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Introduction
Driving is a great way to see New Zealand and there are some wonderful
scenic driving routes recommended on this website, as well as links to
reliable vehicle hire companies. On this page you will find some important
information that you should know before you drive in New Zealand.
Can I drive In New Zealand?
You must have a current driver licence or an international driving permit.
If you have a current driver licence issued by another country or an
international driving permit, you can drive for a maximum of 12
months from the date you arrive in New Zealand.
You must have your driver licence or international driving permit with you
at all times when you're driving. If your overseas licence or permit is not
in English, you must carry an accurate English translation.
If you are using an overseas licence or an international driving permit, you
must convert to a New Zealand driver licence before one year has
passed. (see Land Transport New Zealand: New residents and visitors -
driving in New Zealand for more information).
If you don't have a current driver licence or international driving permit,
you cannot drive.
If you want to drive you must apply for a New Zealand driver licence. This
is only worthwhile if you are going to be in New Zealand a long time (see
Land Transport New Zealand: Learning to drive: How to get your licence
for more information.)
New Zealand Roads: Important Differences
We drive on the left side of the road.
We have a unique Give Way (Yield) rule at intersections.
Roundabouts may be different than in your home country.
One lane bridges are common and have their own Give Way rules.
We drive on the left
Driving is a great way to see New Zealand and there are some wonderful
scenic driving routes recommended on this website, as well as links to
reliable vehicle hire companies. On this page you will find some important
information that you should know before you drive in New Zealand.
Can I drive In New Zealand?
You must have a current driver licence or an international driving permit.
If you have a current driver licence issued by another country or an
international driving permit, you can drive for a maximum of 12
months from the date you arrive in New Zealand.
You must have your driver licence or international driving permit with you
at all times when you're driving. If your overseas licence or permit is not
in English, you must carry an accurate English translation.
If you are using an overseas licence or an international driving permit, you
must convert to a New Zealand driver licence before one year has
passed. (see Land Transport New Zealand: New residents and visitors -
driving in New Zealand for more information).
If you don't have a current driver licence or international driving permit,
you cannot drive.
If you want to drive you must apply for a New Zealand driver licence. This
is only worthwhile if you are going to be in New Zealand a long time (see
Land Transport New Zealand: Learning to drive: How to get your licence
for more information.)
New Zealand Roads: Important Differences
We drive on the left side of the road.
We have a unique Give Way (Yield) rule at intersections.
Roundabouts may be different than in your home country.
One lane bridges are common and have their own Give Way rules.
We drive on the left
Driving in New Zealand
Always drive on the left side of the road. If you drive on
the right hand side in your own country, please take a
moment to think about this rule before pulling out onto
the road - it's easy to forget where you are!
You must take special care when pulling out onto the
roadway after any stop for accommodation, petrol, food
purposes etc, as this is when most head-on crashes
occur for overseas visitors in New Zealand. When
re-entering the traffic flow STOP and think before
moving off.
the right hand side in your own country, please take a
moment to think about this rule before pulling out onto
the road - it's easy to forget where you are!
You must take special care when pulling out onto the
roadway after any stop for accommodation, petrol, food
purposes etc, as this is when most head-on crashes
occur for overseas visitors in New Zealand. When
re-entering the traffic flow STOP and think before
moving off.
Intersections: Unique rules
It's very important that you know what to do at New Zealand intersections.
Otherwise, you could be involved in a serious crash.
It's very important that you know what to do at New Zealand intersections.
Otherwise, you could be involved in a serious crash.
An intersection is where two or more streets or roads join or cross; or
where a public entrance or exit joins a street or road. Entrances and exits
to and from supermarkets, petrol stations, and other public parking areas
such as airports and hospitals are therefore all regarded as intersections.
A roundabout is another kind of "intersection" with it's own rules,
discussed separately below.
Two kinds of intersections
Controlled intersections where there are GIVE WAY signs, STOP signs
or traffic signals
Uncontrolled intersections where there are no GIVE WAY signs, STOP
signs or traffic signals
GIVE WAY rules apply
The give way rules apply at all uncontrolled intersections
The give way rules also apply at controlled intersections where:
The GIVE WAY rules are:
1. If you are going straight ahead, give way to all vehicles coming straight
through from your right.
2. If you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning.
3. If you are turning left, give way to vehicles coming towards you that are
turning right.
4. If you are turning right, give way to vehicles on your right that are
turning right.
5. If you are leaving the path of the centre line, you are turning. You must
give way to vehicles that are following the centre line.
For important information about New Zealand's GIVE WAY rules, see the
next page Uncontrolled Intersections
where a public entrance or exit joins a street or road. Entrances and exits
to and from supermarkets, petrol stations, and other public parking areas
such as airports and hospitals are therefore all regarded as intersections.
A roundabout is another kind of "intersection" with it's own rules,
discussed separately below.
Two kinds of intersections
Controlled intersections where there are GIVE WAY signs, STOP signs
or traffic signals
Uncontrolled intersections where there are no GIVE WAY signs, STOP
signs or traffic signals
GIVE WAY rules apply
The give way rules apply at all uncontrolled intersections
The give way rules also apply at controlled intersections where:
- two vehicles are coming towards each other and both are at STOP signs
- two vehicles are coming towards each other and both are at GIVE WAY
signs - two vehicles are coming towards each other and both have a green
traffic light
The GIVE WAY rules are:
1. If you are going straight ahead, give way to all vehicles coming straight
through from your right.
2. If you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning.
3. If you are turning left, give way to vehicles coming towards you that are
turning right.
4. If you are turning right, give way to vehicles on your right that are
turning right.
5. If you are leaving the path of the centre line, you are turning. You must
give way to vehicles that are following the centre line.
For important information about New Zealand's GIVE WAY rules, see the
next page Uncontrolled Intersections
| Driving in New Zealand Introduction Uncontrolled Intersections: Give Way Rules Controlled Intersections Roundabouts Speed Limits Driving Routes Vehicle Hire |
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