NEW ZEALAND DRIVER'S LICENSE

A New Zealand driver's license is not required to travel to New Zealand. You can drive for 12 months with your country's international driver's license. However, for a longer stay, you will need a New Zealand driver's license.

DRIVER'S LICENSE
With a valid driver's license, you can drive legally in New Zealand for up to 12 months. If your license is not in English, you will need a proper English translation.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE
With an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in English or translated into English, you can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You must also carry the valid driver's license on which the license is based.

TRANSLATION OF YOUR DRIVING LICENSE
A translation of your foreign driving license or foreign driving permit can be issued by:

a translator approved by the New Zealand Transport Authority
a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate; or
the authority that issued your foreign driving license (an international driving license may be accepted as a translation).
RULES AND REGULATIONS
In New Zealand, all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their driver's license or permit with them at all times. You may only drive the same vehicles for which you are licensed in your home country.

Please note: If you are caught without a valid English translation or a valid driver's license, you may be prosecuted for driving without a license or driving without a valid driver's license.

You face a fine of NZ$400, or up to NZ$1,000 if convicted.

The police can prohibit an unlicensed driver from driving until they obtain a valid driver's license. If you continue driving after the ban, your vehicle will be impounded for 28 days at the owner's expense. You also risk being uninsured in the event of an accident.

DRIVING LICENSE RENEWAL
In most cases, your driver's license is valid for 10 years. The NZTA will send you a renewal reminder email approximately eight weeks before your photo driver's license expires (provided your current address is available).

To drive in New Zealand, you will need one of the following documents. Please check before your trip.
※If you are a nationality other than New Zealand, you must present your passport.

1. New Zealand Driver's License (Full Driving Licence)
2. English driving license of your country (full driving license)
3. Non-English driving license from your country (full driving license)
+ International Driving Licence in accordance with the United Nations Convention
4. Non-English driving license of your country (full driving license) + Official English translation of your driving license