Limited Licence for Farmers and Rural Workers
In the country there is often no bus, no train and no neighbour heading your way at 5am. That helps explain your hardship. It does not do the whole job. The court still needs clear evidence of what you drive, where and when.
Remote is a reason, not proof
The court must be satisfied that losing your licence causes extreme hardship to you, or undue hardship to someone else, and that the order is not contrary to public safety [1]. Living rurally supports that, but say it with facts: the distance to work, to town and to the nearest public transport. Our post on proving you have no other transport covers the detail.
What the work involves
Farm and rural work is rarely one trip a day. List what applies to you:
- the trip between home and the farm, orchard or station, if you do not live on site
- driving between blocks, runoffs or leased land
- trips to vets, stock agents, sale yards and rural supply stores
- calving, lambing, harvest or other seasonal peaks
- urgent calls, such as stock out or broken water
Show which trips are regular and which are occasional. The court can only allow the driving needed to ease the hardship [1].
Public roads and boundaries
The order deals with driving on roads. If your work takes you along public roads between blocks, include them. The area must be set by a route or clear boundary points, not a radius [2]. A rural map with road names and property boundaries works well. See routes and maps.
Vehicles
The order names the vehicle or type of vehicle [1]. Utes, tractors, trucks and trailers can all matter. You can only drive a class you held a licence for immediately before losing it [1]. More in driving a work vehicle on a Limited Licence.
Evidence
If you are employed, the practice note expects an employer affidavit for work hardship [2]. Farm owners and contractors can use accounts, contracts and seasonal records. If the farm, the stock or a family member depends on you, explain how. Undue hardship to others counts [1].
Expect questions about other options. Could a worker or family member drive you? If not, explain why [3]. Disclose all previous driving related convictions [2].
Every affidavit is signed only in front of the person who witnesses it, and the easiest place to do that is at the court when you file. Never sign one in advance.
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, sections 103, 104 and 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/DLM434582.html (accessed 2 November 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 2 November 2026)
- Applying for a Limited Licence (2024 guide), Community Law, https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Publications/Applying-for-a-Limited-Licence-Guide-CL-2024.pdf (accessed 2 November 2026)
- Limited Licence, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/driving-offences/limited-licence (accessed 2 November 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Does a Limited Licence cover a quad bike on the farm?
The order is about driving on roads. Driving on private farmland is a separate question, so check before you assume anything.
Can the order change with the seasons?
The order sets the days and times you can drive. If your hours change at certain times of year, show that in your evidence.
Can I keep driving while I wait?
No. Filing does not give you permission to drive.
Can I drive to town for supplies?
Only if those trips are part of the hardship you prove and the order allows them.
More on country driving at our Limited Licence for rural workers page.
We prepare Limited Licence documents. From $645 + GST. Call 0800 437 005 or start at nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply.
Checked by Guy Hollister, Director, NZ Limited Licence, on 8 Nov 26