search
Login
Login

Overseas licence conversions

If you have a driver licence from another country, you can apply for a New Zealand driver licence. Overseas licence conversions can be done at selected AA Driver Licensing outlets.

You can now book for your Overseas conversion appointment online. Please note that this booking site is not for theory or practical driver license tests. Booking systems are currently unavailable for our agencies in Kaitaia , Hokitika, Wairoa, and Westport.

Book online
Country road heading towards mountain views

If you are in New Zealand for more than a year, or are driving for non-touring related purposes, you may need a New Zealand driver licence to drive a vehicle. 

You can drive using an overseas car licence for up to 18 months from your last date of entry into New Zealand. You can use an overseas motorcycle or truck licence for up to 12 months.

arrow_upward
Back to top

You can apply to convert to a New Zealand licence if you have your licence with you and if it is valid or expired within the last 12 months. You can do this at AA Driver Licensing outlets that are specialist Overseas Licence Conversion sites

You will need to:

  • Check your overseas driver licence

If your licence does not have an issue date or if your identity document is from a different country than your driver's licence, e.g, if you are using a NZ passport with an overseas licence, you may need to provide further evidence of your driving record. A licence not in English will need a translation by an approved translator.

> Check if you require evidence of validity

> List of approved translators

  • Complete the application form (DL5)

You can get the form at the AA Driver Licensing outlet or print it, fill it in and bring it to the agent.

> Download application for conversion of overseas licence

  • Provide high-quality, colour photocopies of all the original documents you've provided, as listed (including any translations):
  • Bring your overseas passport as evidence of identity
  • Bring a medical certificate if applicable

> Check if you need a medical certificate

  • Pass an eyesight screening check or provide a current eyesight/ medical certificate

> About the eyesight screening check

  • Pay the applicable licence fee

> Check licence fees

arrow_upward
Back to top
info

Important information

Applications for overseas licence conversions are processed at AA Licensing outlet counters and are approved by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. 

Upon approval, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will issue and send you a New Zealand photo driver licence. You will be contacted if there is a delay in approving your application. 

Once you have been issued a New Zealand photo driver licence your overseas licence and International Driving Permit are no longer valid in New Zealand.

If your overseas licence is from the list of exempt countries, you will be issued with a temporary licence that you can use to drive a car until you receive your photo drivers licence. If your licence is from a non-exempt country, you will receive a temporary licence as soon as you pass the theory test.

If you have not received your driver licence from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi withing 10 working days, and have not been informed of a delay, please contact:

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Driver Licensing Helpline: 0800 822 422

Illustration of floating thumbs up hand

Licences from exempt countries

If you have had a full driver licence for two or more years from the below countries, you can apply and convert to a New Zealand licence without any test.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong*, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA. 

Note: If your licence does not show that it was issued more than two years ago, you must obtain a driving history from the licensing board that issued your licence.

arrow_upward
Back to top
Illustration of license

Requirements for licences from other countries

If you have a full driver licence from another country then you will have to take a theory and practical test.

  • Step 1

Pass a theory test that will test your knowledge of road rules as outlined in the New Zealand Road Code. You can book and do this test at an AA Driver Licensing outlet. If you pass this test you will receive a New Zealand driver licence with the condition that you can only drive with a supervisor. 

> About the New Zealand Road Code

> Online AA Road Code Practice Test

> Find AA Driver Licensing outlet to book theory test

  • Step 2:

Once you have passed the theory test, you will need to sit an in-car practical test. You can book and pay for this test at an AA Driver Licensing outlet. Please note that the actual test location will be different from the AA Driver Licensing outlet location.

> Driving lessons at AA to improve driving skills

> Practice driving test with an AA Driving Instructor

arrow_upward
Back to top
Illustration of AA Centre employee

AA Driver Licensing outlets

The AA is contracted by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to provide driver licence services at AA Licensing outlets around New Zealand.

map
Find from map

Have questions?

For any questions about driver licensing rules or restrictions, please call the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Driver Licensing helpline on 0800 822 422.