Limited Licence for Truck Drivers: What to Include
For a truck driver, losing your licence can mean losing your job outright. A Limited Licence application for heavy vehicle work follows the same rules as anyone else's, but it has more moving parts to get right.
The same test applies
The court has to be satisfied that losing your licence causes extreme hardship to you, or undue hardship to someone else, and that the order is not contrary to public safety [1]. Public safety tends to get more attention when the vehicle weighs many tonnes, so expect your driving history to be looked at closely [3].
Describe the vehicles
The order must specify the particular vehicle or type of vehicle you can drive [1]. Be precise about what you drive: the truck types, whether you tow, and whether you move between units. Your application can only rely on the licence classes you actually held, so have your licence details to hand.
Routes and area
Regular runs are straightforward to describe. Changing delivery points are harder. Explain the area you cover and the kinds of trips, backed by run sheets or dispatch records.
Hours
Long or irregular hours need evidence. Rosters, logbook records and an affidavit from your employer all help [3]. Remember that logbook offences can themselves carry a stand-down before a Limited Licence can be authorised [1].
Getting to and from the yard
If you also need to drive your own car to the depot, include that trip and that vehicle.
Be upfront about your history
The practice note says all previous driving related convictions should be disclosed [3]. Leaving something out will be noticed and can sink an otherwise good application.
Do not sign your affidavit before you get to court. Sign it only in front of the person who witnesses it, and the easiest place to do that is at the court when you arrive. Once it is signed, not a single word can change unless the change is also signed and witnessed.
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
Will a Limited Licence let me drive any truck?
Only the vehicle or type of vehicle set out in the order.
Does my employer need to give evidence?
For work hardship, the practice note expects an employer affidavit. For truck work it is very hard to explain routes and vehicles without one.
Can I apply if I lost my licence for drink driving?
Possibly, but some drink driving situations rule out a Limited Licence, such as an alcohol interlock sentence. Check your order carefully.
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 October 2026