouts: Give way to traffic on your right
• At uncontrolled intersections: Give way to traffic on your right
• At T-intersections: Traffic on the through road has right of way

Speed Limits:

• Urban: 50 km/h (31 mph) default, some areas 30 km/h
• Open road: 100 km/h (62 mph)
• Speed cameras common, strictly enforced

Alcohol:

• Under 20: Zero tolerance
• Over 20: 0.05% BAC limit (lower than USA's 0.08%)
• Police conduct random breath testing

Mobile Phones:

• Illegal to use handheld phone while driving
• Must be fully hands-free

Tips for Success:

Before Your Test:

1. Practice extensively on left-side roads
2. Get lessons from NZ driving instructor (1-3 lessons typical)
3. Practice roundabouts specifically
4. Learn give-way rules thoroughly
5. Practice on test route if possible

Study Resources:

• Road Code book (official) - buy at bookshops or AA
• Free online practice tests at drivingtests.co.nz
• NZ Road Code app for mobile
• YouTube videos on NZ-specific rules

Common Reasons for Failing:

• Not checking blind spots (critical in NZ)
• Incorrect position at roundabouts
• Wrong give-way at intersections
• Too fast on corners/winding roads
• Not staying left (for right-side driving country drivers)

If You Don't Want to Drive:

Auckland and Wellington: Possible to live without car

• Good public transport
• Uber/taxi available
• Walkable city centers

Christchurch and smaller cities: Car very helpful but not essential in city center

Rural areas: Car essential

International Driving Permit (IDP):

What it is: Translation document, NOT a license itself

Where to get:

• From your home country before traveling
• AA or authorized agencies
• Usually $15-30

Not needed if: Your license is already in English

Most expats convert their license within the first year as it's straightforward, affordable, and necessary for long-term living. The practical test on NZ roads is valuable for safety even if you're an experienced driver at home.