Frequently asked questions

New Zealand uses a three-stage system. Stage 1 — Learner licence: pass a 35-question theory test at a licensing agent (NZTA pass mark: 32/35), then drive supervised at all times with your L plates displayed. You must be at least 16. Stage 2 — Restricted licence: after a minimum of 6 months on your learner (12 months if you're under 25 from January 2027, unless you log 60 supervised hours), pass a practical driving test. You can drive solo, but not between 10pm and 5am, and not with passengers unless a supervisor is present. Stage 3 — Full licence: after 18 months restricted (12 months from 2027 for under-25s), pass a further practical test. No time or passenger restrictions.

Apply in person at an AA Centre, VTNZ, or VINZ with photo ID and proof of address. You'll sit a 35-question multiple-choice computer test on road rules, hazards, and safe driving practices. Pass mark is 32 out of 35. A temporary licence is issued on the day; your photo licence arrives by post. Minimum age is 16.

NZTA recommends approximately 120 hours of practical experience before your restricted licence test. That can include time with family and friends (supervised), though professional instruction is most valuable at the beginning and end of your training. Most Shore Drive students reach test-readiness with around 10 hours of professional tuition.

From 25 January 2027, under-25 learners face a 12-month learner period (up from 6 months) — but it can be cut back to 6 months by logging 60 supervised hours or completing an approved course. The restricted period for under-25s shortens from 18 to 12 months. The full licence practical test is being removed entirely, and the fee drops to $25.90. Demerit points will add time to the restricted period from May 2026.

Yes. L plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle whenever you drive on a learner licence. You can buy L plates from the AA Shop online or from any AA Centre.

On a restricted licence you cannot drive between 10pm and 5am without a supervisor, and you cannot carry passengers unless a supervisor is present. There are some exceptions — for example, if the passenger is an immediate family member and there is no supervisor available. Check the NZTA website for the full conditions.

Shore Drive is a one-person driving school operated by Adrian Davies, a NZTA-qualified instructor based in Torbay on Auckland's North Shore. Adrian teaches learner, restricted, and full licence candidates across the North Shore — Albany, Birkenhead/Glenfield, Northcote/Onewa, Orewa/Silverdale, Takapuna, and Torbay/Long Bay. He is known for a calm, patient approach that works especially well for anxious learners and neurodivergent students.

Adrian teaches in a modern dual-control vehicle, meaning he has independent access to the brake and accelerator at all times. This is a safety requirement and also removes a layer of anxiety for new drivers — you don't have to worry about the car doing something you can't correct.

Yes. If you plan to sit your test in your own vehicle, it makes sense to practise in it. The car must have a current WoF and registration and be in good working order. Discuss this when you request your booking.

Lessons run 6 days a week (not Sundays). Available hours are approximately 8am–6pm in summer and 8am–5pm in winter, though Adrian aims to be flexible around school and work schedules. Availability is confirmed when you request your booking.

Fill in the short request form on this website — it asks about your current licence level, which vehicle you'd like to use, your location, and any learning supports or notes that would help. There's no automatic booking or upfront payment. Adrian reads every request personally and gets in touch to confirm a time.

Adrian comes to you. He picks up from your home, school, workplace, or any agreed meeting point across the North Shore — including at school gates. Travel is included in the lesson fee.

Lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours' notice at no charge. A reminder text is sent the day before each lesson with a link to confirm or reschedule if needed. Late cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged at the full lesson rate. Life happens — if something urgent comes up, just get in touch as soon as you can.

Yes. A text reminder is sent the day before with a link to confirm or reschedule. If you need to change the time, use the link in the reminder rather than leaving it until the day.

Use the link in your reminder text, or contact Adrian directly by phone or text. As long as it's more than 24 hours before the lesson, there's no charge and rescheduling is straightforward.

After completing your first three lessons, package pricing unlocks automatically for future bookings. There's no voucher code or admin required — Adrian will confirm when you've reached that milestone.

The first lesson starts with a brief conversation about where you're at, any concerns you have, and what you want to get out of lessons. Adrian will then assess your current skill level before setting a personalised plan. There's no pressure to do anything you're not ready for — the first lesson is about building a picture and building comfort.

It varies. Some people are ready for their restricted test after 5–8 hours of professional instruction (on top of supervised practice); others need more. Adrian gives an honest assessment at each lesson and will tell you when he thinks you're ready to test — not when a fixed number of lessons is up.

Yes. A parent, caregiver, or support person is welcome at any lesson, particularly the first one. For students under 18, Adrian asks that a parent or guardian confirms the initial booking. Note this when you fill in the request form.

Just your current licence card (learner or restricted) — no digital copies. Adrian picks you up, so there's nothing else to bring. If you're using your own car, ensure it has a current WoF and registration and a full tank of fuel.

Yes. Adrian's vehicle is a modern dual-control car fitted with instructor brake and accelerator pedals. This means Adrian can intervene at any point if needed, completely independently of your controls. It's the same standard required of all professional driving instructors.

A current, valid NZ licence card is required at every lesson — no exceptions. For students under 18, a parent or guardian must confirm the initial booking. Lessons will not proceed if a student appears unfit to drive (e.g., severely unwell). Adrian carries a first-aid kit in the vehicle.

Adrian is trained to handle emergencies and has independent vehicle control at all times via the dual controls. In the event of a mechanical issue, he will pull over safely and arrange alternative transport. All lessons are covered by professional indemnity insurance.

Adrian will give you an honest assessment throughout your lessons and will specifically say when he thinks you're ready. He does not encourage students to book a test before they're genuinely prepared — a failed test costs money, time, and confidence.

Common failures include: not giving way correctly at intersections, poor mirror and blind-spot checking, incorrect lane positioning, following too closely, not coming to a full stop at STOP signs, and inconsistent speed management through zones. Adrian specifically targets these in the lessons leading up to your test.

Yes. Test day support is a specific service Adrian offers. He sits in the back seat as your support person during your restricted or full licence test. Having a familiar face in the car can significantly reduce nerves. Indicate on the booking form that you'd like this.

Yes. A full mock test is run under test conditions at your local test centre area. It mirrors the real thing — same routes, same standards, no coaching during the drive. Afterwards Adrian debrief you thoroughly on what to focus on before your actual test.

Yes. Using a familiar dual-control vehicle can reduce nerves on test day. Confirm this when booking your test preparation lessons.

Yes — completely. ADHD does not prevent you from getting a driving licence in New Zealand. Many people with ADHD are excellent, attentive drivers once they work with an instructor who adapts to their learning style. Adrian uses clear, step-by-step instructions, breaks tasks into manageable chunks, and keeps the environment low-pressure.

Yes. There is no blanket restriction on driving licences for autistic people in New Zealand. Adrian works with autistic learners regularly, adjusting communication style, lesson structure, and the pace of progress to suit. Support persons are welcome at any lesson.

Yes, and this is very common. Adrian never rushes, never reacts badly to mistakes, and always builds gradually from where you are. Many of his most anxious students have become the most confident drivers once the pressure is removed. If anxiety is a significant factor, note it on the booking form so Adrian can plan the first lesson accordingly.

Yes. Theory tests at AA Centres and VTNZ can be taken in te reo Māori or one of several other languages. Extra time, an oral test format, and other accessibility options may be available. Contact NZTA at 0800 822 422 or your nearest licensing agent to arrange accommodations.

Standard North Shore lessons are $75/hour. Extended areas (Orewa/Silverdale and similar distances) are $80/hour. A 2-hour test preparation session starts at $150. Car hire for the test is $175 for restricted and $125 for full licence. After your first three lessons, package pricing unlocks for further bookings.

No charge for cancellations with 24+ hours' notice. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) or no-shows may be charged the full lesson rate. Use the link in your reminder text to reschedule in advance.

Cash per lesson, or online bank transfer. No payment is required when submitting a booking request.

No. You fill in the request form, Adrian contacts you to confirm the lesson, and payment happens after the lesson. No deposit, no upfront charge.

Yes, for up to 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand. If your licence is not in English, you must carry an International Driving Permit or a certified translation.

The process depends on your country of origin. Drivers from some countries (e.g. Australia, UK, South Africa, certain European countries) can convert with a simplified process. Others must sit the theory test and/or a practical test. Shore Drive offers overseas licence conversion lessons to help you meet the NZ standard. See the overseas licence conversion page for more.

Absolutely. Many of Adrian's students come to him after a failed attempt elsewhere. He'll look at what the examiner noted, target those specific areas, and build your confidence back up before you test again.