- New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) What's Different about driving in New Zealand brochure (multi-language)
- New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Safer Winter Driving
Tips for keeping safe in New Zealand
Preparing for your trip
Driving in New Zealand should be a safe and enjoyable experience. If you have never driven in New Zealand before you should become familiar with the rules of our roads. We want you to enjoy your time in New Zealand and stay safe on the roads when renting one of our rental cars. It’s important for you to understand the New Zealand Road Code before setting off to your destination in your rental car.
Before setting out, please make sure to view the following resources to prepare you for driving on New Zealand’s roads.
- DriveSafe website
- Take a practice test to prepare yourself for driving in New Zealand. Thrifty strongly suggest if you have come on a long-haul flight, you stay overnight at your initial destination. That way, you'll be nice and refreshed the next day to begin your journey.
Can I drive in New Zealand?
You must have your current and valid driver licence or driver permit with you at all times when you’re driving. If your overseas licence or driver permit is not in English, you must also carry an accurate English translation issued by:
- A translation service approved by the NZ Transport Agency, a list is available online or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas licence.
- An International Driving Permit (issued in accordance with a United Nations Convention on Road Traffic) is acceptable as a translation
Top Tips for Driving in New Zealand
Before you get started on your driving getaway, please make sure you familiarise yourself with the with the important road safety information to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey.
Keep left
Always drive on the left side of the road. If you drive on the right side of the road in your own country, please remember to keep left when pulling out onto the road – it’s easy to forget.
Wear your seat belt
By law, everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt or child restraint – whether they’re in the front or back. Children under seven years of age must be secured in an approved child restraint. Children aged seven must be secured in an approved child restraint if such a restraint is available.
Adhere to speed limits
Speed limit signs show the maximum speed you can travel. At times you may need to drive at a slower speed due to road, weather or traffic conditions. Different speed limits apply throughout New Zealand – look out for the speed limit signs.
Do not use your mobile phone
Drivers must not use a hand-held mobile phone when driving unless the device is completely hands-free or mounted securely to the vehicle – and touched infrequently and briefly. Writing, reading or sending text messages on a mobile phone while driving is also illegal.
Do not drink and drive
Don’t drink or use drugs and then drive – the laws against this are strictly enforced in New Zealand and penalties are severe
Thrifty Safe Driving Videos
Hybrids
Vans
Buses
Trucks
Signage
Below are some common signs that may be seen on your journey.
Warning Signs
Warning signs alert you to hazards ahead to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of other road users and road workers. These signs warn of either permanent hazards, indicated by yellow and black diamond-shaped signs, or temporary hazards, marked by orange and black diamond-shaped signs.
Slippery road when wet
Road narrows
Pedestrian Crossing
Clearance height
Children
Stop on request
Slips
Roadworks
Other Hazard
Gravel Surface
Left lane closed
Road Signs
Compulsory signs tell you what you must or must not do. They are usually red or blue and some have red borders.
Speed Signs
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Information signs
Information signs give you useful information, for example, the distance to the next town. They are all rectangular but come in a range of different colours and sizes.
