China driving license can be used in New Zealand for 1 year with an accurate English translation.

The translation must be issued by an authorised translation provider in New Zealand. For a list of approved translators: Click here

Motorists planning to be resident in New Zealand for more than one year should apply for a New Zealand driving licence as soon as possible.

Convert to a New Zealand driving license

To convert your overseas driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence, you must apply at a driver licensing agent.

You will need to:

  1. fill out an application form
  2. present evidence of your identity
  3. prove your eyesight meets the required standard
  4. provide a medical certificate (if required)
  5. present your overseas driver licence (and a translation if it is not in English)
  6. let the agent take your photo and signature
  7. pay the application fee
  8. provide photocopies of all the original documents you have provided, as listed above (including any translation).

You may also need to pass theory and practical tests.