Restricted licences could be delayed if you get demerit points

A new incentive to drive within the law is launched: the ‘clean driving record’ requirement for car (class 1) restricted licence holders starts on 7 May 2026. In typical NZTA fashion, it’s not that easy to understand, so let’s start with the diagrams:

Example 1: your restricted period finishes on 1 February 2027, but you get demerits on 12 August 2026. On 25 January 2027, another 6 months is added to your restricted, which means you can’t get your full licence until 1 August 2027.

Example 2: You’ve already had your restriction for a while and the period finishes on 1 November 2026. You get some demerits on 15 October 2026. However, we’re not in the new car licence system until 25 January 2027, so instead of the 6 months being added from 25 January, they get added from 15 October, so your new restricted period ends on 15 April 2027.

Example 3: You’re a slow learner and you keep getting demerit points – 3 times, in fact!! On 25 January 2027 (or thereafter), 3×6-month extensions will be added to your restricted licence (a total of 18 months!).

So, to recap: if restricted car licence holders get demerit points between 7 May 2026 and 24 January 2027, time could be added to their restricted period.

However, keep a clean driving record, and there will be no time penalty.

Each time a driver gets demerits, 6 months will be added to their restricted period. 

If they’ve already held their restricted licence for more than the minimum time on 25 January, the 6-month extension applies from the offence date.

If they haven’t held their restricted licence for the minimum time by 25 January, the 6-month extension will be added to the end of their restricted period.

This means it could take longer to progress to a full licence. 

• If restricted licence holders get demerit points after 7 May but move to a full licence before 25 January, their restricted period won’t be extended. 
• Any demerit points incurred before 7 May won’t affect their restricted period.

Why is this change happening?

This change will encourage inexperienced drivers to drive safely, which will improve road safety for everyone.

To avoid demerits, you’ll need to drive under the speed limit, avoid driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and (this one will be the most difficult) avoid using your mobile phone for anything other than a hands-free call. If you get caught by police, you’ll get demerits.

Can you still get caught speeding and not get demerits? Yes: if you’re caught on camera, then this doesn’t attract demerit points so you won’t receive the time penalty.

How do you get your full licence?

Once you’ve held your restricted licence for long enough, you’ll be able to get a full licence without doing a practical driving test or getting an eyesight check. 

Even if you’ve failed a full licence practical test before 25 January 2027, once the new system comes into place you can get a full licence without having to pass a test.