How old do you have to be to drive in New Zealand?
You must be 15 years of age to apply to sit a theory test with questions on road rules. If passed, this grants you a learner’s license which allows you to drive during daylight hours with a licensed passenger (who holds a full driver’s license and has done for 2 years). After a 6 month period of having a learner’s license you can sit a practical driving test, which if passed gives you the restricted license. You can then drive unaccompanied during daylight hours. After an 18 month period you can sit a test to receive the full license. This last waiting period depends on the age of the applicant, and can be reduced by undertaking a defensive driving course.
