How to Exchange Your Korean Driver's License for a New Zealand Driver's License

Check the procedures and necessary information for exchanging your Korean driver's license for a New Zealand driver's license.

1. Check Eligibility Requirements

To exchange for a New Zealand license, you must meet the following requirements.

Driving Experience: You must have held your Korean driver's license for more than 2 years.
If it is less than 2 years, you will be exempt from the written test but must pass the practical test.

Prepare the following documents for the driver's license exchange.

Korean Driver's License: Original and color copy
Passport: Original and color copy
English Driving Experience Certificate: Prepare an English version of the driving experience certificate issued in Korea (can be obtained from Government24)
Proof of Address: Documents showing your name and New Zealand residential address (e.g., bank statement, utility bill)
Fees: Costs to be paid at the time of application

Follow the steps below to proceed with the license exchange application.

Prepare Documents: Gather all the documents listed above.
Visit an AA Centre: Go to the nearest Automobile Association (AA) centre in New Zealand.
Complete Application Form: Fill out the driver's license exchange application form (DL5) provided on-site.
Vision Test and Photo: Take a vision test at the centre and have your photo taken for the license.
Pay Fees: Pay the required fees.
Temporary License Issuance: Receive a temporary New Zealand driver's license immediately after applying.
Receive Official License: Receive your official New Zealand driver's license by mail approximately 2-3 weeks later.

Issuance of Driving Experience Certificate: If you do not have a joint certificate or have difficulty obtaining it online, you can obtain it from the Korean embassy or consulate in New Zealand.
Less than 2 Years of Driving Experience: A practical test is required, and you must schedule the test at the AA centre.
Use of International Driving Permit: You can drive with an international driving permit for 12 months after entering New Zealand, but after that, a New Zealand license is mandatory.

To drive for more than 12 months after entering New Zealand, you must exchange for a New Zealand driver's license.

You need more than 2 years of driving experience to exchange your Korean driver's license.
Prepare the necessary documents and proceed with the license exchange process at the AA centre.
To drive in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you must exchange for a New Zealand license.

Prepare in advance for the New Zealand driver's license exchange process to drive safely and legally!