Extension of Overseas Driver Licences
With international borders closed as a result of COVID-19, there are many people with overseas driver licences who are unable to leave New Zealand (NZ) and are nearing the end of their 12-month period of being able to drive with their overseas licence.
Due to this, the 12-month period has been temporarily extended for some people to 24 months after arrival and will expire on 31 March 2022. After this time, it will change back to a 12-month period from 1 April 2022.
Here’s what you need to know:
You must still hold a valid overseas drivers licence to drive in NZ. A valid licence means it must be current (not expired), and you must not have been disqualified or suspended from driving in the country your licence was issued or in NZ.
If you are in the part way through converting your overseas licence, you can continue to drive using your overseas licence if you:
> passed the theory test on or after 18 December 2020, and
> last entered NZ between 2 January 2019 and 17 December 2020.
You will have a supervisor condition showing on your NZ licence, but you can drive using your overseas licence (without a supervisor) instead. This only applies until you sit the practical driving test to complete your overseas conversion or your overseas licence becomes invalid. If you sit and fail the practical driving test, you can’t use your overseas driver licence anymore and will need to drive with a supervisor at all times.
Ready to convert your overseas licence? Book today!
