Driving Permit for New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand on a foreign licence? An IDP is only required in New Zealand if your licence is not in English; it acts as a translation, not a replacement. NZ drives on the left.
- Drive on
- Left
- Convention
- 1949 Geneva
- IDP validity
- 12 months
- Processing time
- 24 hours
Do you need an IDP to drive in New Zealand?
Planning to hire a car and explore both islands? Driving in New Zealand on a foreign license is straightforward, and whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) comes down to one thing: the language on your license. New Zealand law lets visitors drive on a current, valid overseas driver license for up to 18 months from their date of arrival (12 months for a truck or motorcycle license). If your license is written in English, you can generally drive and rent a car without an IDP. If it is not in English, you must also carry either an IDP or an accurate English translation before you drive.
The most important point is that an IDP for New Zealand never replaces your home license, it translates it. The permit only certifies your existing entitlement in multiple languages, so you must always carry your original physical driver license alongside it whenever you drive. New Zealand's transport agency (Waka Kotahi NZTA) accepts an IDP issued under a United Nations road-traffic convention as an acceptable translation of a non-English license. Rental desks commonly check that your paperwork is in order before releasing the vehicle, and if your license is not in English they will ask to see the IDP or approved translation before the keys change hands.
On the ground, remember that New Zealand drives on the left. The drink-drive limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood for drivers aged 20 and over, and zero for drivers under 20. Police can ask to see your license and, where applicable, your IDP or translation. Driving without an acceptable English translation or IDP when one is required can leave you treated as driving unlicensed, so carrying the right documents protects both your trip and your rental agreement.
New Zealand recognises the IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
New Zealand is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention. In practice, an IDP issued by another signatory country is recognised for your permitted visitor stay — in New Zealand, plan on 12 months.
What you need to drive in New Zealand
Have these ready before you pick up the keys.
Original license.
IDP/Translation (if not English).
Visitors may drive on a valid overseas car license for up to 18 months from their date of arrival in New Zealand; truck and motorcycle licenses are valid for up to 12 months.
An IDP or an accurate English translation is required only if your overseas license is not written in English.
The IDP is a translation of your license, not a substitute — you must always carry your original home driver license with it.
An accepted English translation can be issued by an NZTA-approved translator, the authority that issued your overseas license, or a diplomatic representative (high commission, embassy or consulate).
Your overseas license must be current and valid to drive in New Zealand.
A full overseas car license is treated as a New Zealand class 1 license, generally covering vehicles up to 6,000kg gross laden weight.
What to know before you turn the key
New Zealand drives on the left — the driver sits on the right, and roundabouts flow clockwise.
Carry your IDP and your original license together — rental desks and police checks will ask for both documents.
Drive on the LEFT.
Strict biosecurity laws.
Driving without an acceptable English translation or IDP when one is required can result in an infringement fee of NZ$400, or a fine of up to NZ$1,000 if the matter goes to court.
Signs you'll meet on the road
Eight internationally recognised signs — including which side of the road New Zealand keeps.
Common questions about driving in New Zealand
Drive New Zealand, confidently.
Apply online in minutes and get instant digital access to your IDP translation — with an IDP PVC card option if you want one in your wallet.