Work Licence NZ — What It Is and How to Get One

What a work licence lets you do

A limited (work) licence does not remove your disqualification. It creates a court-ordered exemption that allows you to drive within defined conditions — typically the hours and routes necessary to get to work, run your business, or meet an essential obligation that would otherwise cause serious hardship.

The court order specifies:

• The days and hours you can drive
• The geographic area (defined by a boundary map)
• The specific purpose — usually employment or essential family obligations
• Any conditions the judge considers appropriate

You must carry both the licence and the court order whenever you drive. Driving outside the conditions is a criminal offence.

Who can apply

To qualify, your disqualification or suspension must have caused, or be likely to cause:

• Extreme hardship to you — typically loss of employment, inability to run a business, or inability to meet essential medical or family needs; or
• Undue hardship to another person — such as an employer who depends on you to drive.

Financial hardship alone is rarely enough. The court needs evidence. That means an affidavit from you, usually supported by a letter or affidavit from your employer.

Some people cannot apply at all. If you were disqualified under section 65 of the Land Transport Act (repeat drink or drug driving resulting in indefinite disqualification), you are excluded from applying for a limited licence regardless of hardship. Read about section 65 and limited licence exceptions

The 28-day stand-down rule

For most court-ordered disqualifications, you cannot apply until 28 days after the date of disqualification.

The exception: if you were suspended for accumulating too many demerit points, there is no stand-down period. You can apply immediately. Read about demerit point suspensions and limited licences

How the process works

1. Check eligibility — confirm you are not excluded by section 65 or another statutory bar
2. Gather evidence — your affidavit, employer letter or affidavit, and a boundary map of your driving area
3. File with the District Court — the application must be in a specific format with a $269 filing fee
4. Attend (or file on the papers) — many applications are dealt with without a hearing
5. NZTA issues the licence — once the court order is granted, take it to NZTA with $48.70 and the physical licence is posted to you

The full process from instruction to filing typically takes 7–14 days. See the full filing process

Fixed-fee service — no surprises

Limited Licence Lawyer prepares work licence applications for a fixed fee. No POA. Every cost disclosed upfront before you commit.

See full pricing

Further reading

• The complete guide to limited licences in New Zealand
• Limited licence FAQs
• Section 65 and drink driving — who is excluded?
• Demerit point suspensions and limited licences