The permanent licence contains a unique identifying number, date of birth and photograph of the holder.
New Zealand driver licences are issued by Waka Kotahi, the NZ Transport Agency.
Apart from passports and a special-purpose 18+ card, a photo driver licence is the only legal form of identification for buying alcohol, tobacco and fireworks in New Zealand.
Class 1 ("car licence") allows the driver to drive most cars, light vehicles, moped, tractor and all-terrain vehicles, while Class 6 ("motorcycle licence") allows the driver to ride a motorcycle.
In addition to the six classes, driving some types of vehicles or services require licence endorsements.
Newly styled licences similar to those in Europe were introduced as of 24 November 2014, coming into effect on 1 December 2014.
A car learner licence is gained after scoring at least 32 out of 35 on a multiple-choice test relating to the Road Code.
They must also only ride on a learner-approved motorcycle (LAMS);[8] these motorcycles must have an engine displacement less than 660cc and a power-to-weight ratio of less than 150 kW per tonne (assuming the rider and their gear weighs 90 kg) A heavy vehicle learner licence is gained after scoring at least 33 out of 35 on a multiple-choice test about the Road Code.
[10] Restricted car licence holders are permitted to drive on their own between the hours of 5 am and 10 pm, and allowed to carry specific passengers such as their long-term partner or spouse, parent, sibling or child.
The final part of the licensing system, a full licence allows the holder to drive at any time and is normally issued without any other conditions.
To obtain an IDP a person must be 18 years of age or over, hold a full current licence.
[15] This change was initially met with opposition from people living in rural or remote areas.