Feature article
Renew your driver licence in NZ
Renewing your driver licence in New Zealand is something a driver has to do every 10 years.
Last updated: 21 August 2024
Renewing your driver licence in New Zealand is something a driver has to do every 10 years. That doesn't mean you have to reset your practical test, or even do a refresher of the theory. It's just a bit of administration, a chance for the authorities to update your details and check your eyesight. This is perhaps a missed opportunity; it would be a good idea to get all drivers to brush up on the road rules once a decade.
How do you know when to renew your driver licence?
The NZ Transport Agency will send you a renewal letter about eight weeks before it's due to expire. That is if they have your current address in the system.
Otherwise, check your actual licence; the expiry date is written clearly on it, either on the front or the back, depending on when it was issued.
So how do you renew your licence?
Unfortunately it's not something you can do online, you are required to go to a driver licencing agent. These are situated at most AA offices and selected VTNZ stations. Find one near you here.
The NZTA website suggests it takes less than 10 minutes to renew your driver licence. And that’s partly true of the process itself. But plan to be waiting in line for half an hour at least. It’s likely two staff members will be off sick, one will be on their break and the one administrator left to do it all will be having a bad day.
While waiting in line, you’ll have ample time to fill out the application form, that’s the one labelled DL1. Or, you can download and print one off here.
You'll need to present evidence of your identity, which can be your current driver licence or NZ passport. If you don't have any of those, you can use something else official like a Firearms Licence and your Citizenship Certificate etc.
Are you sure there aren’t any tests to pass to renew your driver licence?
Actually, there is one; an eyesight exam which is carried out at the office. This test is designed to pick up those who may have developed blurry or poor peripheral vision over the past ten years.
If you fail this, all hope is not lost but you’ll need to make an appointment to see an optometrist who will give you a more thorough test. If you pass this, you’ll get an eyesight certificate, which will allow you to renew your licence.
Once that's all done, the agent will take a photo for your new licence.
Do you have to pay to get your licence renewed?
Yes, there is a fee. For those of you up to the age of 65 it's $32.40. There’s some good news for those older folk as it gets cheaper ranging from $22.60 for a 66-year-old to $9 for a 74 year-old. Drivers must renew their driver licence at age 75, 80 and every two years after that. This costs $21.50, and you require a medical certificate from your doctor before you can apply to get your licence renewed.
Author
Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
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