What is a Limited Licence in New Zealand?

A Limited Licence, also called a Work Licence, is a court order that allows someone disqualified from driving to drive under strict conditions, usually for work. It is not a full licence and comes with restrictions such as permitted hours, routes, and purpose of driving.

How do I apply for a Limited Licence in NZ?

To apply, you must prepare and file the correct legal documents at the District Court, including affidavits and employer letters. A judge will review your case and, if approved, issue conditions for your licence. After court approval, you must apply to Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to receive your physical Limited Licence card.

How long does it take to get a Limited Licence?

The process typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on court availability and whether your documents are correctly prepared. Delays can occur due to missing paperwork, vague employer letters, or court backlogs. Professional guidance can help avoid errors and speed up approval.

How much does a Limited Licence cost?

Costs include the District Court filing fee, NZTA licence card fee, and any professional assistance fees. At Easy Work Licence, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options such as Afterpay. While there is a cost, it is usually far less than the income lost from being unable to work without a licence.

What is the difference between a Limited Licence and a Work Licence?

There is no difference. Limited Licence and Work Licence are two terms for the same thing: a court order that allows restricted driving after disqualification, usually to keep working. The legal term is Limited Licence, but many people call it a Work Licence.

Can I use a Limited Licence for personal reasons?

No. A Limited Licence only allows driving for the specific reasons set by the court, such as work-related tasks. Using it for personal reasons like shopping or social outings is illegal and may result in further penalties or an extended disqualification period.

Why should I use Easy Work Licence instead of applying myself?

While you can apply on your own, many applications are declined due to errors, incomplete paperwork, or weak employer letters. Easy Work Licence makes the process simple and stress-free by preparing accurate documents, guiding you through each step, and improving your chances of approval. We also offer flexible payment options like Afterpay.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Limited Licence in NZ

6 Sept

Written By Brendan McDonnell

Losing your driver’s licence can feel stressful. This is especially true if you rely on driving for work or family responsibilities. The good news is that in many cases, you may be eligible to apply for a Limited Licence in New Zealand (sometimes called a “work licence”).

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a limited licence, explain the requirements, and show you how Easy Work Licence can help.

What is a Limited Licence?

A Limited Licence is a special driver’s licence that allows you to drive for essential purposes, even while you are disqualified. In most cases, it is used to keep your job or continue running your business.

It does not remove your disqualification — instead, it creates an exemption that allows you to drive only within certain hours, routes, or conditions set by the judge.

Example: You might be permitted to drive only between 6am–7pm Monday to Friday, and only for work-related trips.

Who Can Apply for a Limited Licence in NZ?

Not everyone who is disqualified from driving will be eligible. You cannot apply for a limited licence if:

You have produced a breath alcohol reading of over 800 mcg/L or a blood alcohol reading of over 160 ml/L;
You have been indefinitely disqualified from driving;
If you have been disqualified from driving any time in the past five years for any of the following reasons:
A) Drink driving;
B) Reckless or dangerous driving;
C) Careless or inconsiderate driving causing injury or death;
D) Failing to stop after an accident; or
E) Applying for or obtaining a driver licence while disqualified from doing so.
4. You are indefinitely disqualified from driving;
5. You have been charged with driving while disqualified, suspended, or driving contrary to the terms of a limited licence; or
6. You are disqualified as a result of drink driving while operating a transport service vehicle and want to get limited licence to resume driving.

You may be eligible if:

You need your licence for work (to keep your job or run your business).
Your employer requires you to drive for your role.
Losing your licence causes extreme hardship for your family.

Step 1: Consider the Basis Your Application

Pursuant to Section 105 of the Land Transport Act 1998 a Limited Licence can only be granted if your disqualification will cause extreme hardship to you, or undue hardship to someone else. So, the first step is to consider what the consequences of your disqualification will be for yourself and those around you.

Will you be unable to unable to get to work? Will you be unable to do your job because driving is one of your core responsibilities? Do your children rely on you to get to school each day?

Once you understand what the consequences of your disqualification are, you will need to consider if those consequences will cause extreme hardship to you, or undue hardship for someone else.

For example, if you are unable to do your job and your boss tells you that they will fire you then a loss of income may cause you extreme hardship. Or, if your children are unable to attend school without you taking them there then that may cause them undue hardship.

Step 2: Consider the Parameters of Your Application

Pursuant to Section 105(3) of the Land Transport Act 1998 a Limited Licence must specify:

the purpose for which the limited licence is issued (covered off in step 1 above);
the particular vehicle or the type of vehicle which may be driven;
the days of the week and times at which that vehicle may be driven; and
such other matters as may be necessary to limit the order to alleviating the hardship which was alleged and proved.

A Limited Licence does not let you continue driving at your leisure as a regular driver’s licence does. Instead, it must be limited to permitting you drive the minimum amount required to alleviate the hardship.

This means that you need to figure out the limits of your driving needs. It is always better to be as conservative as possible with this because if you ask for too much the Judge may decline your application!

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Your application will comprise of the following core documents:

Applicant Affidavit - your sworn statement to the Court telling the Judge about your unique circumstances and exactly why you need a Limited Licence;
Supporting Affidavit - usually (but not always) provided by an employer confirming the details of your employment and telling the Judge why it is so important for you to get a Limited Licence;
Notice of Application - your formal application to the Court for a Limited Licence. This will clearly state the reason for your Limited Licence and the parameters for it;
Draft Order - this is a draft of the order that you want the Judge to make. That way, once your application is approved all the Judge has to do is stamp and seal the order that you have already provided;
Driving Map - a clear map showing the area that you will be driving within while on a Limited Licence. The idea is that if you are stopped by the police at any stage they will be able to look at the map and easily tell if you are within that area or not.

The above are all formal court documents and it is essential that they are prepared in strict accordance with the District Court Rules 2014.

Getting the paperwork 100% correct is critical — missing or weak evidence is the #1 reason applications are delayed or denied.

Step 4: File Your Application in Court

Once your documents are ready, your application must be filed:

In the case of a disqualification by the District Court (i.e following a EBA conviction) at the same District Court that disqualified you; or
in the case of a demerit disqualification, at the District Court where your disqualification was ordered.

There is also a court filing fee which is:

In the case of a disqualification by the District Court - $171.00
in the case of a demerit disqualification - $269.00

A Limited Licence application following a court disqualification is considered to be a criminal court process, whereas a Limited Licence application following a demerit disqualification is considered to be a civil process. This is the reason for the discrepancy in filing fees.

Step 5: Serve Application on the Police

Once your application is filed at the relevant District Court a copy of it will need to be served on the police.

The police can either approve the application, they can remain neutral, or they can oppose the application.

If the application is opposed the police will tell you why. This is usually because they consider that the parameters of the sought Limited Licence are too wide or the need for them is not properly outlined in the Applicant Affidavit.

In these situations you would usually want to file an amended application to deal with the police’s objections and hope that the opposition is removed.

Step 6: Court Appearance

Sometimes, the Judge will have no questions about your Limited Licence application and will be prepared to grant the order ‘on the papers’ which means without a hearing.

In most cases, you (and sometimes the perosn who swore the supporting affidavit) will be required to appear in Court and potentially answer questions from the Judge.

The judge will consider:

Whether your need for a licence is genuine and essential.
Whether granting a licence would put the public at risk.
Whether your application is properly supported by documents.

This is an area where many people struggle. If your application isn’t clear or doesn’t include the right information then the judge may refuse the application.

Step 7: Receive the Order & Apply for Licence Card

If approved, the court will issue an order granting you the ability to apply to the New Zealand Transport Agency for a Limited Licence. The Court order itself does not permit you to drive!

You must then:

Take the order to the New Zealand Transport Agency and apply for the issue of the physical Limited Licence.
Pay a small fee of $48.70.

Your Limited Licence will then arrive in the mail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not preparing a strong affidavit.

❌ Failing to get a supporting affidavit .

❌ Not including all of the required information in your application

❌ Not formatting the documents correctly.

❌ Asking for overly broad driving hours (Judges prefer realistic requests).

❌ Applying too soon after disqualification.

How Easy Work Licence Can Help

At Easy Work Licence, we’ve helped plenty of Kiwis successfully apply for their limited licence — with a 100% success rate.

We take care of the entire process for you:

Preparing your affidavits.
Drafting the court application.
Advising what supporting documents are needed.
Guiding you step by step until you’re back on the road.

Even better, we offer Afterpay so you can spread the cost.

Ready to Apply?

If you need a Limited Licence in NZ, don’t wait. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can protect your job and get driving again legally.

Start Your Application Today

Helpful Resources

Brendan McDonnell