New restricted licence rule could mean you wait longer to get your full

If you’re on your restricted, you're going to want to stay focussed on safe driving, because demerit points are about to carry a bit more weight.

From May 7 2026, through to January 24 2027, any demerit points you accrue could end up adding time to how long you’re stuck on your restricted.

And it’s not just a small change - every time you get demerits, you’ll be adding another six months to your restricted period.

So if you’re racking them up, you could be waiting a helluva lot longer before getting your full.

The rule officially kicks in on January 25 2027, and it’ll apply to anyone still on their restricted licence at that point.

If you get demerits after May 7 but manage to get your full before January 25, you’re all good - no extra time will be added.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says, “This change will improve road safety for everyone by encouraging inexperienced drivers to drive safely.”

Demerit points can be issued for things like speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or using your phone while driving.

Speeding and camera ticket fines without demerit points also won’t add any extra time.

It only kicks in if you’re still on your restricted after that January date, and anything you got pinged for before May 7 won’t be taken into account.

This is just the first of a whole lot of licence changes the Government announced earlier this year.

One of them is the new look licences. Moving forward, new New Zealand driver's licences will come with an extra layer of security on the card - age verification embossing.

The New Zealand Transport Agency confirmed your birth date will now be visible over your licence photo.

“The embossing provides a secondary verification of the driver's date of birth, which is already printed beside the photo,” the agency wrote.

Other changes to NZ licences starting January 25 2027: 

• Drivers will no longer need to sit a practical test to move from the restricted to the full licence

• The hazard perception test will be included in the restricted practical test 

• The learner period for under-25s is extending from 6 to 12 months, with an option to reduce this to 6 months by recording supervised driving hours or completing an approved practical course

• The restricted licence period for under-25s is reducing from 18 to 12 months

• Eyesight tests will no longer be needed when applying for restricted and full car and motorcycle licences.

So, if you’re currently working towards your rezzy or full licence, stay switched on - you don’t want to extend your wait!