Limited Licence for Shift Workers and Changing Rosters
A Limited Licence sets the hours you can drive [1]. That is simple if you work 8.30 to 5. It is harder if your roster changes every week, you do nights, or you get called in at short notice.
Why hours are the tricky part
The court can only allow the least driving needed to relieve the hardship [1]. Ask for "any time, any day" and you are likely to be asked why. Ask for hours that are too narrow and you risk being stuck outside your conditions when the roster changes.
Show the pattern
Instead of guessing, show the court what your shifts really look like:
- several weeks or months of past rosters
- your employment agreement showing the shift pattern or on call duties
- an affidavit from your employer explaining how rosters are set [3]
- a short summary table: earliest start, latest finish, typical days
From that, you can ask for hours that cover the real spread, with a little room either side for travel.
Explain why other options fail
Night and early shifts are often when buses and trains are not running. Say so with facts, such as the time of the first bus or the distance to the nearest stop [3].
On call and overtime
If you can be called in, explain how often it happens and what happens if you cannot get there. Back it up with records if you can. If it is rare, it may be better to leave it out than to stretch your request.
Stay inside the order
If your roster changes after the order is granted and you need to drive outside the approved hours, you cannot just do it. Driving contrary to a Limited Licence is an offence [1].
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
Can the order cover nights and weekends?
The order can set whatever hours the court is satisfied are needed. Your evidence needs to show you work them.
What if I have two jobs?
Cover both in your affidavit and evidence, and ask for hours and routes for each.
Is a roster screenshot enough?
Attach it, but explain it in your affidavit. Facts in the affidavit matter most.
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 October 2026