Changes to the Driver Licensing System Explained
The Government has announced some upcoming changes to New Zealand’s Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS), designed to make it easier and cheaper to move up to a full driver licence, while still keeping road safety a priority.
These updates were confirmed in a recent Ministerial release and are backed by additional guidance from the Ministry of Transport and NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). Most of these changes will kick in from 25 January 2027, with the current licence rules staying in place until then.
What’s changing?
One of the main changes is that the second practical test for a full car license is being removed. After drivers finish their restricted license period, they’ll be able to apply for their full license without taking another practical test. Instead, the hazard perception part of the full practical test will now be part of the restricted practical test. This way, drivers are tested on hazard detection earlier in their driving journey, when these skills are most important. Learners and parents can find more info about hazard detection on the Drive website.
Updates to learner and restricted licence stages
Several changes will affect how long drivers spend at each stage of the licensing system:
Learner licence (under 25): The learner period will increase from 6 months to 12 months, giving young drivers more time to practise with supervision. This period can be reduced back to 6 months by completing recorded supervised driving hours or an approved practical driving course.
Learner licence (25 and over): Remains at 6 months.
Restricted licence periods: Restricted periods will become standardised at 12 months for under 25s and 6 months for over 25s, with no option to reduce the time through a defensive driving course.
Drivers who get demerit points while on a restricted license will have their restricted period extended by another six months, helping to promote safer driving during this time.
Zero-alcohol limit expanded
Another big change is the expansion of the zero-alcohol limit. Right now, it only applies to drivers under 20, but it’ll be extended to all learner and restricted drivers, no matter their age. This will need a legal change and will kick in at a later date.
When do the changes start?
Most changes will kick in from January 25, 2027. Until then, all learners and drivers should stick to the current licensing rules. NZTA will switch all drivers over to the new system starting from that date.
What this means for learners and parents
The updated system is designed to reduce cost barriers and unnecessary testing, while placing greater emphasis on supervised practice, hazard perception, and safe driving behaviour earlier in the licensing journey. For learners currently working toward their licence, nothing changes right now. Anyone starting their licence before January 2027 will transition to the new system at that time.
For full details, learners and parents can read the official guidance on the Ministry of Transport and NZTA websites.
