Driver licencing in New Zealand

The New Zealand driver licence system is a graduated system that has been in place (with modifications, such as the L-plate requirement) since 1987. It consists of three phases for a car licence, each with varying levels of conditions.

The New Zealand driver licence allows the holder to drive specified vehicles with or without restrictions on public roads. Upon passing the respective test for each stage of the system, the successful applicant is given a temporary paper licence to begin driving immediately while their permanent licence is printed and sent to them by post. The permanent licence contains a unique identifying number, date of birth and photograph of the holder. Drivers must carry their licence at all times while driving. If they fail to do so they may face an instant fine.

New Zealand driver's licences are issued by the NZ Transport Agency, but in the earlier part of the twentieth century were issued by local bodies, specifically city, borough or county councils.

Apart from passports and a special-purpose 18+ card, a photo driver's licence is the only legal form of identification for buying alcohol, tobacco and fireworks in New Zealand.

The New Zealand driver licensing system is split into six classes of licence. Class 1 ("car licence") allows the driver to drive most cars, light vehicles, moped, tractor and all-terrain vehicles, while Class 6 ("motorcycle licence") allows the driver to ride a motorcycle. Classes 2, 3, 4, and 5 ("heavy vehicles licence") allow the driver to drive heavy vehicles of varying degrees according to the classes carried.

Classes 1 and 6 licences are able to be obtained on or after the driver's 16th birthday. Prior to 1 August 2011, the minimum age was 15 years, which means drivers born between 1 August 1995 and 31 July 1996 can hold a licence under 16 if they applied for it on or before 31 July 2011. Obtaining a Class 1 or Class 6 licence involves a three-tier stage system, starting with the learner licence, followed by the restricted licence, before finally obtaining the full licence. Classes 2 to 5 can be obtained only by a driver that carries a Class 1 full licence, and involves a two-tier stage system, missing out the restricted licence step.

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