New Zealand

To apply for an IDP from New Zealand, follow these simple steps:

  • 1. Click the button below to go to the website of the national IDP provider
  • 2. Follow the instructions of your national association
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Apply for a CPD: A passport for your car

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Why do I need an International Driving Permit?

How to Get an International Driving Permit in New Zealand? 

An International Driving Permit is a translation of your national driving license. The IDP allows motorists to drive vehicles in foreign countries. You must always have your IDP along with your national license at all times. To get an International Driving Permit in New Zealand, visit www.aa.co.nz.

Contact:

From anywhere in New Zealand, you will be able to use the NZAA’s freephone numbers:

• 0800 500 222 from a landline 
• *222 from a mobile phone

Other New Zealand Emergency Phone Numbers:

• In an emergency dial: 111 from a landline phone or mobile phone.
• For less-serious traffic issues you can dial: *555 from a mobile phone.

For more information go to the New Zealand Automobile Association(NZAA) website: www.aa.co.nz

Brief Description of New Zealand

New Zealand is a multi-cultural country with a wide variety of landscapes including mountains, lakes and rivers, beautiful beaches, forests, and a lot of rolling farm land.  

The country has two main islands – the North Island and the South Island. Three quarters of the population live in the North Island, with most living in the top half, centred around Auckland.

Smaller Stewart Island (off the bottom of the South Island) and several other islands around the coast are wonderful places to visit.  They have small populations, limited shops and services and more basic infrastructure.

Wellington (at the bottom of the North Island) is the capital city. Auckland (near the top of the North Island) is the country’s biggest city. Christchurch (in the middle of the South Island) is the South Island’s largest city, followed by Dunedin (near the bottom).  

Particularly in the South Island, many settlements are small to very small and there can be large distances between major towns, even along some of the main highways.

Be Prepared for Travelling Around New Zealand

If you venture off a main highway in either the North or South Island, make sure you have done your research and are prepared to be somewhat self-sufficient.  There are places that may look more established on a map than they actually are.

Distances can be deceiving and it’s easy to underestimate travelling times.  The nature of our terrain and our roading network means that it can take longer to drive between distances that you think.  Plan your drives carefully.

You cannot always expect to get mobile phone or internet coverage in remote areas.

Do not plan on driving far immediately after arriving off a long flight.  Plan your trip with sensible distances between destinations because you are more likely to crash if you are tired. 

International Road Traffic Conventions 

New Zealand has signed the United Nations Convention of Road Traffic (1949), which recommends visitors have an International Driving Permit (IDP).

An IDP must be obtained in your country of residence before travelling to New Zealand.  

It proves that you hold a valid driver’s licence in your home country.  It can also help protect you and your family in an event of an accident or loss of identification.

If your overseas licence or permit is not in English, you must also carry an accurate English translation.

You must have your current driver licence and/or driver permit with you at all times when you are driving.

The IDP is only valid for 12 months in New Zealand. After this you need to apply for a New Zealand driver licence.  For more information click here 

New Zealand Road Conditions

• There are not many multiple lane motorways in New Zealand.
• Many roads are narrow and winding – it’s easy to underestimate travel times.
• Outside cities, roads are mostly just two lanes – one in each direction. 
• Many areas have limited passing lanes, so you must keep an eye on traffic behind you and allow faster traffic to pass when it’s safe.
• Many smaller roads don’t have a centreline marked, but you must still always stay on the left hand side of the road.
• If you venture off main highways, roads can be unsealed/gravel.

Rules of the Road

We drive on the left-hand-side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the right-hand side (remember the driver should always be closest to the centreline).
The driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt.
Speed limits are strictly enforced. Always check for speed limit signs.

  • Speed cameras are used to manage driver speeds and rental companies will charge you for any speeding tickets incurred while you are
    renting the vehicle.

You can overtake/pass other vehicles on their right.

  • On larger roads there will be occasional passing lanes. Wait for these if possible.
  • When there are no upcoming passing lanes, you can pass on the right if you can see the road ahead is clear of oncoming vehicles for at least 100m throughout the whole passing manoeuvre.
  • Never overtake if there is a corner coming up.
  • Never overtake if there is a solid yellow centre line on your side of the road, or a double yellow centreline.
  • If there is traffic building up behind you, find a safe place to pull over to let faster vehicles pass.

Helmets must be worn if riding a motorcycle or bicycle.

Learn More – Video Training for Visiting Drivers

“Ready to learn how to drive in New Zealand? Start with our free quiz – try an online AA Road Code Practice Test. “

• NZAA Visiting Driver Training Programme:

www.aa.co.nz/travel/getting-around/visitors-to-new-zealand/visiting-driver-training-programme/

More Information about NZ Road Rules visit this website 

Roadside Assistance 

The NZAA has a breakdown service which operates 24 hours a day. 

If you belong to an international automobile club affiliated to the FIA/AIT, and present your membership card to the NZAA when you arrive in New Zealand, you can use the NZAA breakdown service and get other benefits at no cost while you are travelling around New Zealand.

 

New Zealand International Driving Permit New Zealand International Driving Permit

IDP Sample

FAQ

How old do I have to be to obtain an IDP?

You must be at least 18 years of age.

Which address do I use on the IDP application form?

The address that is shown on your domestic driving license.

Where can I obtain an IDP?

The organization in charge to issue IDPs varies across countries. However, in most countries Automobile Clubs are authorized organizations than can issue and inform you about IDPs. Please use this website to check if there is an authorized automobile club in your country of residence.

How long does it take to get the IDP processed?

It varies depending on the administration which issues the IDP and the process established by the authorities. It can be just minutes in an issuing office or it may take weeks if the application needs to be made by post.

What if I am stopped by the police in a country where an IDP is required and I cannot produce one?

Penalties can range from a fine to a citation. Without an IDP, a driver is therefore driving without a valid license and if stopped, highway patrols may seize the vehicle and arrest the driver or give him/her a citation for a mandatory court appearance.

I have been out of the country for over a year, can I get another IDP?

Yes, as long as you are still in possession of a valid domestic driver’s license.

Can I get an IDP issued with my temporary or interim driver’s license while I’m waiting for definitive one?

No.

How will I benefit by carrying an International Driving Permit on my next trip abroad?

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that provides important information from your driver’s license in several different languages, including English. This document came into existence by virtue of several UN Conventions on Road Traffic (1926, 1949 and 1968). As an official travel document, the IDP is recognized in over 150 countries today. Carried in conjunction with a National / Domestic driver’s license, the IDP can help break down language barriers when traveling in across countries.

Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries?

Many countries do not recognize a driver’s licenses from other countries, but officially recognize an IDP. Some countries may honor a driving license of your country of residence, but require a local language translation (e.g. Spain). The IDP can satisfy these types of situations. Keep in mind, however, that while a certain country’s government may not require an IDP, car rental companies located in that country, may require an IDP to rent a car. Purchasing an IDP prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles.
NOTE: If you are living permanently or staying for a longer period of time in a foreign country, even though you may still hold a domestic driver’s license, you must abide by local driver’s licensing laws. Many countries require that you obtain a local license once you take up employment and/or residency.



What happens if I am stopped and given a citation against my IDP?


The IDP does not hold any powers of its own apart from your driver’s license, and therefore, you do not have a separate driving record with an IDP. The IDP is valid only when carried in conjunction with and acts as a translation of a driver’s license. If you are traveling in a foreign country and are stopped by a law enforcement officer, your domestic driver’s license and IDP should be presented to the officer. If a citation is issued to you, it will be reflected on the driving record that is with your driver’s license.

Does possession of the IDP along with my domestic-issued driver’s license override any local laws?


No. Although the IDP is valid for one year, you must adhere to all local laws. For example, in many countries, if you take up residence or employment there you need to obtain a local license.

How long an IDP is valid for?

If you ask for a 1949 convention IDP, it is valid for a maximum of one year from the date of issue. 1968 model IDPs are valid for up to 3 years. However, validity of IDPs cannot exceed the validity of your domestic drive license. Plus, some countries recognize IDPs from foreign visitors only for a few weeks – usually, only for as long as their tourist visas are valid. If someone visits the United States from a foreign country and discovers that they need an IDP, can they purchase one from the local club AAA? No. An IDP must be issued in the same country where the traveler’s domestic driver’s license was issued. Therefore, if someone from the United Kingdom has a U.K. driver’s license, their IDP must also be issued in the U.K.

Can I use a scanned/digital photograph?

Scanned photographs are not acceptable. Please read U.S. Passport Photo Requirements for guidelines. Polaroid type photographs are acceptable. Photographs can be either in color or in black and white. Photocopies are not acceptable.

My client is traveling to South America, so which permit should I issue?

The 1949 International Driving Permit is valid for South America, EXCEPT Brazil and Uruguay. The 1968 IDP is valid in Brazil and Uruguay, but with some time restrictions.

Can I get an IDP if I only have a temporary license? 


While a temporary license is a valid license you should wait until you receive your permanent license before traveling. Authorities abroad probably will not accept a temporary license.

What do I need to obtain an IDP?

It depends on the country where your domestic driving license was issued. Usually, you need to complete a brief application form (generally available through the local authority or automobile club web site), provide two passport-size photographs with your signature on the back, a photocopy of the front and back of your valid domestic- issued driver’s license, and pay an administrative fee.