Learn to drive safely by following our guides for driving a car, riding a motorbike, or upskilling to drive a heavy vehicle.
Our fleet driver training solutions are here.
If you are visiting New Zealand, check out the Tourist/Migrant Advice tab on the right-hand side of the menu.
Getting your licence
How much does it cost to get a car licence – explore the real costs of getting your licence including how much you should expect to pay for vehicle expenses as well as the actual licence and exam costs – includes a calculator
How much does it cost to get a motorbike licence – the real costs of getting a motorbike training from the basic handling skills test though to your full licence
How much practise is necessary before you take your test – how to know when you are ready to take your theory or practical driving test
Choosing a vehicle
Choosing a car using crash test ratings – all about ANCAP, EuroNCAP and JNCAP so that you can evaluate how safe your car will be
Choosing your first car – what should you look for when choosing your first car
Choosing a motorbike – what should you look for when choosing your first motorbike
Choosing an instructor
How to choose the best instructor for you – if you’re not sure how to choose an instructor, here are the questions to ask and the things to look for
Techniques to help you pass the test
Common mistakes new drivers make
Memory tricks to help you learn the Road Code – give yourself a better chance at memorising the Road Code for your theory test
Using visualisation – visualisation involves mentally running through your test and it can improve your confidence while driving or taking your theory or practical test
Using a life coach – how a life coach help give you clarity and improve your confidence when practising for your driving test
Using hypnotherapy – how hypnotherapy can reduce your anxiety and increase your confidence when driving
Using affirmations – how affirmations can boost your confidence when driving
Common mistakes people make in their car driving test
Common mistakes people make in their motorbike test
Making your test a relaxing experience – if you are worried before your driving test, these techniques can help you relax
Commentary drives – how talking yourself through what you see can improve your driving and riding skills
Car-specific advice
What gearbox should you learn to drive with? – Manual vs automatic: important information so that you are not restricting your opportunities when learning to drive
Using cruise control in the rain – Should you use cruise control when you are driving in the rain and in icy conditions?
Safety (all vehicles)
How dangerous is listening to music or talking on a cellphone when driving?
Effects of dehydration when driving – dehydration can affect your ability to control your vehicle effectively
Driving after taking medicine – what types of medicine can affect your driving?
Smoking while driving – is it relaxing or dangerous?
Motorbike-specific advice
Highside and lowside crashes – two common types of crashes on a motorbike and how you can avoid them
Carrying pillion passengers – riding techniques for safely carrying a passenger on your motorbike
Choosing protective clothing – a list of protective clothing you can buy for riding your bike and how each piece helps
Choosing glasses or sunglasses – important considerations for buying eyewear for riding your bike
Braking on a motorbike – from beginner to advanced braking techniques
Visibility and position – where you should ride on the road in different circumstances to make yourself more visible to other drivers
Heavy vehicle-specific advice
6 ways you will fail your heavy vehicle practical test – advice from heavy vehicle driving instructors
Heavy vehicle work time requirements and log books
Heavy vehicle weights and loads
Heavy vehicle dimensions and measurements
Driving guides
Tourists and migrants – find out which road rules are different
International students – what are your obligations when driving in NZ
Career opportunities in driving – if you want a job where driving is the main activity, check out this list of potential career paths
Further reading
For more articles and guides about driving and learning to drive, check out the recent articles list on the right, click on the ‘advice’ tab in the menu, or search for something specific.
