Can I drive in New Zealand with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months.” (FCDO travel advice for New Zealand, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1949 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 1949 | – |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for New Zealand: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months. You can exchange an old-style paper licence if you need to.
Source: FCDO travel advice: New Zealand travel advice, page updated 19 March 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in New Zealand
Hiring a car in New Zealand? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Compare car hire in New Zealand
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Staying longer or moving there? New Zealand’s rules change for arrivals from 1 November 2026: how long you can drive in New Zealand on an overseas licence
Other licences in New Zealand
| Licence | In New Zealand | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to New Zealand
- British passport: New Zealand entry requirements
- Canadian passport: New Zealand
- Australian passport: New Zealand
- Italian citizens: Nuova Zelanda
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for New Zealand with a UK photocard driving licence?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months.” (FCDO travel advice for New Zealand, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in New Zealand with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months.”
Which international driving permit do I need for New Zealand?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1949 IDP for New Zealand.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.