25/10/2026
Did you know getting demerit points on a restricted licence will mean you wait longer for your full licence?
Each time you get demerit points, six months will be added to your restricted licence period. Get them again, and another six months will be added.
The extra time will be added on 25 January 2027 as part of changes to the driver licensing system.
How do you get demerit points? There are a range of demerit offences, including:
- speeding, drink-driving or drug-driving
- breaking your restricted licence conditions, such as carrying passengers without a supervisor (unless an exception applies, like work hour requirements or medical care)
- driving between 10pm and 5am without a supervisor.
This change is designed to encourage inexperienced drivers to follow the rules and drive safely. The good news? Keep a clean driving record and no extra time will be added.
If you get your full licence before 25 January 2027, the new rule won’t apply to you.
Find out what's changing: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/restricted-demerits/
Learn more about demerit points: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/demerit-points
