Can I Get a Work Licence? The Honest Answer for NZ Drivers
If you have just lost your licence, the first question is usually "can I get a work licence?" The honest answer is: sometimes, not always, and never automatically. The law sets out who may apply, what you must prove, and who cannot apply at all.
What a limited licence actually is
"Work licence" is the everyday name. The legal name is a limited licence, and it comes from sections 103 to 105 of the Land Transport Act 1998 [1].
A court can authorise a licence that lets you drive only to the "least extent" necessary to relieve the hardship [1]. You get the minimum driving you genuinely need, not your old licence back. If the court grants the order, you then apply to the NZ Transport Agency for the licence and pay its fee [2].
Who can apply
Section 103 lists two groups of people who may apply [1]:
- people disqualified from driving by an order made under the Land Transport Act, for example a court disqualification after a conviction
- people whose licence is suspended under section 90, which is the demerit points suspension
A demerit suspension happens when you reach 100 or more demerit points in any 2-year period, and it lasts 3 months [1].
A 28-day roadside suspension under section 95 (for example, for driving more than 40 km/h over a permanent speed limit) is not one of those two groups [1].
The hardship test
Being eligible to apply is only the start. The court can make an order only if it is satisfied that the disqualification or suspension has resulted, or will result, in [1]:
- extreme hardship to you, whether in relation to employment or otherwise, or
- undue hardship to someone else, whether in relation to employment or otherwise
The order must also not be contrary to public safety [1]. The Ministry of Justice stresses the hardship must be more than "just inconvenience" [2].
The Chief District Court Judge's practice note says affidavits should state facts, not assertions, that employment hardship should be backed by an affidavit from the employer (a letter is generally insufficient), and that all previous driving-related convictions should be disclosed [3]. Everyone who swears an affidavit must appear for examination on it, unless the parties agree otherwise [1].
Who cannot apply
Section 103(2) lists people who may not apply for a limited licence [1]. In summary:
| Situation | Can you apply? |
|---|---|
| Indefinite disqualification for repeat drink or drug driving under section 65 | No |
| Disqualified after a conviction for driving while disqualified, while suspended, or contrary to a limited licence (section 32(1)) | No |
| Subject to an alcohol interlock sentence, or would have been but for a listed exception | No |
| A driver licence stop order is in effect (usually for unpaid traffic fines) | No |
| Disqualified for a repeat of certain serious offences within 5 years (details below) | No |
| Disqualified from driving in a transport service under section 63 | Not for driving in a transport service |
The repeat rule covers dangerous or reckless driving, careless or inconsiderate driving causing injury or death, failing to stop after an accident, drink or drug driving, and obtaining a licence while disqualified. It applies if the offence was committed within 5 years of another offence on that list from a different incident [1]. The Ministry of Justice notes its own list of exclusions is "not limited to" those it names [2].
The trap that closes the door
The single most common way people lose the option is by driving while suspended. Driving while disqualified, while your licence is suspended, or contrary to a limited licence is an offence under section 32(1) [1]. For a first or second offence the maximum penalty is 3 months' imprisonment or a fine of up to $4,500, and the court must disqualify you for 6 months or more [1]. A disqualification imposed for that offence is one you cannot get a limited licence for [1].
So driving during a 3-month demerit suspension can turn something that may have qualified into a longer disqualification that does not.
Similarly, an alcohol interlock sentence allows only an interlock licence, later replaceable by a zero alcohol licence [1], and anyone subject to that sentence cannot apply for a limited licence [1].
Is there a waiting period?
It depends on why you lost your licence.
Court disqualification. For some offences, including drink and drug driving, dangerous or careless driving causing injury or death, failing to stop, logbook offences and insecure loads, no limited licence can be authorised until 28 days after the disqualification takes effect [1]. You can file during this stand-down, but it still applies [2][3]. File at the court where you were disqualified [2].
Demerit suspension. There is no stand-down [2]. File after the suspension notice has been served on you, with a copy of the notice [3], at your local District Court [2].
If you are declined. You must wait at least 3 months to reapply, unless you have relevant new evidence [1].
Costs
The court fee is $175 after a court disqualification and $275 after a demerit suspension, plus a $69 sealing fee if a demerit order is granted (Ministry of Justice page updated 1 July 2026) [2]. Fees are not refunded if the application is declined [2].
What conditions look like
The court order must specify [1]:
- the purpose the limited licence is for
- the particular vehicle, or type of vehicle, you may drive
- the days of the week and the times you may drive
- anything else needed to limit the order to the hardship you proved
The driving area must be defined by a route or clear boundary points, not a radius [3]. You can only drive a vehicle class you held immediately before losing your licence, and passenger service driving is only possible for demerit suspensions [1].
After it is granted
The Transport Agency must issue the licence in line with the order, unless it learns you were not entitled to apply [1].
From then on, driving outside the conditions, at the wrong time, place or purpose, is an offence under section 32(1) [1]. You must produce your licence when an enforcement officer asks [1]. A conviction bringing a new disqualification revokes the limited licence and revives the original disqualification for the rest of its term [1].
The honest bottom line
A limited licence may be an option if you were disqualified or suspended for demerit points, are not in an excluded group, and can prove real hardship. It is never guaranteed, and one drive while suspended can rule it out.
If you need to drive for work and think you may qualify, NZ Limited Licence prepares limited licence application documents. We do not represent anyone in court, we are not a law firm, and we cannot promise the court will grant an order. Phone 0800 437 005.
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998 (as at 4 September 2026), sections 2, 5, 32, 65, 65AB, 65AC, 65B, 90, 95, 103, 104 and 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/DLM434582.html (accessed 27 September 2026)
- Get a limited licence, New Zealand Ministry of Justice, https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/criminal/get-a-limited-licence/ (accessed 27 September 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 27 September 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a limited licence during a 28-day roadside suspension?
No. The Act allows applications only by people disqualified by an order under the Act or suspended for demerit points under section 90, and a 28-day roadside suspension under section 95 is neither.
Can I apply straight away after a demerit suspension?
Yes. There is no stand-down period for a demerit suspension, but you should wait until the suspension notice has been served on you and file a copy with your application.
What happens if I drive outside my limited licence conditions?
It is an offence under section 32(1), which for a first or second offence carries a mandatory disqualification of 6 months or more. You cannot get a limited licence for that disqualification.
If the court says no, can I try again?
Only after at least 3 months, unless you have relevant new evidence that was not available at the first hearing.