Living and working on a New Zealand dairy farm - Settlement Support

Can you legally drive in NZ?
You need a current driving licence from your home country to drive in
New Zeal<strong>and</strong>.
You may also need an international driving permit or a translation of your
licence if it’s not written in English.
If you are in New Zeal<strong>and</strong> for more than a year, you need to get a New
Zeal<strong>and</strong> driver licence (you may need to take a written <strong>and</strong> a practical
test).
If your overseas licence is still current or expired less than 12 months ago
you can apply to convert it to a New Zeal<strong>and</strong> licence.
Your vehicle also needs to be safe <strong>and</strong> have a current warrant of fitness.
Tips for driving in New Zeal<strong>and</strong>
New Zeal<strong>and</strong> road rules <strong>and</strong> driving behaviours may be different to those
in your home country. For example:
◊ We drive on the left side of
the road.
◊ We have hilly, narrow <strong>and</strong>
windy roads that mean your
journey can take longer than
you expect.
◊ We have a lot of country
roads that are made of
gravel (unsealed).
◊ You must carry your driver
licence on you at all times. If
your licence is not in English,
you must carry a translation
from an approved translator.
◊ Seat belts <strong>and</strong> child
restraints are compulsory.
Find out more about driving in New Zeal<strong>and</strong> on this website:
www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/index.html
14 | A guide for migrant dairy farm workers