What Goes Into a Limited Licence Application
A Limited Licence application is a small bundle of documents that has to tell one clear story: why you are eligible, what hardship you face, and exactly what driving would fix it. Here is what goes in, and what each piece is for.
The checklist
| Document | What it does |
|---|---|
| Application | Says who you are and what order you are asking for |
| Your affidavit | Your sworn evidence about your situation and hardship |
| Other affidavits | Sworn evidence from your employer or someone affected, if you have them |
| Supporting evidence | Rosters, payslips, letters and records that back up what you say |
| Draft order | The exact conditions you are asking the court to set |
| Suspension notice or court order | Shows why you cannot drive and from when |
Your affidavit
This is the heart of the application. The practice note says affidavits should state facts, not assertions, and you should disclose all previous driving related convictions [3]. "I need my car for work" is an assertion. "I start at 5am in Hornby and the first bus arrives at 6.40am" is a fact.
Do not sign your affidavit before you get to court. Sign it only in front of the person who witnesses it, and the easiest place to do that is at the court when you arrive. Once it is signed, not a single word can change unless the change is also signed and witnessed.
Supporting evidence
Every attachment should back up something you say in your affidavit. Random paperwork does not help. Useful items include rosters, job descriptions, pay records, medical appointment letters and school or care arrangements.
The draft order
The court order has to say what the licence is for, what vehicle or type of vehicle you may drive, and the times and routes or area you can drive in [1]. The court only allows the least driving needed to relieve the hardship [1], so ask for what you genuinely need, not everything you would like.
For demerit suspensions
Include a copy of the suspension notice, and file after it has been served on you [3]. After filing, you serve a copy on the nearest Police Prosecution Service yourself.
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, sections 32, 90, 95, 103, 104 and 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/DLM434582.html (accessed 13 October 2026)
- Get a Limited Licence, New Zealand Ministry of Justice, https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/criminal/get-a-limited-licence/ (accessed 13 October 2026)
- Practice Note: Applications for a Limited Licence (24 May 2024), District Court of New Zealand, https://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Publications/2024/Limited-Licence-Practice-Note-FINAL.pdf (accessed 13 October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an affidavit from my employer?
For work hardship, the practice note says an employer affidavit is expected and a letter is generally insufficient.
Can I add documents later?
It is far better to file a complete bundle. Gaps can lead to questions or an adjournment.
Where do I file?
For a demerit suspension, your local District Court. After a court disqualification, the court where you were disqualified.
We prepare the full bundle from $645 + GST. Call 0800 437 005 or start at nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply.
Checked by Guy Hollister, Director, NZ Limited Licence, on 18 October 2026