The NZ government confirms the full licence practical test will be scrapped by January 2027. See how these new driving law affects you.

Getting your full licence in New Zealand is about to look very different. In a major announcement this week, Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed that the full licence practical test is being scrapped as part of a massive overhaul to the Graduated Driver Licensing System. The goal of this new law? To reduce “cost and access barriers” for Kiwis, effectively saving drivers about $80 and a whole lot of stress.

But it’s not all shortcuts. While the second practical test is going away, the “trade-off” includes longer wait times for younger drivers. For those under 25, the learner licence period will double from six to 12 months. Additionally, a new “zero-alcohol” limit law will apply to all learner driving  and restricted drivers, regardless of age. These changes are set to take full effect on January 25, 2027, so if you’re currently booked for a test, keep your appointment—the current rules still apply until the new legislation and law officially kicks in.