New Zealand Driving

Driving in New Zealand

Visitors to New Zealand may drive for up to twelve months if they possess a current driver’s licence in their home country, or an International Driving Permit.  An International Driving Permit is a UN sanctioned document that permits tourists to drive in another country without further tests or applications, provided their driver’s license is valid.  An IDP is available in nine languages and is recognised in over 150 countries.  Your country’s official automotive association should be able to help you with obtaining an International Driving Permit.

Travellers with an IDP or foreign driver’s license may only drive the same class of vehicle that they are permitted to drive in their home country.  After twelve months, you may be required to take a practical and/or written driving exam.
New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road, and give way to traffic on their right side.  All speed limit signs are in kilometres per hour.  The open road speed limit is 100 kilometres per hour.  Visitors must follow New Zealand road rules at all times.  Driving while drunk is illegal in New Zealand and offenders risk losing their license, or even jail time.  Drivers must always carry their license with them.