Need to Drive for Work?
How to Apply for a Limited Licence in New Zealand
Losing your driver’s licence can be more than an inconvenience it can affect your job, your income, and your ability to care for your whānau. If driving is essential for your work, family, or medical needs, you may be eligible to apply for a limited licence.
Also known as a “work licence,” a limited licence allows you to drive under specific conditions during your disqualification period. While it’s not guaranteed, with the right preparation and legal support, many applicants succeed.
At Anj Singh Law, I help clients across New Zealand get back on the road legally and safely. Here’s what you need to know about the process.
What Is a Limited Licence?
A limited licence is a special court order that permits you to drive for specific purposes only while you are disqualified from holding a full licence. Common approved purposes include:
Travelling to and from work
Performing essential job-related duties
Attending medical appointments or caring for dependents
Transporting children to school or daycare (in limited cases)
It does not restore your full driving privileges and is granted only in cases of demonstrated hardship.
Who Is Eligible for a Limited Licence?
You may qualify for a limited licence if:
You have been disqualified from driving due to:
Accumulating 100 or more demerit points
A drink-driving offence (after completing the mandatory stand-down period)
Other traffic-related offences such as careless driving causing injury
And:
You can show that your disqualification would cause extreme hardship to you, or undue hardship to others, such as your employer, business, or dependents
It’s important to note:
Not all offences qualify for a limited licence
If your offence involved dangerous driving, repeat drink driving, or refusing a breath test, your eligibility may be limited
There is typically a mandatory stand down period before you can apply, depending on the offence
Each application is assessed on its individual merits, which is why early legal advice is essential.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Seek Legal Advice First
Do not attempt to apply without legal guidance. A lawyer experienced in traffic law can:
Assess your eligibility
Prepare all necessary documents
Anticipate and address potential objections from the police
Present a strong case in court
2. Gather Supporting Documents
Your application must include:
An affidavit from you, explaining your circumstances, your employment or family needs, and the impact of disqualification
A supporting affidavit from your employer, confirming your role, need for a licence, and inability to make alternative arrangements
Additional supporting documents such as:
Proof of employment
Medical records (if applicable)
Pay slips or business records
Character references or community support letters
A recent driving record from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
3. File Your Application in Court
You’ll need to:
Submit your documents to the District Court
Pay the required filing fee
Notify the police prosecutor, who may review or oppose the application
Your lawyer will handle these steps to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
4. Attend the Court Hearing
The judge will consider:
The seriousness of the offence
Your need for a licence
The risk to public safety
Whether appropriate conditions can reduce that risk
If successful, the court will issue a limited licence with strict conditions such as routes, times, vehicles, and even breath-alcohol interlock devices if relevant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without legal representation – leading to incomplete or rejected applications
Failing to provide strong evidence of hardship
Not observing the mandatory stand-down period
Driving outside your permitted hours or conditions once your limited licence is granted (this is a criminal offence)
Why Choose Anj Singh Law?
With over 22 years of experience in traffic and criminal law, I have successfully assisted many clients in applying for limited licences. I understand how essential driving is for your livelihood and family and I treat every case with care, urgency, and attention to detail.
You’ll get:
Personalised advice
Professionally prepared affidavits
Support throughout the court process
A clear explanation of your rights and responsibilities
On Your Side When It Matters Most
Losing your licence can affect far more than just your ability to drive it can impact your income, career, family, and mental wellbeing. A limited licence can offer a path forward, but the process must be done right.
📞 Contact Us Now for a consultation. Let’s talk about your options and work together to get you back behind the wheel legally, safely, and with peace of mind.
