Job Seekers, Work and Income and the Limited Licence
You are looking for work, your case manager has a lead, and the job needs a driver licence. You are disqualified. A Limited Licence may help, but only if the facts are there to show the court why you need it.
Hardship without a current job
The court can make an order if losing your licence causes extreme hardship to you, whether in relation to employment or otherwise [1]. You do not have to be in a job already for work to be part of the story. A firm job offer that depends on driving can be strong evidence. A general wish to look for work is much weaker, because the court needs to see what driving you need, when and where.
Get the offer in writing, then on oath
When hardship is about employment, the practice note expects an affidavit from the employer [2]. A letter from the employer filed with the application, or attached to your own affidavit, will generally not be enough [2]. So the steps look like this:
- The written offer. The role, the start date, the hours and why driving is needed.
- The employer's affidavit. The new employer confirms those facts on oath. Read how to tell your employer for how to raise your licence with them.
- Your affidavit. Why there is no other way to get to the work. See no bus, no lift? Proving you need to drive.
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.
Be honest about your money
The court looks at the hardship in real terms. Your affidavit can set out your income now, your costs and what the job would change. If you were disqualified on conviction, the practice note asks how you are paying any fine for the offence [2].
Costs to plan for
- Court fee. $175 after a court disqualification, or $275 for a demerit suspension plus a $69 sealing fee if the order is granted [3].
- NZTA fee to issue the licence once you have the order [4].
- Document preparation, if you want help. Ours is From $645 + GST.
Fees paid to the court or NZTA are not refunded if the application is declined or the licence is not issued [3]. If cost is a barrier, ask your case manager what help might be available. See Limited Licence costs in NZ, line by line.
Check you can apply
Some disqualifications rule out a Limited Licence altogether, such as repeat drink driving, an interlock sentence or driving while disqualified [1][3]. Check who is eligible before you spend money.
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, sections 103 and 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/whole.html (accessed 9 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 9 November 2026)
- Get a Limited Licence, New Zealand Ministry of Justice, https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/criminal/get-a-limited-licence/ (accessed 9 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 9 November 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply before I start the job?
Yes. A firm job offer and an affidavit from the employer can support the application.
Will a letter from Work and Income do?
Letters on their own carry little weight. Evidence is strongest in a sworn affidavit from the person who knows the facts.
Can the licence cover job interviews?
The order must set the purpose and limits of the driving. Broad driving for job hunting is hard to define, so focus on the job you have been offered.
For more on driving for work, see our Limited Licence for work 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 21 Nov 26