What can I drive for on a limited licence?
A limited licence isn't a normal licence. You can only drive for what the court writes into your order. Nothing more.
What your order spells out
- Why you can drive: for example to and from work, or for your job
- When: the days of the week and the times
- What: the vehicle or type of vehicle
- Where: the area you're allowed to drive in
What that means day to day
If your order says Monday to Friday, 6:00am to 6:00pm, to and from work, then a Saturday trip to the supermarket is not allowed. Neither is a detour to pick up a mate, or staying late for overtime outside your hours.
Ask for what you really need
The court only grants the least driving needed to stop the hardship. So think carefully about your real days, times, vehicles and places before you apply. It's hard to change once the order is made.
One more rule
You can only be allowed to drive a class of vehicle you held a licence for before you lost it.
Not sure what to ask for? Call us on 0800 437 005, or start at nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply.
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, sections 32, 103, 104 and 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/110/en/latest/ (accessed 29 September 2026)