NZTA Approved Class 1 Learner Licensing Course

Important: Changes to the NZ Driver Licensing System from 25 January 2027

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The New Zealand driver licensing system is changing from 25 January 2027.

If you are currently learning to drive, or are planning to get your learner licence, it is important to understand how these changes may affect you.

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Under the new system, drivers under 25 will normally need to hold their learner licence for 12 months before applying for their restricted licence.

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However, the learner period can be reduced to 6 months by either:

• completing an NZTA-approved Class 1 learner licence course, or

• completing the required amount of logged supervised driving.

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The new approved learner licence courses will include practical driver training, driver theory education and assessment. NZTA will publish the list of approved course providers from November 2026, with courses available from 25 January 2027.

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Please note that this new learner licence course is different from an approved Defensive Driving/advanced driving course.

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Find out more

For the most up-to-date information about the changes to the NZ driver licensing system, including the new learner licence courses, eligibility requirements and licensing changes, visit the official NZ Transport Agency website: