The Government is proposing a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s driver’s licensing system — one which could make it more accessible, efficient and affordable to obtain a full driver’s licence – while introducing new safety features for those on their learner’s or restricted.
If you’re learning to drive, on your restricted licence, or just curious about the potential changes, here’s a breakdown of what is being proposed and how you can have your say.
What’s being proposed?
One of the biggest changes proposed by the Government is the removal of the full licence test.
Currently, restricted drivers need to pass a practical test in order to graduate to their full licence – having also passed a test to move to a restricted licence from a learner’s.
Under the new system, they wouldn’t have to sit a test when moving from restricted to full. Instead, they would be eligible to move up to a full licence after holding their restricted for 18 months or 12 months if an advanced driving course in completed — provided they keep a clean driving record.
A reduction to the demerit threshold for drivers on their learner’s and restricted has also been floated as part of the proposal.
Under the status quo, reaching 100 demerit points within two years means you can wave goodbye to your licence for a period of time.
This threshold would be halved to 50 demerit points while drivers are on their learner’s and restricted.
The Government’s proposing having only one practical test to get a full licence. (Source: 1News)
Right now, New Zealand has a zero-alcohol limit for drivers under 20. But that changes once you hit 20, even if you’re still on your learner or restricted licence.
The new proposal would extend the zero-alcohol limit to all drivers on their learner’s or restricted, no matter their age.
Advanced driving courses can help to reduce the amount of time a driver spends on their restricted licence. However, the quality and effectiveness of these courses can often vary.
The changes include new powers for the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider whether course providers are suitable and suspend or revoke providers if necessary.
Right now, you need to pass a vision test each time you apply for or renew a licence. That means a lot of repeat testing — even if your eyesight hasn’t changed.
The proposed system would simplify this by requiring vision tests only when you apply for your first licence, and when you renew your licence for the first time after turning 45.
Drivers aged 75 and over would still need to meet the current requirements, including more frequent checks as would those with heavy vehicle licences.
NZTA will also look at bringing in a hazard perception test at the end of the learner stage.
Why are these changes being proposed?
Transport Minister Chris Bishop told 1News the Government wanted to make it “easier and more efficient” for people to go through the driver licensing system.
“We know there are around a million New Zealanders who don’t have a driver’s licence and about half of those people don’t have their full driver’s licence,” he said.
“They’re actually quite confident and competent drivers. It’s just the process of getting your full licence and sitting that second practical test.”
Removing cost barriers was a key reason for the proposed removal of the full licence test, he said.
“We know that it’s costly for people to go through the system, and also incredibly stressful and anxiety inducing for people sitting there that second test, and so the aim is to remove that from the system.”
Dropping the requirement for a full licence test would cut its near-$100 fee, bringing the cost to get a full licence down from $362.50 to $263.70.
Bishop said New Zealand was an international outlier in requiring a second practical test for people to gain their full licence.
“Australia, many other countries have a some have a system similar to the one that we are proposing, So I think this brings New Zealand into line with other countries, but also brings the reality into line with what’s actually happening out there.”
He believed the Government had struck the right balance between efficiency and road safety but welcomed feedback.
“I’m sure there will be a range of people out there, including the AA and other people who have a range of different views around how we implement this.”
How can I have my say on the proposal?
The Government began public consultation on these proposed changes today which will run through until June 9.
You can take part in the consultation by visiting the Ministry of Transport website.
