Roads
Local streets, rural roads, higher-speed roads and unfamiliar routes as ability develops.
NEW ZEALAND PRACTICE HOURS GUIDE
How much driving practice
does a learner need?
NZTA recommends around 120 hours of supervised practice before a learner gets their restricted licence. That recommendation is different from the minimum learner-licence period, which is changing from 25 January 2027.
New Zealand guide · Reviewed 17 September 2026
CURRENT & UPCOMING RULES
Separate the time requirement from the practice recommendation.
Until 24 Jan 2027
The current minimum learner period before a restricted licence is generally six months.
From 25 Jan 2027
For under-25s, the learner period becomes 12 months, with an option to reduce it to six months by completing an approved learner course or qualifying logged supervised driving hours. Learners aged 25+ retain a six-month learner period.
120 hours
NZTA continues to recommend about 120 hours of supervised driving practice before progressing to a restricted licence.
As at 17 September 2026, NZTA says it is still finalising the rules for logged supervised hours used to reduce the learner period. It says the qualifying logged amount will be up to 60 hours and that final logging rules are due in October 2026. Check NZTA before relying on the new pathway.
120 hours can still be
120 similar hours.
The total is useful, but the breadth of experience matters too. NZTA’s driving-skills guidance encourages practice that progressively increases in complexity.
That means building experience across different roads, traffic, weather, light and everyday situations rather than repeating only the same familiar route.
BEYOND THE TOTAL
Track the breadth of experience.
Conditions
Daylight, darkness, rain, glare and changing visibility when safe and appropriate.
Traffic
Different traffic levels, from quieter environments to busier and more complex situations.
Situations
Intersections, roundabouts, merging, parking, navigation and unfamiliar destinations.
Build the skills professionally.
Broaden the experience with Waylo.
Waylo gives learners and families a clearer picture of the real-world experience being built between professional driving lessons. It does not replace licensing records or NZTA requirements.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Practice hours FAQs.
Is 120 hours currently a legal minimum in New Zealand?
NZTA recommends around 120 hours of supervised practice, but the current minimum learner period is a time requirement. From 25 January 2027, qualifying logged supervised hours will become one way for under-25s to reduce the new 12-month learner period to six months.
How many logged hours will be needed from January 2027?
As at 17 September 2026, NZTA says the detailed rules are still being finalised. It says the qualifying amount will be up to 60 hours and that logging rules will be published in October 2026.
Does Waylo count as an official NZTA log?
No. Waylo tracks breadth of driving experience and does not replace official records or licensing requirements.