Work Licence NZ | Limited Licences for Disqualified Drivers

What is a limited licence?

Vertical Divider

A limited licence is also known as a work licence. It is a licence which you can apply for if you have been disqualified from driving or suspended from driving due to excess demerit points.

Limited licence qualifications

Vertical Divider

The main requirement for obtaining a limited licence is that:

1) You face extreme hardship by not being able to drive. For example, you need to drive a car during your work hours; or
2) Another person has undue hardship as a result of you being unable to drive. For example, dependent children or family members who require regular medical treatment.

You cannot apply for a limited licence if you:

Are indefinitely disqualified from driving.
Are disqualified and want to conduct driving tests as a driving instructor.
Are charged with driving whilst disqualified, or driving contrary to a limited licence.
Are disqualified as a result of drink driving while operating a transport service vehicle and want to resume driving.
Have a breath alcohol reading of above 800 micrograms per litre of breath or 160 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

You cannot apply for a limited licence if you have been convicted of any two of the following offences (committed at separate times) within 5 years of each other:

Reckless or dangerous driving.
Careless or inconsiderate driving causing injury or death.
Failing to stop after an accident.
Drink driving or driving under the influence of drugs (excluding under 20 years old alcohol level).
Applying for or obtaining a driver licence while disqualified from doing so.

Useful Tips & Advice

Vertical Divider

Do you organise the application for me?

Yes, I will draft the application based on the information you provide me with. I will draft two affidavits or affirmations required for the application. I will negotiate the terms of the limited licence with the Police.

Do you appear in Court for me?

Yes, I will appear in Court for you. You will not need to say or do anything in Court. If I am unable to personally appear for you, I will instruct another experienced lawyer to appear on my behalf.

How long will it take to get a limited licence?

For most offences there is a 28 day mandatory stand down period before your application can be granted. This does not apply to demerit point suspensions and some offences such as sustained loss of traction.

Can previous traffic offences effect obtaining a limited licence?

Yes, the Court must be satisfied there are not any public safety concerns when deciding whether to grant a limited licence. It may be difficult for someone to obtain a limited licence if they have a repeated history of dangerous driving, speeding tickets and/ or other traffic offences.

Is there anything I can I do if I have a bad history of driving?

Yes, completing a defensive driving course may alleviate Police concerns about public safety considerations.