Support Letters and Exhibits for a Limited Licence
A letter from your doctor feels like strong evidence. On its own, the judge may not even read it. Here is how to make supporting documents count.
Letters are weak on their own
The practice note says any letter with information relevant to your application should be annexed as an exhibit to an affidavit sworn by the person who wrote it, confirming it is true [2].
If that does not happen, the judge may decide not to read the letter, unless the writer is unavailable to swear an affidavit or the Police consent [2]. Even if it is read, the fact it was not confirmed on oath may reduce the weight it gets [2].
Employers need an affidavit
If your application is based on work, file an affidavit from the employer. A letter from the employer will generally be regarded as not enough [2]. See telling your employer about your Limited Licence.
Doctors and specialists
Community Law says it is better for specialists such as doctors to swear an affidavit confirming the letter they wrote is true, with the letter annexed to their affidavit [3]. If that is not possible or practical, the letter can still go in as an exhibit, but there is a chance it will be rejected [3].
How exhibits work
An exhibit is a document attached to an affidavit. Community Law sets out the method [3]:
- refer to it in the affidavit, for example "attached and marked A is a letter from my doctor"
- attach the original, marked A, B, C and so on at the top
- add an exhibit note to each one
- the person who witnesses the affidavit also signs the exhibit notes
Affidavits are sworn or affirmed in front of a JP, a registrar or another authorised person [3].
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.
Common exhibits
- your demerit suspension notice, if you were suspended for points [2]
- medical letters, annexed to the writer's own affidavit where possible [2][3]
- rosters, contracts or job sheets that back up your hours
- a map of your route or area, which must not conflict with the draft order [2]
Expect questions
Anyone who swears an affidavit for you may be asked to appear in court and answer questions about it, unless the parties agree that is not needed [1][2].
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, section 104, 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 judge read my doctor's letter?
Maybe not. Unless the writer confirms it in their own affidavit, the judge may decide not to read it.
Is a letter from my boss enough?
Generally no. File an employer affidavit.
Do exhibits need to be originals?
Community Law says the original letters should be attached and marked.
For everything else to gather, see the Limited Licence application checklist and Limited Licence documents after drink driving. Heading to court? Read our going to court guide.
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 4 Nov 26