Can I use my overseas driving licence in New Zealand

Before you can start your road trip in New Zealand, there's one important question to answer. Can I use my driving licence in New Zealand? Or do I need an International Driver's Licence or a translation? Well, it all depends on where you are from. Check out the info below.

Oh and no matter where you're from or what kind of licence you have, drivers need to be at least 18 years of age to be able to drive a Spaceship in New Zealand.

Can I use my driving licence in New Zealand?

As a visitor in New Zealand, you can drive for up to 18 months from your arrival date with an overseas driving licence if you meet these criteria.

• your overseas licence or driver permit is current and valid, and
• you haven’t been given a disqualification or suspension in New Zealand, and
• you arrived in New Zealand less than 18 months ago, and
• your overseas driving licence is in English, or you have an accurate translation (like an International driving licence), and
• you haven’t been granted a New Zealand driver licence since you last entered New Zealand.

In November 2024 the time you can drive on an overseas licence changed from 12 months to 18 months.

See for more info on the New Zealand Transport Agency's website. To prepare for driving in New Zealand, make sure to check out the free Road Code test and read all info & tips about driving in New Zealand.

UK drivers licence

If you hold a current UK driver's licence then yes you can drive in New Zealand for up to one year without needing to do anything else. You must carry your licence with you at all times while driving. If you are planning to stay in New Zealand for over one year you will need to apply for a New Zealand licence.

Australian driver's licence: full or provisional (P) licence

If you hold a current Australian driver's licence then you can drive in New Zealand for up to one year without needing to do anything else. You must carry your licence with you at all times while driving. If you are planning to stay in New Zealand for over one year you will need to apply for a New Zealand licence.

A restricted or provisional (P) licence can also be used to hire a Spaceship campervan in New Zealand. Provided you are at least 18 years of age and drive within the terms of your licence.

European driving licence

We need to be able to see that you have a valid driving licence and that it's not some library card you're showing us. Therefore the rules are simple:

• Does it say 'driving licence' (in English) on your European licence? Then you're good to go and you can drive off in your Spaceships campervan. See the photo of the Dutch driving licence to see what we mean.
• If your licence isn't in English then you need to bring an official translation or an International Driving Licence. More information can be found on the New Zealand Transport Agency's info page.

Can I use my national driving licence in New Zealand? If it says 'driving licence' in English, you're good to go

Specific European countries that don't need an international licence

• Belgium
• Italy
• Malaysia
• Norway
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• ...more will be added as soon as we spot them

All other overseas driving licences

Make sure you have an English translation if your driving licence isn't in English. If you are required to travel with an International Driving Licence or an official translation, please make sure you also bring the original driving licence. Without the original driving licence, the translation or international version isn't valid.

Important info about your overseas driving licence

Please read the information below to make sure you have the correct documents when arriving at our depot to start your New Zealand road trip.

International Driving Licence? Bring original as well!

If you are travelling with an International Driving Licence you'll need to bring your original driving licence as well!!!! The International licence is mere an official translation of your driving licence, it isn't a driving licence by itself. Always bring your original driver's licence.

Can you help me to get a translation of my overseas licence?

Yes, we can. You can get an online official translation of your overseas licence. It's easy to do it online yourself.

Can I drive a Spaceships campervan with my licence?

Spaceships campervans are like a good car to drive. Therefore anyone can drive one. And by anyone we mean:

• You're at least 18 years of age (yes, we do rent to under 21s without any extra costs)
• You have a valid driving licence that meets the official rules (in English or an official translation in English)

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