If you’re convicted by the courts (under section 65 of the Land Transport Act 1998) for repeat driving offences involving drugs or alcohol, you’ll be indefinitely disqualified. You’ll have to prove you’ve dealt with your drug or alcohol problem before you can apply to have your indefinite disqualification ended.

Step 1: Get assessed by an approved drug and alcohol assessment centre 

To find your nearest approved drug and alcohol assessment centre, go to:

Find an approved drug and alcohol assessment centre in your area

If you received a letter from Waka Kotahi about getting your licence back, take it with you to the assessment centre.

After assessing you, the assessment centre will prepare a report on how well you’re managing your drug or alcohol problem. The assessment centre will send a copy of that report to Waka Kotahi.

Waka Kotahi will then assess the report. We’ll need to be satisfied that you’re managing your drug and/or alcohol problems and are fit to hold a licence again. If you’ve served the minimum disqualification period of one year and one day, and are fit to hold a licence again, we’ll send you a letter confirming this and telling you how to reinstate your driver licence.

Step 2: Apply for your licence to be reinstated and sit and pass the driver licence tests

After Waka Kotahi has ended your indefinite disqualification, you will be unlicensed and not entitled to drive until you've reinstated your licence. 

Find out how to reinstate your licence

Download Factsheet 55: Driving offences and penalties [PDF, 248 KB]