No Bus, No Lift? Proving You Need to Drive
Every Limited Licence application faces the same question. Could you get there another way? If the answer is maybe, expect the court to look hard at it.
Why it matters
The court can only authorise the least driving needed to relieve the hardship [1]. If a bus, train or lift can do the job, the hardship is smaller.
Community Law puts it plainly. If public transport can get you to work, you might have to take it, even if you are allowed to drive once you are at work [3].
Saying it is not enough
Affidavits should state facts, not assertions [2]. "There is no public transport" is an assertion. Facts show it.
Your affidavit should explain why there are no other options, for example distance, health reasons or early starts [3]. Useful facts include:
- the distance from home to the nearest stop or station
- the time of the first and last service, against your start and finish times
- why a lift from a workmate or family member is not possible
- why a taxi is not affordable for the trips you need
- any health reason you cannot walk, cycle or wait at a stop
The household question
The court may also want to know who else in your home drives. Your affidavit can cover non work driving your partner or other family members cannot do [3]. If someone else could do the school run, say why they cannot, with facts.
Driving someone else
If your application is about undue hardship to another person, the court will check whether they have other options, such as public transport or car pooling [3]. Their affidavit should deal with it. Community Law's template asks whether they could walk, take a taxi or use public transport, with an example like living 5 kilometres from the doctor and not being able to afford a taxi [3].
If a bus covers part of it
Be straight about it. If the bus works on weekdays but not for Saturday shifts, say so. A narrower request backed by facts is stronger than a wide one that ignores the bus [1].
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, section 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/DLM434582.html (accessed 26 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 26 October 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 26 October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Will the court make me catch the bus?
If public transport can get you to work, you might have to use it.
What if the first bus is too late for my shift?
Say so, with the bus time and your start time. See [Limited Licence for shift work](/blog/limited-licence-shift-work).
Do I need to prove I cannot get a lift?
Explain why car pooling or a lift does not work for you, with facts.
For the full list of what to gather, see the Limited Licence application checklist and who qualifies for a Limited Licence. Out of town? Read our rural Limited Licence 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 3 Nov 26