Class 1 (car) driver licence tests
Restricted test
The restricted driver licence test has been developed to assess the higher skill levels expected of today’s more experienced licence applicants.
The 60 minute test is longer than the previous test and includes 45 minutes of drive time. The remaining 15 minutes is used to check the safety of the vehicle prior to driving and to provide feedback.
Full test
The full licence test time has reduced to 30 minutes which includes 20 minutes of driving.
Test applicants will be expected to be able to apply appropriate hazard and detection responses to all assessable tasks without explanation of what is required by the testing officer.
Read the guides
These booklets provide detailed information about the new class 1 (car) driver licence tests that came into effect on 27 February 2012. They should not take the place of well-structured and comprehensive lesson plans together with high levels of supervised driving experience in a broad range of driving situations.
- Restricted licence test guide
(class 1)
(47 pages, 833 KB)
- Full licence test guide
(class 1)
(33 pages, 519 KB)
Class 6 (motorcycle) restricted licence tests
On 27 February 2012 changes were introduced to graduated driver licensing system for motorcycles.
The restricted licence test becomes longer and the full licence test is shorter. In effect, both the test (and the test fees) will swap.
If you plan to sit your motorcycle restricted licence test, make sure you have plenty of practice to prepare for the longer test.
The NZTA is currently developing a brand new restricted driver licence test for motorcycles. The new test will be introduced in October 2012.
