Do You Need a Medical Certificate for a Limited Licence?
Most people applying for a Limited Licence do not need a medical certificate. Nothing in the law makes one a standard part of the court application [1]. Medical matters still come up in three ways, and each one works differently.
1. When your licence was taken for medical reasons
A Limited Licence is for people who are disqualified, or suspended for demerit points [1]. NZTA says you may not be able to get one if your licence is suspended or revoked for medical reasons [2]. In that case, the route back runs through NZTA and your doctor, not a Limited Licence application.
2. When health is part of your hardship
The court has to be satisfied that losing your licence causes extreme hardship to you or undue hardship to someone else [1]. Health is often part of that story:
- you drive a family member to dialysis, chemotherapy or specialist visits
- you care for a child or parent with a disability
- your own condition makes walking or public transport very hard
The court wants facts, not just statements [3]. A doctor's letter on its own may carry little weight. The practice note says a letter should be annexed to an affidavit sworn by the person who wrote it, and a Judge may decide not to read a letter that is not [3]. If a health professional or the person you care for is giving evidence, it usually goes in their own affidavit. Read support letters and exhibits for a Limited Licence and Limited Licence for healthcare workers and carers.
Keep medical detail to what the court needs to understand the hardship. Your order must still be limited to the driving needed to ease it [1].
3. When you get your licence back
At the end of your disqualification or suspension, you apply to NZTA for a new licence. NZTA lists a medical certificate, if needed, as one of the things you may have to provide [2]. Whether you need one depends on your licence classes and circumstances, so check with NZTA when the time comes. See getting your licence back after a suspension.
Medical reasons in the conditions
Medical reasons can also appear in the order. The practice note gives an example condition that you must not drive when another licensed driver is in the vehicle, unless for road safety, driving hours, medical or insurance reasons it is unsafe or impracticable for them to drive [3].
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)
- 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)
- 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)
Frequently asked questions
Will the court ask for my medical records?
Not as a rule. Give the facts needed to show the hardship, supported by the right affidavit.
Can I drive someone to hospital on a Limited Licence?
Only if your order covers it. Read [what you can drive for on a Limited Licence](/blog/what-can-i-drive-for-on-a-limited-licence).
My doctor wrote a letter. Is that enough?
It may not be. A letter is strongest when the writer confirms it in their own sworn affidavit.
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.
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 20 Nov 26