Driving in New Zealand
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. Please ensure you carry your driver's licence with you at all times.
If your overseas driver's licence is written in a foreign language, please have it translated into English and carry both with you. You can be fined if you drive without a licence, or if you have a licence but don’t have it in the car.
We drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are having trouble remembering, write “keep left” on a sticker and put it on your steering wheel.
The driver and all passengers in the car must wear safety belts. If the passengers are under 15 years old and are not wearing safety belts, the driver can be fined.
It is strongly recommended that you get insurance for your car. Leading insurance companies in New Zealand include State Insurance, AMI and AA.
If you are involved in an accident, pull to the left of the road and find a safe parking space. If no one is injured, you can exchange details with the other party. Get the name of the driver, address, telephone number, car registration number (number plate number), make of the car and name of insurance company. Then report the accident at a police station within 24 hours. You can take a copy of the report to the insurance company and make your claim.
If someone is injured in an accident, call 111 for emergency services (ambulance, fire or police).
Do not drink and drive in New Zealand - you can be fined up to $4,500 and possibly imprisoned if you are caught. If you’ve had a big party night, get a friend to take you home or catch a taxi.
Excessive speed is one of the biggest killers in New Zealand, especially on rural roads. Keep to the speed limits and drive carefully. If you're feeling tired while driving, pull over and have a rest.
