The important part is - Demerit points affecting the duration you have to be on your restricted comes into effect on 7 May 2026. This means 6 months for each breach added to your time.

Demerits could add time to a restricted licence from 7 May 2026

The Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026 has now been passed into law. This legislation enables the graduated driver licensing system (GDLS) changes announced in February.   

• Most of the changes come into effect on 25 January 2027. 
• The clean driving requirement for restricted licence holders starts on 7 May 2026.  
• For each time restricted licence holders get demerit points between 7 May 2026 and 24 January 2027, 6 months will be added to their restricted period on 25 January 2027. 
• If they move on to their full licence before 25 January, they won’t need to wait any extra time.  
• If they get demerits before 7 May 2026, they won’t need to wait any extra time.  

NZTA have added more information for restricted licence holders on their website:  NZTA 

 General Info can be found here