The answer depends largely on which country issued your current driver licence.
Countries with direct conversion
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency recognises driver licences from a specific list of countries, allowing conversion to a NZ licence without sitting a practical test in most cases.
If your country is not on the list
In that case, you will need to go through the standard NZ graduated licensing system, including theory and practical tests, similar to a first-time driver.
Points to check
- Some conversions still require a theory test even where the practical test is waived
- Certain vehicle classes may not automatically transfer even from a recognised country
It is worth checking the current list on the Waka Kotahi website, as country agreements can be updated from time to time.
