In rural New Zealand, there is often no realistic alternative to driving. Bus services are infrequent or non-existent, distances are long, and employers depend on workers being mobile. For rural drivers who have been disqualified or suspended, a limited licence is often the only way to keep working.
Why rural drivers have a strong case
The hardship test under s105 requires proof that alternatives to driving have been considered and are inadequate. In rural areas, this is often self-evident:
- No public transport — many rural areas have no bus service at all
- Long distances — workplaces, schools, and medical facilities may be 20, 30, or 50+ kilometres away
- No taxi or ride-share — services that exist in urban areas are simply not available
- Cycling or walking is impractical — distances, terrain, and weather make it unsafe or impossible
- Employment is inherently mobile — farming, forestry, and rural trades require driving
Evidence that strengthens rural applications
Transport alternatives analysis
This is where rural applications are strongest. Document:
- The nearest bus stop and how far it is from your home and workplace
- The bus timetable (if any service exists) — showing frequency and hours
- No taxi services available in the area
- The distance between home and work (use Google Maps or a distance calculator)
- Terrain and conditions — unsealed roads, hills, or weather that make cycling dangerous
Employment evidence
Rural employment often has characteristics that strengthen the case:
- Farm work — driving between properties, to stock yards, or to suppliers
- Rural trades — plumbing, electrical, and building work covering a wide geographical area
- Forestry — remote work sites accessible only by vehicle
- Rural healthcare — community nurses, vets, or care workers visiting homes
- Agricultural services — fencing, shearing, crop spraying, livestock transport
Community impact
In small rural communities, the loss of a driver can affect others:
- Employer impact — a small rural employer may have no one to replace you
- Family impact — you may be the only driver in a household that depends on vehicle access
- Community services — if you volunteer as a rural firefighter, emergency responder, or community transport provider
Boundary considerations
Rural limited licence boundaries are often larger than urban ones because:
- Home and workplace may be far apart
- Job sites may be spread across a large area
- Essential services (school, medical, supplies) may be in a different town
Provide a clear boundary map showing all the locations you need to reach. The court will generally accept a larger boundary for a rural applicant if the evidence supports it.
Common rural scenarios
| Scenario | Key evidence | Typical boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Farm worker | Employer affidavit, farm location, distance from town | Farm property + route to home |
| Rural tradesperson | Multiple job sites across a district | Wider area covering the typical service range |
| Forestry worker | Remote work sites, vehicle required for access | Route to forest block + home |
| Small town commuter | 20-40 km drive to nearest town for work | Full route between home and workplace |
| Rural sole parent | School run, medical appointments, no alternatives | Home, school, medical centre, nearest town |
Location-specific information
Our locations pages include transport context for each area — including information about public transport availability (or lack thereof) that is directly relevant to your application. Check the page for your District Court area.
Tips for rural applicants
- Document the distance precisely — the court responds to specific numbers (32 km, 45-minute drive) rather than vague statements
- Photograph the route — if there are unsealed roads, narrow bridges, or other hazards that make cycling dangerous
- Get a letter from the local council or community board — confirming the lack of public transport
- Include weather evidence — if the route is dangerous in winter conditions, note this
- Show the economic impact — rural job loss often affects the entire household and community