Driving in New Zealand: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to New Zealand can drive with a valid foreign driving licence and an International Driving Document. New Zealand accepts both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document. The country drives on the left. Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. New Zealand is well-known for camper and motorhome holidays, with scenic routes across both islands.
New Zealand at a glance
- Permit type
- Geneva Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Left (same as UK, Australia, Japan)
- How long it is valid
- 1 year from issue
- Minimum driving age
- 16 with a qualified supervisor; 18 for unsupervised
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% (approximately two standard drinks)
- Emergency number
- 111 (police, ambulance, fire)
How to get your permit for New Zealand
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
New Zealand + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
An International Driving Document valid under both conventions for New Zealand — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
New Zealand driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Left (same as UK, Australia, Japan)
- Minimum driving age
- 16 with a qualified supervisor; 18 for unsupervised
- Speed limit — urban/residential
- 50 km/h
- Speed limit — open road
- 100 km/h
- Speed limit — school zones
- 20–40 km/h during school hours
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% (approximately two standard drinks)
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all passengers at all times
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all motorcycle and scooter riders
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free
- Emergency number
- 111 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Right turn on red
- Permitted after stopping — unless signposted otherwise
- Headlights
- Recommended at all times; mandatory in tunnels and poor weather
- Roundabouts
- Give way to traffic already on the roundabout; indicate right when exiting
Documents required to drive in New Zealand
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class you plan to drive
- International Driving DocumentEither 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Convention type
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid New Zealand visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities get 6 months visa-free
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Compulsory third-party insurance (CTP)Mandatory — rental cars include this
When you need a permit in New Zealand
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car or campervan
Yes — all rental companies require it — Includes cars, motorhomes, campervans, and SUVs
Driving a private vehicle
Yes — police request it at stops — Carry alongside your foreign licence
Short tourist visit (up to 1 year)
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Permit valid for 1 year from issue date
Staying longer than 1 year
Confirm with local authority — you may need a New Zealand licence — Contact NZ Transport Agency for conversion rules
Frequently asked questions
Driving in New Zealand with a foreign licence, answered.
More for your New Zealand trip
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.