Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026
Checking for alerts... Loading...
2026/79
Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026
Cindy Kiro, Governor-General
Order in Council
At Wellington this 7th day of April 2026
Present:
Her Excellency the Governor-General in Council
This ordinary rule is made under sections 152A and 168F of the Land Transport Act 1998—
(a)
on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council; and
(b)
on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport after—
(i)
having had regard to the matters specified in section 164(2) of that Act; and
(ii)
being satisfied of the matter specified in section 168F(2)(a) of that Act.
Contents
Rule
1 Title
This rule is the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026.
2 Commencement
3 Principal rule
This rule amends the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.
4 Clause 2 amended (Interpretation)
In clause 2(1), insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
pending demerit points has the meaning given to it in clause 18A(2)
recording of demerit points has the meaning given to it in clause 18B(1)
5 Clause 5A amended (Transitional, savings, and related provisions)
In clause 5A, replace “Schedule 2A”
with “Schedule 1AA”
.
6 Clause 10 amended (Content of application)
After clause 10(f), insert:
(fa)
in the case of an applicant for a full licence under clause 19, whether the applicant has been served with an infringement notice for an offence described in Schedule 2 of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999 while holding a Class 1R licence; and
7 Clause 11A replaced (Identification: application online)
Replace clause 11A with:
11A Identification: application online
(1)
If an application is lodged online, the applicant must, instead of complying with clause 11, comply with the requirements in a transport instrument made by the Director specifying identity credentials for the purposes of this clause.
(2)
Before making a transport instrument for the purposes of subclause (1), the Director must consult with the Privacy Commissioner.
(3)
A transport instrument made under this clause is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this clause | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 | LA19 s 74(1)(aa) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the rule. | ||||
8 Clause 12 amended (Images on driver licences and driver identification cards)
After clause 12(3), insert:
(3A)
Despite subclause (3), an applicant who applies online for a Class 1 full licence is not required to provide a photographic image if the applicant’s Class 1R licence was issued 2 years or less before the application date for the Class 1 full licence.
9 Clause 13 amended (Eyesight test)
In clause 13, insert as subclause (2):
(2)
However, subclause (1) does not apply to an applicant for a Class 1R, Class 1 full licence, Class 6R, or Class 6 full licence under clause 17 or 19.
10 Clause 15 amended (Obtaining learner licence)
In clause 15, table, items relating to Classes 3L, 4L, and 5L, second column, replace “provides a certificate showing successful completion of an approved course”
with “has successfully completed an approved course”
.
11 Clause 17 amended (Obtaining restricted licence)
(1)
In clause 17, table, item relating to Class 1R, second column, replace paragraph (a) with:
(a)is between 16 years and 6 months and 25 years of age on the date of application and holds, and has held for at least 6 months, a Class 1L licence, and— (i)has successfully completed an approved course of a type specified in clause 93(aa); or (ii)has successfully completed the required number of supervised driving hours in accordance with the requirements of a transport instrument made by the Director under clause 17A; or (aa)is between 17 and 25 years of age on the date of application and holds, and has held for at least 12 months, a Class 1L licence; or (ab)is 25 years of age or over on the date of application and holds, and has held for at least 6 months, a Class 1L licence |
(2)
In clause 17, table, item relating to Class 6R, second column, replace “provides a certificate showing successful completion by the applicant of an approved course”
with “has successfully completed an approved course”
.
12 New clause 17A inserted (Supervised driving hours)
After clause 17, insert:
17A Supervised driving hours
(1)
For the purposes of paragraph (a)(ii) of the item relating to Class 1R in the table to clause 17, the required number of supervised driving hours is the number (not exceeding 60) specified and calculated in accordance with a transport instrument made by the Director.
(2)
The required number of supervised driving hours must be completed in accordance with—
(a)
any conditions specified in the transport instrument under which supervised driving hours must be completed, for example, at night or in urban areas; and
(b)
any requirements specified in the transport instrument for recording and validating supervised driving hours.
(3)
A transport instrument made under this clause is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this clause | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 | LA19 s 74(1)(aa) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the rule. | ||||
13 New clauses 18A and 18B inserted
After clause 18, insert:
18A Additional requirement relating to pending demerit points
(1)
The holder of a Class 1R licence is not eligible to be issued with a Class 1 full licence under clause 19 if the person has pending demerit points.
(2)
For the purposes of these regulations, a person who is served with an infringement notice in respect of an offence described in Schedule 2 of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999 has pending demerit points until such time as—
(a)
the demerit points in respect of the offence are recorded; or
(b)
the person is found not guilty of the offence; or
(c)
the notice is withdrawn or otherwise disposed of.
18B Additional requirement relating to recording of demerit points
(1)
This clause applies if the holder of a Class 1R licence has demerit points recorded against them for an offence described in Schedule 2 of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999 (a recording of demerit points).
(2)
The person must hold the Class 1R licence for an additional 6 months for each recording of demerit points before the person is eligible to be issued with a Class 1 full licence under clause 19.
(3)
Any additional 6-month time period applies as follows:
(a)
if the person was not eligible to be issued with a Class 1 full licence on the date on which they committed the offence, the additional 6-month period starts on the date on which the person would otherwise have been eligible; or
(b)
if the person was eligible to be issued with a Class 1 full licence on the date on which they committed the offence, the additional 6-month period starts on the date on which the person committed the offence.
14 Clause 19 amended (Obtaining full licence)
(1)
In clause 19, table, item relating to Class 1, second column, replace paragraphs (a) to (c) with:
(a)is aged— (i)17 years and 6 months or over on the date of application and holds, and has held for at least 12 months, a Class 1R licence; or (ii)25 years or over and holds, and has held for at least 6 months, a Class 1R licence (b)has no pending demerit points (c)if applicable, has held a Class 1R licence for any additional time period imposed under clause 18B |
(2)
In clause 19, table, items relating to Classes 4 and 5, second column, replace “provides a certificate showing successful completion by the person of an approved course”
with “has successfully completed an approved course”
.
15 Clause 23 amended (Obtaining driving instructor endorsement)
Replace clause 23(1)(d) with:
(d)
the person passes a restricted licence test under clause 48 unless, in the 6 years immediately preceding the date of application, the person has passed a restricted licence test required for a Class 1R licence; and
16 Clause 31 amended (Obtaining testing officer endorsement)
Replace clause 31(ba) with:
(ba)
the person passes a restricted licence test under clause 48 unless, in the 6 years immediately preceding the date of application, the person has passed a restricted licence test required for a Class 1R licence; and
17 Clause 34 amended (Obtaining vehicle recovery endorsement)
Replace clause 34(1)(c) with:
(c)
the person passes a restricted licence test under clause 48 unless, in the 6 years immediately preceding the date of application, the person has passed a restricted licence test required for a Class 1R licence; and
18 Clause 35 amended (Criteria and procedure in relation to fit and proper person test)
In the heading to clause 35, after “fit and proper person test”
, insert “(endorsement)”
.
19 Clause 38 amended (Eyesight testing)
In clause 38(1), after “An applicant for a driver licence or an endorsement, or for the renewal of a driver licence or an endorsement,”
, insert “who requires an eyesight test under clause 13”
.
20 Clause 48 amended (Practical skills tests required)
(1)
After clause 48(2), insert:
(2A)
The Director may only approve a restricted licence test for a Class 1R licence if it includes a test of the applicant’s hazard perception skills.
(2)
In clause 48(3), delete “1,”
.
(3)
After clause 48(3), insert:
(3A)
An applicant for a Class 1 full licence under clause 89 must take the full licence test approved by the Director in relation to that class of licence.
21 Clause 58 amended (Removal of condition relating to automatic transmission)
In clause 58(a), replace “and passes a full licence test under clause 48”
with “and satisfies the requirements of clause 19 in relation to a Class 1 full licence”
.
22 Clause 67 amended (Renewal of driver licence)
(1)
After clause 67(2)(d), insert:
(da)
in the case of a Class 1 licence that has been expired for more than 5 years, passes—
(i)
the theory test for a Class 1 licence under clause 45(1); and
(ii)
the practical driving test for a Class 1R licence in accordance with clauses 48 and 51; and
(2)
In clause 67(2)(e), after “excluding a Class”
, insert “1 or”
.
23 Clause 67A amended (Reinstatement of driver licence with respect to those who have been disqualified for more than 12 months after end of disqualification)
(1)
After clause 67A(2)(d), insert:
(da)
in the case of an applicant for a Class 1 licence, the person passes—
(i)
the theory test for a Class 1 licence under clause 45(1); and
(ii)
the practical driving test for a Class 1R licence in accordance with clauses 48 and 51; and
(2)
In clause 67A(2)(f)(i), delete “1,”
.
24 Clause 74 amended (Replacement of driver licence or driver identification card if lost, stolen, etc)
In clause 74(3)(b)(i), after “lost”
, insert “, stolen,”
.
25 Clause 86 amended (Replacement of driver licence or endorsement revoked on medical grounds)
(1)
After clause 86(2)(c), insert:
(ca)
in a case where the period since the Class 1 driver licence was revoked is more than 12 months, the person passes—
(i)
the theory test for a Class 1 licence under clause 45(1); and
(ii)
the practical driving test for a Class 1R licence in accordance with clauses 48 and 53; and
(2)
In clause 86(2)(d), replace “in a case where the period since the driver licence or endorsement was revoked is more than 12 months, the person”
with “in a case where the period since the driver licence of Classes 2 to 6 or endorsement was revoked is more than 12 months, the person”
.
26 Clause 93 amended (Director may approve courses)
(1)
After clause 93(a), insert:
(aa)
courses teaching driving skills, to reduce the period of time for which a person must hold a Class 1L licence before being allowed to apply for a Class 1R licence:
(2)
Revoke clause 93(a).
27 Clause 94 amended (Requirements for approval of course)
(1)
After clause 94(1), insert:
(1A)
To be approved, a course for the purpose specified in clause 93(aa) must—
(a)
prepare drivers to drive safely on a Class 1R licence, including by developing the experience, knowledge, and skills required to meet and maintain over time the standard of driving expected of a Class 1R licence holder, beyond the ability to pass the Class 1R practical test; and
(b)
include a combination of theory and practical instruction and assessment.
(2)
Revoke clause 94(1).
(3)
In clause 94(1A), after “clause 93(aa)”
, insert “or clause 93(f)”
.
28 New clause 99AAA inserted (Interpretation for purposes of approval of course providers)
Before clause 99, insert:
99AAA Interpretation for purposes of approval of course providers
In clauses 99 to 103C,—
adverse decision means any decision of the Director—
(a)
to refuse to grant an applicant approval as a course provider under clause 102(1)(a); or
(b)
that an applicant for approval as a course provider, or a person in control of the applicant, is not a fit and proper person under clause 102(1)(b) or 103A(2); or
(c)
to impose bespoke conditions on an applicant for approval as a course provider or to amend any bespoke conditions previously imposed on a course provider under clause 102(2) or (5), respectively; or
(d)
to revoke approval as a course provider under clause 103(1); or
(e)
to suspend approval as a course provider under clause 103(1); or
(f)
to disqualify a course provider, or a person in control of a course provider, under clause 103(2)
bespoke condition means a condition that applies to 1 or more course providers but not to all course providers
control, in relation to an organisation, means direct or indirect control of the management of the whole or part of the organisation by a shareholding or the holding of any position (however described) in the management of the whole or part of the organisation that gives the person a significant influence on the operation of the whole or part of the organisation (whether or not other persons are also involved)
person directly affected, in relation to any adverse decision, means the person who would be entitled under section 106 of the Act to appeal against that adverse decision.
29 Clause 99 amended (Director may approve course providers)
In clause 99, after “clause 93”
, insert “for a term of 5 years”
.
30 New clause 101A inserted (Renewal of approval as course provider)
After clause 101, insert:
101A Renewal of approval as course provider
(1)
An approved course provider must apply for a new approval not more than 60 days before the provider’s existing approval expires.
(2)
The approved course provider must follow the application process outlined in clause 101.
(3)
If an approved course provider fails to apply for a new approval in accordance with subclause (1), the Director may extend the provider’s existing approval for a term not exceeding 6 months if the Director is satisfied that extending the provider’s existing approval is appropriate in all the circumstances.
31 Clause 102 amended (Approval as course provider)
(1)
Replace clause 102(1) with:
(1)
The Director may approve an application for approval as a course provider if the applicant has complied with clause 101 and the Director is satisfied that—
(a)
the applicant will meet the requirements specified in clause 100; and
(b)
if the applicant—
(i)
is an individual, the applicant is a fit and proper person to be a course provider; or
(ii)
is an organisation, the organisation and the person in control of the organisation are fit and proper persons to be a course provider.
(2)
After clause 102(3)(b), insert:
(c)
any conditions imposed under subclause (2) or (5); and
(d)
the expiry date of the approval.
(3)
In clause 102(4)(b), replace “clauses”
with “clause”
.
(4)
After clause 102(4), insert:
(5)
In addition to the Director’s powers under subclause (2), the Director may, at any time,—
(a)
impose conditions under which a course provider must conduct courses:
(b)
revoke or amend any conditions previously imposed on a course provider.
(6)
The Director may impose conditions that apply to all course providers or bespoke conditions.
(7)
If the Director imposes bespoke conditions or revokes or amends bespoke conditions under subclause (5), the Director must issue a replacement certificate to the approved course provider that complies with the requirements specified in subclause (3).
32 New clauses 102A to 102D inserted
After clause 102, insert:
102A Criteria and procedure in relation to fit and proper person test (approval as course provider)
(1)
In determining whether a person is a fit and proper person to be a course provider for the purposes of clause 102(1)(b) or 103A(2), the Director may—
(a)
consider, and give such relative weight as the Director considers fit to, the criteria in sections 30C and 30D of the Act; and
(b)
seek and receive such information as the Director thinks fit; and
(c)
consider information obtained from any source.
(2)
If the Director proposes to take into account any information that is or may be prejudicial to a person, the Director must disclose that information to the person and give them reasonable opportunity to refute it or comment on it.
(3)
Nothing in subclause (2) requires the Director to disclose any information the disclosure of which would be likely to endanger the safety of any person.
102B Director to notify proposal to make adverse decision
(1)
If the Director proposes to make an adverse decision in respect of any person, the Director must, by notice in writing,—
(a)
notify the person directly affected of the proposed decision; and
(b)
subject to subclause (3), inform that person of the grounds for the proposed decision; and
(c)
specify a date by which submissions may be made to the Director in respect of the proposed decision (which must be at least 21 days after the date on which the notice is given); and
(d)
if appropriate, specify the date on which the proposed decision will, unless the Director otherwise determines, take effect (which must be at least 28 days after the date on which the notice is given); and
(e)
notify the person of the person’s right of appeal under section 106 of the Act in the event of the Director proceeding with the proposed decision; and
(f)
specify such other matters that in any particular case may be required by the Act or any other Act.
(2)
If the Director gives a notice under subclause (1), the Director must also supply a copy of the notice to any other person in control of the person directly affected if the Director considers that the proposed adverse decision is likely to have a significant impact on that person.
(3)
No notice or copy of a notice given under this clause may include or be accompanied by any information referred to in clause 102A(2) except to the extent that—
(a)
the notice or copy is supplied to the person to whom the information relates; or
(b)
the person to whom the information relates consents to the supply of that information to any other person.
102C Procedure for consideration of information
If any notice or copy of a notice is given to any person under clause 102B,—
(a)
it is the responsibility of the person to ensure that all information that the person wants to have considered by the Director in relation to the proposed adverse decision is received by the Director within the period specified in the notice, or within any further period that the Director may allow:
(b)
the Director may, but is not obliged to, consider any information supplied by the person after the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph (a), other than information requested by the Director and supplied by the person within such reasonable time as the Director may specify:
(c)
the Director must consider any submissions made in accordance with paragraph (a), and any information supplied under a request referred to in paragraph (b), but is not obliged to hear any person on the matter.
102D Director’s determination
After considering the submissions and information referred to in clause 102C(c), the Director must—
(a)
finally determine whether or not to make the proposed adverse decision; and
(b)
as soon as practicable after making the final determination, give notice in writing to the person directly affected, and any other person of a kind referred to in clause 102B(2), of—
(i)
the Director’s decision; and
(ii)
if appropriate, the date on which the decision will take effect; and
(iii)
if appropriate, the right of appeal under section 106 of the Act.
33 Clause 103 amended (Director may revoke or suspend approval of course provider)
(1)
In the heading to clause 103, after “approval of course provider”
, insert “or disqualify course provider from applying for approval”
.
(2)
After clause 103(1)(c), insert:
(d)
the Director is no longer satisfied that the course provider, or any other person in control of the course provider, is a fit and proper person under clause 102(1)(b) or 103A(2).
(3)
Replace clause 103(2) with:
(2)
If the Director revokes the approval of a course provider under subclause (1)(d), the Director may, by notice in writing, disqualify, for a period not exceeding 10 years, the course provider, or any other person in control of the course provider whose fitness and propriety was the basis of, or contributed to, the decision to revoke the approval of the course provider, from applying for approval as a course provider under clause 101.
(3)
The notice of revocation, suspension, or disqualification must—
(a)
state the date and time from which the approval is revoked or suspended, or the course provider or other person is disqualified, which must not be before the date and time at which the notice is given; and
(b)
state the reason for the revocation, suspension, or disqualification; and
(c)
outline the rights of appeal given by section 106 of the Act.
(4)
Despite subclause (1) or paragraph (e) of the definition of adverse decision in clause 99AAA, the Director may, without notice, immediately suspend the approval of a course provider if the Director is satisfied that exceptional circumstances mean public safety is at immediate risk and require immediate suspension of the approval of the course provider.
34 New clauses 103A to 103C inserted
After clause 103, insert:
103A Course provider must notify proposed change to person in control
(1)
A course provider must notify the Director of any proposed change to any person in control of the course provider.
(2)
If the Director receives notice under subclause (1), the Director may consider whether the Director is satisfied that the proposed new person in control of the course provider is a fit and proper person to be a course provider.
103B Course provider may surrender approval
(1)
A course provider may surrender its approval as a course provider to the Director if it provides to the Director any information or documents that the Director may reasonably require, for example, course materials and blank course certificates.
(2)
If the Director is satisfied that the course provider has complied with subclause (1), the Director must notify the course provider and the course provider’s approval expires on the date that such notice is given.
103C Transfer, assignment, or lease of approval as course provider prohibited
An approval as a course provider may not be transferred, assigned, or leased to any person.
35 New Schedule 1AA inserted
(1)
Insert the Schedule 1AA heading, Part 1, the Part 2 heading, and subpart 1 of Part 2 set out in the Schedule of this rule as the first schedule to appear after the last clause of the principal rule.
(2)
In Schedule 1AA,—
(a)
after subpart 1 of Part 2, insert subpart 2 of Part 2 set out in the Schedule of this rule; and
(b)
make all necessary consequential amendments.
(3)
In Schedule 1AA,—
(a)
after subpart 2 of Part 2, insert subpart 3 of Part 2 set out in the Schedule of this rule; and
(b)
make all necessary consequential amendments.
36 Schedule 2A revoked
Revoke Schedule 2A.
Consequential amendments to Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2024
37 Principal rule
38 Clause 2 amended (Commencement)
In clause 2(2), replace “clauses 4, 5(2), 7, 8, and 9”
with “clauses 5(2), 7, and 8”
.
39 Clause 4 revoked (Clause 5A amended (Transitional, savings, and related provisions))
Revoke clause 4.
40 Clause 8 replaced (New Schedule 1AA inserted)
Replace clause 8 with:
8 Schedule 1AA amended
In Schedule 1AA,—
(a)
insert the Part set out in the Schedule of this rule as the last Part; and
(b)
make all necessary consequential amendments.
41 Clause 9 revoked (Schedule 2A revoked)
Revoke clause 9.
Schedule New Schedule 1AA inserted
Schedule 1AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions
cl 5A
Part 1 Provision relating to Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2014
1 Transitional provision in relation to existing licences of Class 1L, Class 1R, Class 6L, or Class 6R
This rule, as amended by the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2014, applies to a licence of Class 1L, Class 1R, Class 6L, or Class 6R that was issued before the date on which the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2014 came into force, except that—
(a)
nothing in clause 60 (as amended by the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2014) has the effect of changing the expiry date as expressed on the licence; and
(b)
clause 67(1A)(a)(i) and (2B) does not apply in respect of the first renewal of the licence to occur after the date on which the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2014 came into force; and
(c)
for the purpose of any reinstatement of any such licence under clause 67A, 67B, or 67C,—
(i)
clause 67A(8) must be read as if it requires that the person comply with clause 67 if the licence has expired or will expire within the following 12 months; and
(ii)
clause 67B(5) must be read as if it requires that the person comply with clause 67 if the licence has expired or will expire within the following 12 months; and
(iii)
clause 67C(5) must be read as if it requires that the person comply with clause 67 if the licence has expired or will expire within the following 12 months.
Part 2 Provisions relating to Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026
Subpart 1—Provision commencing on 7 May 2026
2 Transitional provision in relation to Class 1R licence holders who have demerit points recorded
(1)
Subclause (2) applies to a holder of a Class 1R licence who has demerit points recorded against them for an offence described in Schedule 2 of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999 on or after 7 May 2026 but before 25 January 2027.
(2)
On and from 25 January 2027, the person is not eligible to apply for the issue of a Class 1 full licence until after the expiry of any additional time period that would have been imposed on that person had clause 18B of this rule (inserted by clause 12 of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026) been in force at the time the demerit points were recorded.
Subpart 2—Provision commencing on 30 September 2026
3 Transitional provision in relation to approved course providers
(1)
This clause applies for the purposes of clause 101A.
(2)
An approved course provider who holds an approval granted before 30 September 2026 (an existing approval) must apply for a new approval no later than 25 January 2028.
(3)
The approved course provider must follow the application process set out in clause 101.
(4)
If the approved course provider fails to apply before 25 January 2028, the Director may treat the provider’s existing approval as having expired on that date.
Subpart 3—Provision commencing on 25 January 2027
4 Transitional provision in relation to approved courses teaching advanced driving skills
(1)
This clause applies for the purposes of clause 93(a) and (f) as in force before the commencement of clauses 25(2) and 26(2) and (3) of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026.
(2)
The approval of any course approved by the Director under clause 93(a) or (f) before 25 January 2027 is revoked on 25 January 2027.
Rachel Hayward,
Clerk of the Executive Council.
Explanatory note
This note is not part of the rule but is intended to indicate its general effect.
This rule, which mostly comes into force on 25 January 2027, amends the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999 (the principal rule) to implement changes to the licensing system for Class 1 (car) driver licences and to the approval and oversight of driving-related course providers (course providers).
However, clauses 26(1), 27(1), 28 to 34, and 35(2) of this rule (which relate to course and course provider approvals and a transitional provision) come into force on 30 September 2026. Clauses 5 and 35(1) (which provide for a new transitional schedule and a transitional provision in relation to holders of Class 1R driver licences who have demerit points recorded against them for a specified offence on or after 7 May 2026 but before 25 January 2027) comes into force on 7 May 2026.
Clauses 36 to 42 (which make consequential amendments to the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2024) also come into force on 7 May 2026. The Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2024 makes amendments to the transitional schedule in the principal rule that do not come into force until 1 November 2026. Some of those proposed amendments will now be made by this rule.
Changes to licensing system for Class 1 driver licences
The changes to the licensing system for Class 1 driver licences—
remove the requirement for an applicant for a full driver licence to sit a practical test:
move the testing of an applicant’s hazard perception skills from the full driver licence practical test to the restricted driver licence practical test:
provide that the holder of a Class 1R driver licence who has pending demerit points for a specified offence is not allowed to apply for a Class 1 full driver licence:
require the holder of a Class 1R driver licence who has demerit points recorded against them for a specified offence to hold that licence for an additional 6 months for each offence before they are allowed to apply for a Class 1 full driver licence:
remove the requirement for an applicant for a restricted or full driver licence to sit an eyesight test:
extend the learner period for an applicant for a Class 1R licence who is under 25 years of age from 6 months to 12 months, with the option to reduce it back to 6 months if the applicant completes an approved practical driving course or the required number of supervised driving hours:
reduce the restricted period for an applicant for a Class 1 full licence who is 17 years and 6 months of age or over to 12 months and remove the option to reduce the restricted period if the applicant completes an approved practical driving course:
remove the option to reduce the restricted period for an applicant for a Class 1 full licence who is 25 years of age or over from 6 months to 3 months if the applicant completes an approved practical driving course:
enable an online applicant for a Class 1 full licence to reuse the photograph on their Class 1R licence on their Class 1 full licence in certain circumstances:
add an additional statement in relation to the service of any infringement notices to the content of the form that a person who is applying for a full Class 1 licence driver licence must complete.
The holder of an overseas driver licence or permit that is equivalent to a New Zealand Class 1 full driver licence who wants to convert their overseas driver licence or permit to a New Zealand Class 1 full driver licence is still required to sit the practical test.
A person who wants to renew a Class 1 full driver licence that has been expired for more than 5 years will be required to sit the practical test for a Class 1R driver licence. A person who wants to reinstate a Class 1 full driver licence, or to replace it after it has been revoked on medical grounds, will also be required to sit the practical test for a Class 1R driver licence.
This rule enables the Director of Land Transport (the Director) to make a transport instrument in relation to supervised driving hours (an applicant for a Class 1R licence who is under 25 years of age must complete supervised driving hours if they want to reduce the learner period).
The Director is also empowered to approve practical driving courses for persons who want to reduce the learner period.
This rule inserts a transitional provision in relation to holders of Class 1R driver licences who have demerit points recorded against them for a specified offence on or after 7 May 2026 but before 25 January 2027. If those persons want to apply for a Class 1 full driver licence on and from 25 January 2027, they will be required to wait an additional 6 months for each recording of demerit points before they are able to do so.
Changes to approval and oversight of course providers
The changes to the approval and oversight of course providers—
add a requirement that the Director must be satisfied that an applicant for approval as a course provider is a fit and proper person to be a course provider (or that the person in control of the applicant is a fit and proper person):
empower the Director to revoke or suspend approval as a course provider if the Director is satisfied that the course provider, or any other person who is in control of the course provider, is not a fit and proper person to be a course provider:
empower the Director to disqualify, for a maximum period of 10 years, a course provider, or any other person who was in control of the course provider and whose fitness and propriety was the basis of, or contributed to, the decision to revoke the approval of the course provider, from applying for approval as a course provider:
provide that approval as a course provider will be for a 5-year term:
require a person who already has approval as a course provider to apply for a new approval under this rule:
empower the Director to impose conditions under which a course provider must conduct courses at any time (not just when approving the course provider) and to revoke or amend any conditions previously imposed on a course provider:
enable a course provider to surrender their approval:
provide that approval may not be transferred, assigned, or leased.
The amendments also insert into the principal rule procedures in relation to the fit and proper person test and adverse decisions in respect of course provider approvals.
This rule inserts a transitional provision in relation to course providers who were granted approval before 30 September 2026. Those persons must apply for a new approval no later than 25 January 2028. If a provider fails to apply in time, the Director may treat their existing approval as having expired on 25 January 2028.
This rule also inserts a transitional provision in relation to advanced driving skills and driving improvement courses that were approved by the Director before 25 January 2027. The approval for those courses is revoked on that date.
Other amendments
This rule also—
replaces the identity credentials that are required in relation to online applications with requirements to be set out in a transport instrument made by the Director:
removes the requirement for an applicant for a Class 6 (motorcycle) restricted or full driver licence to sit an eyesight test:
broadens the ways in which a person who wants to obtain specified classes of licence can prove that they have successfully completed an approved course:
increases from 5 to 6 years the period during which a person who wants to obtain specified types of endorsement may rely on having previously passed a practical driving test.
Regulatory impact statement
The Ministry of Transport produced a regulatory impact statement and a cost recovery impact statement on 13 August 2025 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government relating to the contents of this instrument.
A copy of the regulatory impact statement and the cost recovery impact statement can be found at—
Date of notification in Gazette: 9 April 2026.
This rule is administered by the Ministry of Transport.
Versions
Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026
RSS feed link copied, you can now paste this link into your feed reader.