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Driving in New Zealand on your Sri Lankan licence

How long you can drive on an overseas car licence, the translation you need, and when to get a New Zealand licence.

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Last checked
21 Oct 2026
Next review
21 Apr 2027

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says you can drive on an overseas car licence for up to 18 months from the date you last arrived in New Zealand. Motorcycle and heavy vehicle licences have a 12-month limit. Many older websites still say 12 months for cars.

What to bring

  • Your current, valid Sri Lankan licence, carry it whenever you drive.
  • Because a Sri Lankan licence isn’t fully in English, you also need an accurate English translation or an International Driving Permit. NZTA keeps a list of approved translators.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the 18 months restarts automatically, it restarts only when you leave and arrive again, and the rules have conditions.
  • Forgetting that New Zealand drives on the left, like Sri Lanka, but road rules, give-way rules and speed enforcement are different. Study the NZ Road Code before you drive.
  • Leaving it too late to convert. Converting can involve theory and practical tests.

Where to check the current rule

Check NZTA’s pages on driving with an overseas licence and converting to a New Zealand licence.