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New Zealand Restricted Licence Car Rentals

Accelerate your driving confidence with a car hire that accepts New Zealand restricted licences. With 9 locations across the North and South Islands, you can easily slip behind the wheel of a safe and reliable car hire.

If you're holding a NZ restricted licence, you must adhere to all the rules of your licence while driving a hire car. Simply pay attention to the rules, savour the freedom of the open road and get GOing with GO Rentals.

GO Rent, But Follow the Restricted Licence Rules

There's no fun without rules, we say! We're happy to hire a car to restricted licence holders in NZ*, but liability insurance will only cover you if you stick to the rules of your licence.

Hire a car and drive safely under the following conditions:

  • You must be over 21 (or 25 for some vehicles) to hire a car with GO Rentals. Although you can get your restricted licence from the age of 16 in New Zealand, all of our car rentals have a minimum age of 21.
  • You must drive with a supervisor between 10pm and 5am, even in a hire car! They must hold a valid, full NZ driver's licence, have held it for at least two years and sit in the front passenger seat of the hire car at all times.
  • You can't carry passengers without a supervisor, unless the passenger is your spouse, partner, parent, guardian or designated dependents...hello family road trip!
  • Zero alcohol limit.
  • Your physical licence must be carried at all times.
  • Breaching your licence rules may result in demerit points and no cover under an insurance claim.

*GO Rentals may choose to accept a restricted New Zealand driver's licence at its own discretion, if it does so the Authorised Driver must only operate the Vehicle in accordance with the relevant restrictions, and the Hirer acknowledges that the insurance referred to in this Rental Agreement may be void if any such restrictions are not adhered to. Electric vehicles can not be hired on a restricted license.

Check all terms and conditions before hiring a car.

Do we accept international restricted licences?

Unfortunately, we do not accept foreign restricted licences. Not all foreign temporary or restricted licence holders are allowed to drive in New Zealand. Therefore, we only offer restricted licence car hires to NZ licence holders.

Car Hire Deals

Save money on a restricted licence car hire. Discover the best deals and relocations and make the most of your New Zealand adventure for less with GO.

From 10% off

Hot Deals

Secure the best deals for your car rental in New Zealand. From discounted bookings across our most popular cars to relocation deals for one-way trips. Discover how you can save with GO.

See all deals
15% off

AA Member Discount

AA Members get an exclusive 15% off the daily rate from every GO Rentals car booking.
Book online or call us with your membership number to redeem this offer.

Get the discount
Win up to $500

Snap Happy

Your travel memories matter to us!
Snap a picture of your adventure around New Zealand, and be in to win up to $500 of the cost of your rental back.

GO Snap Happy

Suitable Cars for Restricted Licence Holders

All of our car rentals are well-maintained and come with an automatic transmission and 5-star ANZAC safety rating. With 24/7 roadside assistance and unlimited kilometres included, you can concentrate on your driving skills and let us handle the car hire support.

Compact Car Hire

Zip around the city roads and rural areas in a small but powerful car hire.

Toyota Yaris

  • 0 - 2 year(s) old
  • 5 seats
  • 1 large bag
  • 1 small bag
  • 1300 cc engine
  • Automatic
  • Unleaded 91
  • 6.3L / 100km
  • Cruise Control
  • Touch Screen Audio
  • USB Port
  • Air Conditioning
Image of blue MG3 rental car parked outside a building with pink GO Rentals plates
Side image of a silver MG3 rental car on a white background
Rear image of a silver MG3 rental car on a white background
Interior image of an MG3 rental car taken from back seat looking at modern dashboard and entertainment system
Interior image of the back seats of an MG3 rental car

Toyota Corolla Hatch

  • 0 - 2 year(s) old
  • 5 seats
  • 1 large bag
  • 2 small bags
  • 2000 cc engine
  • Automatic
  • Unleaded 91
  • 6.6L / 100km
  • 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating
  • Bluetooth Handsfree Phone
  • Cruise Control
  • 2000cc Petrol
Front image of a red Toyota Corolla rental car parked up next to a river on a blue sky day
Front image of an electric blue Toyota Corolla hatchback rental car on a white background
Rear image of an electric blue Toyota Corolla hatchback rental car on a white background
Interior front image of a Toyota Corolla rental car showing the dashboard and entertainment system
Interior rear image of a Toyota Corolla rental car showing the back seats

Hybrid Car Rentals

Hybrid cars are generally more fuel-efficient than standard petrol cars as the electric battery reduces the load on the engine. Save money on fuel and get GOing in a smooth hybrid car.

Suzuki Swift Hybrid or similar

  • 0 - 1 year(s) old
  • 5 seats
  • 1 large bag
  • 1 small bag
  • 1200 cc engine
  • Automatic
  • Petrol Hybrid
  • 4.7L / 100km
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • Bluetooth
  • Touchscreen Infotainment

Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

  • 0 - 1 year(s) old
  • 5 seats
  • 1 large bag
  • 2 small bags
  • 1490 cc engine
  • Automatic
  • Petrol Hybrid
  • 4.2L / 100km
  • Petrol Hybrid
  • Reverse Camera
  • 5 Star ANCAP Rating
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Exterior side image of a Toyota Camry Hybrid parked up with a view looking down over a turquoise lake with a man taking pictures
Side image of a blue Toyota Camry Hybrid on a white background
Rear image of a blue Toyota Camry Hybrid on a white background
Interior front image of a Toyota Camry Hybrid rental car showing the dashboard and entertainment system
Interior rear image of a Toyota Camry Hybrid rental car showing the backseats with one seat in fold down position

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid or Similar

  • 0 - 1 year(s) old
  • 5 seats
  • 3 large bags
  • 5 small bags
  • 2000 cc engine
  • Automatic
  • Petrol Hybrid
  • 4.8L / 100km
  • Petrol Hybrid
  • Reverse Camera
  • 5 Star ANCAP Rating
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Cars Unavailable for Restricted Licence Holders

Unfortunately, our EV Teslas cannot be hired on a restricted licence.

Why GO with us?

  • FREE basic car rental insurance

    Our basic insurance cover is included in the cost of every car hire with two upgraded insurance options available!

  • One-way car rentals

    We can organise one-way rentals with pick-up in one location and drop-off in another. Stick to your dream itinerary without worrying about circling back.

  • Offset carbon emissions

    In partnership with CarbonClick, you can choose to offset the carbon emission of your GO Rentals road trip.

  • 24hr AA roadside assistance

    All GO Rentals hire cars have access to the AA 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance and our Tesla EVs have access to Tesla Roadside Assistance.

  • GO App

    With our GO Rentals App, you can book a car, check in faster and even control your Tesla car functions, right from the palm of your hand.

Learn more

Total Road Care

A comprehensive $3 per day fee ensures your journey is simple and stress-free, we include the following services:

  • Roadside Assistance

    Complimentary callout service for ALL types of breakdowns.

  • Government Road Taxes

    Covers registration costs, safety inspections and road user charges.

  • Toll Road Freedom

    Enjoy free passage on all toll roads, we cover all costs including admin fees.

With Total Road Care, we handle all the essentials so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Terms and Conditions

Cruise with Peace of Mind

Holidays should be about recharging and relaxation. To minimise any stress or hassle on your part, we offer comprehensive insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance included in our Total Road Care package for all types of breakdowns.

We have 3 levels of insurance for you to choose from:

  • GO Basic - Basic insurance is included as standard. Cost varies depending on vehicle class and the duration of the hire. There will be a bond deposit to pay on pick-up and an excess amount in the unfortunate case of a claim.
  • GO Assured - GO Assured allows you to reduce your excess and bond amount. The upgrade fee is an insurance premium and non-refundable. Cost varies depending on vehicle class.
  • GO Peace of Mind - From $0 bond and excess. The upgrade fee is an insurance premium and non-refundable. Cost varies depending on vehicle class.

Where to GO in your Restricted Licence Rental Car

Let's make it a full house! Drive anywhere in New Zealand in an 8-seater car hire. We have 9 locations to choose from.

Map of New Zealand

  • NZ Restricted Licence Car Rental Auckland

    Explore the largest city in New Zealand with a restricted license car hire in Auckland. With branches in Auckland Airport, the CBD, and Waiheke, and extended pick-up and drop-off hours, you can easily get behind the wheel and start practising.

    Our modern vehicle hire could help you get out on the rural roads and complete some day trips from Auckland. With a one-way rental road trip, you won’t even have to stress about the return trip!

  • Car Hire with a Restricted Licence Christchurch

    Our Christchurch restricted licence car hires are available for pick up from 7 am-1:30 am, 7 days a week. With 24/7 roadside assistance, you can drive away safely, knowing you won't be stranded in an unexpected event.

    The roads in and around Christchurch are generally quieter and easier to drive around than in most cities. Take it slower in the winter wind and rain to ensure you have a smooth driving experience.

  • Restricted Licence Car Rental Queenstown

    Our Queenstown NZ restricted licence car hire is available for pick up and drop off 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With many mountain roads that are sealed and safe to drive, it's the perfect base to try out different terrains.

    If hiring in winter, consider adding on snow chains for that extra traction on the road. Master the winter chill with winter driving tips.

Car Hire Customer Facts

  • Minimum Age: You must be 21 years old to cruise in a GO Rentals hire car. Good news: We do not apply a young driver surcharge!
  • Maximum Age: There is no age limit to GO with us! As long as you have a valid licence, we welcome you with open arms.
  • New Zealand Licence Rule: Temporary, restricted and full driver's licences are permitted to rent some vehicles with GO. Photo identification is required if hiring a vehicle with a New Zealand temporary licence. Electric vehicles cannot be hired on a restricted licence.
  • Foreign Licence Rule: Valid, full driver's licences are accepted from overseas travellers but must be translated to English and NZTA approved. Foreign learner's and provisional licences are not valid for renting with GO.
  • Credit Card Requirement: A credit card is required for bookings with the Basic or Assured insurance options that require a bond deposit. A debit card is acceptable for the upgraded Peace of Mind or some Assured insurance options without a bond requirement.
  • Additional Drivers: Simply pop in to any of our branches and show us your driver's licence to add you onto a booking.
  • Family needs: You can hire baby capsules, child seats and booster seats for your little ones! Add them onto your booking quote and we will fit them ready for you to GO.
  • Documents for collection: You will need your valid driver licence and your debit or credit card in your name. Note that a credit card is required for bookings with the Basic or Assured insurance option that requires a bond deposit.

Educational Information

No Restrictions on Happiness - Our Snap Happy Customers

Our Snap Happy Photo Competition has customers revved up about our car hire in New Zealand! Submit a cool photo of your GO travel memory and be in with a chance to WIN up to $500 back from your booking.

  • Three women in light dresses posing happily beside a white car

    Grace McCauley

    Christchurch City

    We loved using the ASX to get to the wedding with the bride in tow!

  • Group of friends jumping playfully in front of the Wellington sign

    Love Naviza

    Wellington

    This photo was taken in Wellington. We were playfully trying to show how windy it gets there. One kick and everyone goes flying! We had a great experience with GO Rentals, thanks to excellent service. The pickup process was smooth and quick. We got the perfect car for our needs. We'll definitely rent again.

  • A person sitting on a rock with a dog by a snowy mountain lake

    Hannah Fillmore

    Lake Alta, Queenstown

    Photo of Marely (my 10 month old Lab) on his first hike in the mountains and first time seeing snow! He absolutely loved it! Marley experienced his first flight and GO Rentals helped get us to the top of the Remarkables to explore Lake Alta and other areas surrounding Queenstown! Thank you for helping to make our wee holiday so awesome!

  • A person proposing on a rocky lakeshore with snowy mountains behind

    Chun Mun Chan

    Lake Tekapo

    This photo captures the most unforgettable moment of my life - my proposal in New Zealand. Thanks to GO Rental, we had the freedom to explore every corner of this beautiful country until I found a perfect spot to ask the biggest question of my life. A trip we’ll never forget, in a car that made it possible.

The Road to Confidence for Restricted Licence Car Rentals!

The freedom of the open road is within reach. A rental car can safely get you behind the wheel without the stress of buying a car before you get your full driver's licence.

With well-maintained cars, 24/7 roadside assistance and basic insurance, your safety is a priority with GO. Stick to your driver's licence rule and you can roll into a smooth driving experience.

Focus on the unrestricted journey and get GOing with a restricted licence car rental.