Lawyer-reviewed limited licence applications · $749 + GST fixed fee · Every cost disclosed upfront
Limited Licence Lawyer
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Limited Licence Lawyer Auckland

Limited licence application preparation for clients in Auckland and the wider Auckland region.

Auckland District Court handles more limited licence applications than any other court in New Zealand. If you have been disqualified or suspended in Auckland, a limited licence may allow you to continue driving for work and essential purposes.

Limited licences in Auckland

Auckland's size and sprawl mean that even though public transport exists, it is often not a practical alternative for many workers. A tradie in South Auckland working sites across the city cannot realistically carry tools on buses. A shift worker finishing at midnight in East Tamaki cannot rely on public transport that stopped running hours earlier.

The court assesses each application individually. What matters is whether you, in your specific circumstances, have a genuine need to drive and whether there are realistic alternatives.

Which court handles my application?

Most Auckland limited licence applications are heard at the Auckland District Court on Albert Street. However, if you were sentenced at Manukau or North Shore District Courts, your application may be heard there. We prepare applications for filing at any Auckland court.

Auckland hardship arguments

Strong hardship arguments in Auckland typically involve:

- Trade workers who need vehicle access to reach multiple job sites and carry tools - Shift workers whose hours don't align with public transport schedules - Parents in outer suburbs with school transport obligations and no bus routes - Self-employed workers whose businesses depend on driving - Workers commuting from areas with poor public transport connectivity

We draft your affidavit to address these specific circumstances. The hardship must be particularised — generic statements about needing to drive are not sufficient.

Demerit point suspensions in Auckland

Auckland drivers frequently accumulate demerit points through speed camera infringements across the motorway network and arterial roads. If you reach 100 demerit points, your licence is suspended. There is no stand-down period — you can apply for a limited licence immediately. Contact us as soon as you receive your suspension notice.

Court-imposed disqualifications

If you have been disqualified by the Auckland District Court for drink driving, drug driving, or another offence, there is a 28-day stand-down before you can apply. We prepare everything during the stand-down so your application is filed on day 29.

For $749 + GST, we prepare your complete application. Court filing fees and the NZTA reinstatement fee are separate.

Auckland District Court

Address: 65-69 Albert Street Corner of Albert Street &, Kingston Street, Auckland 1010

Filing notes: File at the court counter or via the Auckland District Court filing office. Same filing fees apply. Auckland handles a high volume of applications — hearing dates may be 2–3 weeks out.

Police prosecutor — Auckland

A copy of your limited licence application must be served on the police prosecutor before your hearing. The responsible office for Auckland District Court is:

Auckland Prosecutions

Email: Auckland.PPS.Office@Police.govt.nz

Phone: (09) 309 4532

Address: Private Bag 92 002, Auckland 1142

Public transport in Auckland

Auckland has the most developed public transport network in New Zealand, with AT Metro buses, trains, and ferries. However, coverage is uneven. Inner suburbs are reasonably well served, but South Auckland, West Auckland, and many outer suburbs have limited frequency and poor connectivity. Many workers — particularly in trades, logistics, and shift work — find public transport impractical due to route gaps, timing, or the need to carry tools and equipment.

Employment and industry

Auckland's diverse economy spans construction, professional services, logistics, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing. The construction and trades sector is particularly relevant — builders, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople are highly dependent on vehicle access to reach job sites across the city. Logistics and delivery workers, real estate agents, and healthcare workers who travel between facilities also face significant hardship when unable to drive.

Frequently asked questions — Auckland

Most applications are filed at the Auckland District Court on Albert Street. If you were sentenced at Manukau or North Shore, your application may be heard there instead. We can advise which court is appropriate for your situation.

For some inner-city workers with regular hours, it may be. But for tradespeople, shift workers, parents in outer suburbs, and anyone who needs to carry tools or equipment, public transport is generally not a practical alternative. The court assesses this on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about limited licences

The hardship test

What evidence the court needs under s105.

How to file your application

Step-by-step filing and service guide.

The 28-day stand-down

When it applies and what to do during it.

Conditions on your licence

What the court restricts and why.

Need a limited licence in Auckland?

Check if you qualify in 60 seconds. Our eligibility quiz will tell you whether you can apply and what to expect.